In a landmark moment of cultural reconnection and national pride, Returning Home, an art exhibition and programme, takes centre stage at Harbourside South in line with the celebration of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

Steamships, in collaboration with Pacific Palms Property, is proud to bring home five Papua New Guinean artists, showcasing their work in-country for the first time and paying tribute to heritage, resilience, identity, and culture. The exhibition and week-long creative programme, which offers workshops, talks, and networking opportunities, features the work of Grace Hasu Dlabik, Yuriyal Bridgeman, Lesley Wengembo, Jeremiah Neundorf, and Serge Ah-Wong.

“Our connection to culture is something we deeply value. At Steamships, we often say that we don’t just do business in PNG — it’s our home. That belief is at the heart of everything we do. Supporting local communities, talent, and creativity is a core part of our commitment to Papua New Guinea. That’s why it was only fitting for us to partner with these incredibly gifted Papua New Guinean artists, to celebrate and elevate their work, and to share their creativity with the wider community we proudly call home,” said Ruth Kissam, Corporate Affairs General Manager at Steamships.

This initiative promises to leave a lasting legacy across cultural, community, and economic dimensions — from revitalising creative energy to fostering cultural pride, and inspiring both emerging and established members of the art community.

“Returning Home has been a pivotal moment for us as artists — a chance to share our art, experiences, and skills with the wider creative community. The overwhelming response has been deeply humbling, affirming the power of creativity not only to connect and inspire, but also to actively contribute to nation-building, shaping identity, strengthening pride, and envisioning the future we wish to create together, using art as a critical conduit,” said Grace Hasu Dlabik, artist and director of BE. ONE CREATIVE.

As Papua New Guinea stands at a moment of national reflection and pride, Returning Home affirms the power of art to connect, heal, and celebrate. This unprecedented exhibition is a beacon for cultural continuity, artistic evolution, and shared identity, inviting all to witness, participate, and be moved.

The Returning Home exhibition will be open to the public from 10 to 22 September at Harbourside South, Port Moresby. Admission is free.

Steamships Ltd., on behalf of John Swire & Sons (JS&S), officially handed over a new classroom building to Yanga Elementary School in Lae on 22 August 2025. The second classroom was presented to the School Board during a ceremony attended by students, parents, teachers and community members.

The milestone marks continued investment in rural education infrastructure, made possible through the Swire Philanthropic Fund (SPF). JS&S, a privately held UK-based company, has longstanding ties to Papua New Guinea through Swire Shipping, which operates nationwide, and as a major shareholder in Steamships for more than 50 years. The SPF supports education projects across the country and is administered locally by Steamships.

Steamships Managing Director Chris Daniells underscored the importance of investing in communities that underpin the company’s success.

“At Steamships, we recognise that sustainable progress begins with education. Our people are our greatest asset, and many of them come from communities like Yanga. Supporting local schools not only helps build a pipeline of future talent but also strengthens communities that have helped our business thrive,” Daniells said.

Yanga Elementary School was chosen for investment because many employees from Steamships’ operating companies — Consort Express Lines and Joint Venture Port Services — come from the Yanga, Sipaia and Wanang communities. The project responds directly to community-identified needs and reflects Steamships’ approach to inclusive, locally driven development.

The new classroom, valued at approximately PGK200,000, is a prefabricated steel building equipped with student and teacher furniture, blackboards, pinboards and other facilities. It is the second classroom delivered to the school under a two-year partnership aligned with the School’s Learning Improvement Plan (SLIP). Since 2024, PGK400,000 has been invested in the school.

The initiative supports key goals of Papua New Guinea’s National Education Plan 2021–2029 and Medium-Term Development Plan IV, reinforcing the government’s priorities for educational infrastructure and improved learning environments.

As the classrooms open their doors, Steamships and Swire encouraged the school community to take pride in the facilities and ensure they benefit generations of learners to come.

New Porgera Limited (NPL) has announced the launch of the NPL Youth Community Development Committee (Youth CDC), an advisory body tasked with proposing and evaluating youth-related community development projects for NPL funding.

The inaugural Youth CDC comprises a male and a female youth representative aged 18 to 24 from each of the four Local Level Governments (Porgera Urban, Porgera Rural, Paiela Hewa and Maip Mulitaka) in the Porgera-Paiela District, along with two youth living with disabilities.

Ten members were officially sworn in on 26 September, witnessed by their respective LLG representatives, NPL management and members of the community.

Addressing the occasion, NPL General Manager James McTiernan encouraged members to be good leaders and agents of change for the growing youth population in the Porgera-Paiela District.

“Today is an important occasion, as we witness the establishment of the first NPL CDC. Although this Committee is launched in partnership with NPL, its direction will be shaped by you – the youth," McTiernan said.

The Youth CDC is designed not only as a committee but as a platform – a new beginning for the region’s young people to be heard, to participate and to help shape a future that works for them.

The Committee’s work will be guided by the values of faith, inclusivity, kindness, growth, transparency and honesty – principles seen as vital to bringing positive change to the Porgera-Paiela District. Its initiatives will support priorities such as access to education and skills training, small business opportunities, sports and the arts, as well as providing safe spaces for young people to gather and express themselves.

“We commend the inaugural members of the Youth CDC, and we look forward to working closely with them to bring positive development for Porgera-Paiela District,” McTiernan said.

NPL also acknowledged the efforts of its Corporate Social Responsibility team, which worked with stakeholders to establish the Committee. The company said it would continue to provide guidance as part of its community partnerships.

“Together, we will continue bringing positive development through Porgera’s community partnerships," McTiernan said.

Theodist Limited, a leading Papua New Guinean business, has partnered with Kairuku MP and Minister for Energy Peter Isoaimo to provide essential school furniture to St Michael’s Bakoiudu Primary School in Kairuku District, Kuni LLG.

The donation, comprising 15 desks and 15 chairs, was presented during the official opening of the school’s new 3-in-1 classroom in the Kuni Local Level Government area of Kairuku.

The partnership reflects a growing trend of public–private collaboration aimed at improving educational facilities and outcomes across Papua New Guinea.

Theodist’s contribution is part of its long-standing commitment to the education sector, a mission it has upheld for more than 50 years.

“Our commitment extends to every part of the education sector because we believe every student deserves a safe and well-equipped space to learn,” Theodist said in a statement.

This philosophy, the company added, “drives our efforts to provide classroom furniture, supplies, and tailored support programmes to schools nationwide.”

Theodist’s involvement, it stressed, aims to send a powerful message to students: they matter, and their future matters.

The company reaffirmed its commitment to working alongside government officials, educators, and local communities to ensure schools, regardless of their location, are well resourced to educate and inspire future generations.

From Insurance to Real Estate – making new roads into the future

Established in 1977 and now nearing five decades, Kwila has long been a trusted name in Papua New Guinea. The company began as an insurer, serving both corporate and individual clients, and its brand has remained strong across PNG’s diverse communities.

Kwila entered the real estate sector in the late 1980s and, in 2019, made a strategic decision to exit insurance and focus entirely on property. Its presence in the market grew quietly until recently, when the company took direct control of its own portfolio.

From 1 August 2025, Kwila Corporation Limited will manage 129 residential apartments in Port Moresby, firmly establishing itself as a key player in the city’s competitive property market.

As Papua New Guinea celebrates 50 years of Independence, Kwila has launched a dedicated Property Management Team and officially opened the Kwila Corporation Residence Office within the Kwila Kermadec Apartment compound, Section 24, Lot 15, Kermadec Street, Granville.

Kwila offers a portfolio of intimate, modern, and secure properties, delivering high-quality living spaces with refined service at every touchpoint in some of Port Moresby’s most sought-after locations.

Catering to both corporate and private tenants — expatriates, professionals, and families alike — each property blends comfort, convenience, and breathtaking views of the city, sea, and harbour.

With Kwila’s repositioning as a hands-on property management company, it delivers more than just homes: it offers the assurance of a respected home-grown brand, private communities of like-minded residents, and long-term value.

“Our shift from insurance to real estate is a natural progression. At Kwila, we’ve always cared about people’s peace of mind — now we extend that same care into the homes and communities we build and manage," Acting General Manager Sara Hillman said.

“Kwila’s highest priority is providing secure homes and communities, which is one of the most decisive factors shaping the quality of life in PNG," she added.

The company’s mission is clear:

• To create residential communities that combine comfort, convenience, and security.
• To provide stylish living spaces that embrace the country’s tropical lifestyle.
• To deliver professional management and seamless service to all its residents.

When Papua New Guinea celebrates 50 years of independence this September, one business stands out for having journeyed with the nation long before 1975: Remington Group.

Established in 1948, Remington began as the country’s typewriter supplier, introducing modern office equipment to government, schools and businesses. Those machines helped lay the foundation for administration and communication in a young nation finding its feet.

Over the decades, as PNG transformed, so did Remington. The Group evolved from typewriters to photocopiers, printers and ultimately into today’s full-service technology organisation.

With a national footprint stretching from Port Moresby to Lae, Goroka, Mt Hagen, Kimbe, Kokopo, Wewak and Kavieng, Remington has become a trusted partner for thousands of businesses.

The company is the exclusive authorised Konica Minolta dealer in PNG and has been recognised regionally, winning the 2024 Konica Minolta Dealer of the Year award across the Australia-Pacific region.

But the Group’s impact goes far beyond hardware.

Through its divisions—Remington Technology, FX Business Centre (the only authorised Fujifilm dealer in the country), BizPrint, OFC Tech Solutions and Remington Digital Solutions—it delivers everything from managed print services and IT infrastructure to document digitisation, cloud storage and workflow automation. Its mission is clear: help organisations work smarter, faster and more securely in a rapidly digitising world.

Looking ahead, Remington is preparing to launch Remington Hi-Tek, a bold retail venture that will bring electronics and technology directly to customers through modern stores in Lae and Port Moresby, and an online shop serving the entire nation.

Together with Remington Digital Solutions, the Group is positioning itself as a leader in PNG’s digital transformation, empowering businesses, government and communities to embrace the next era of innovation.

From typewriters to the cloud, Remington Group’s story mirrors Papua New Guinea’s own journey: resilient, adaptive and forward-looking. As the nation marks its Golden Jubilee, Remington remains firmly committed to shaping the next 50 years of progress.

Everyone knows that to be truly independent, you need your own home. But for many, there is the question of whether to buy or build, while for others, housing affordability is a challenge. The answer to both is NiuHomes from PNG Forest Products.

With over 30 models to choose from, NiuHomes are PNG’s first choice for quality, affordable kit homes, available in a range of styles to suit every budget and lifestyle. NiuHomes come with a wide range of quality inclusions, right down to the kitchen sink.

Models in the Residential Range have everything you need to achieve independence as a homeowner, including electrical wiring and fittings, a solar hot water system, a full plumbing kit including toilet and shower, ceramic tiles, a joinery kit, ceiling fans, and even interior and exterior paint—all included in the price of the kit home.

Then there is their exceptional quality and durability. NiuHomes are the only kit homes in PNG engineered to PNG and Australian building codes that are preservative pressure treated to fully protect against termites and rot, ensuring your investment will last for years to come.

Have you thought about where your money goes when you buy a house? Some manufacturers import their steel and other materials, sending much of your money overseas.

NiuHomes are made from PNG timber, sourced from pine plantations managed by the PNG Forest Authority, putting money back into the PNG economy. NiuHomes are not just PNG Made—they are PNG Grown.

Find your independence in a NiuHome and celebrate the fact that you are supporting your country. After all, isn’t that what Independence Day is all about?

Over the past year, PNG Ports Corporation Ltd (PNG Ports) has taken a significant step forward in shaping its leadership for the future. It appointed four exceptional professionals to senior roles, in line with its most ambitious infrastructure programme since the relocation of Port Moresby’s terminals to Motukea and the expansion of Lae Port.

The appointments reflect a deliberate strategy pursued by the State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) over the past decade – to build and nurture leadership talent from within while also recruiting outstanding expertise from outside the organisation.

The newly appointed senior leaders include Chief Operations Officer (COO) Felix Bauri, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Deborah Onga, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Dorothy Kore, and Senior Civil Engineer – Major Projects Denmark Gimiseve, who also heads the Joint Implementation Unit (JIU) overseeing the A$621.4 million Australian Government investment in the national port upgrade programme.

Chair Harvey Nii emphasises that “these appointments are more than simply staffing changes. They reflect a long-term strategy to cultivate a new generation of leadership talent that will carry the organisation forward for the next 50 years.”

Building Leaders from Within

COO Felix Bauri is a standout example of PNG Ports’ ability to develop its own people. Beginning his career two decades ago through the Graduate Trainee Program, Bauri has worked his way through a diverse range of roles across the port network, from Wharf Superintendent to Regional Business Manager.

After serving multiple acting stints in senior roles, he was formally appointed COO in 2024. Nii describes Bauri’s corporate knowledge as “second to none” and notes his operational expertise is vital to PNG Ports’ performance across its 15 port operations.

Bringing in Fresh Perspectives

In contrast, CCO Deborah Onga joined PNG Ports in April 2025. A commercial lawyer with extensive experience in large-scale property development, she is leading efforts to advance the 400-hectare Lae Industrial Park adjacent to Lae Port and to secure its Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status.

She is also tasked with unlocking the commercial potential of all ports in PNG Ports’ network, including the 12 Community Service Obligation (CSO) ports currently funded by the SOE.

Bringing with her property experience as well as more than a decade of aviation industry expertise, PNG Ports’ Chief Financial Officer, Dorothy Kore, joined the SOE in August 2024. Complementing her strong accounting background with an MBA in International Business, Kore also brings highly regarded strengths in project and change management. These capabilities underpin her leadership of core responsibilities spanning financial management and reporting, treasury accounting, and corporate strategy. They are proving particularly valuable in navigating the financial dimensions of the AIFFP-funded port upgrade programme—most notably the complex tax components.

Alongside this, she is driving the modernisation and upgrade of the accounting system and port operations system.

Senior Civil Engineer – Major Projects, Denmark Gimiseve, who joined the SOE in late 2023, brings 15 years of engineering expertise across high-profile projects such as APEC Haus, Angau Memorial Hospital, and the National Football Stadium.

Highly regarded for his technical skills and project management capability, Gimiseve has been “instrumental” in progressing PNG Ports’ nationwide programme of port upgrades since becoming head of the JIU in March this year.

Developing the Talent Pipeline

Today, Bauri, Onga, Kore, and Gimiseve are part of a 12-strong senior leadership team that combines long-serving employees with fresh external talent.

Human Capital Manager Rex Kini notes that “PNG Ports’ dual strategy of developing its own people while recruiting top professionals from outside the organisation has proven highly effective.”

Central to this has been the Graduate Trainee Program, which has trained 60 graduates since inception – 90 per cent of whom secured full-time positions, with most staying at least five years.

Four other senior managers are alumni of the programme. Beyond this, PNG Ports invests heavily in leadership programmes for high-potential staff, including rotational placements, stretch assignments, strategic projects, acting appointments, and external study support.

Strong Results, Strong Future

This strategy is paying off. In the past decade, PNG Ports has strengthened its operational efficiency and global standing, with Lae and Port Moresby climbing the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index. At the same time, profitability has been consistent, allowing substantial dividends to be returned to the State.

The company’s leadership evolution underscores its broader ambition of being led by an exciting new generation of talented professionals – people who combine deep corporate knowledge with fresh perspectives – ensuring PNG Ports continues to deliver value to the nation.

Nambawan Super Limited (NSL) proudly congratulates the Government and people of Papua New Guinea on 50 years of Independence. This Golden Jubilee is a milestone in the nation’s shared journey of growth, resilience and development.

For more than five decades, hardworking Papua New Guineans — the Members of Nambawan Super — have been the backbone of the country’s progress. Through their service in classrooms, hospitals, public offices, security services and across the private sector, they have helped lay the foundation for a stronger and growing nation. NSL said it was honoured to have stood alongside them, safeguarding their retirement savings while investing in projects that create jobs, build infrastructure and contribute to economic growth.

Over the years, Members’ contributions have been transformed into investments that support Papua New Guinea’s development. Landmark projects such as Revenue Haus, Treasury Haus, Vulupindi Haus, Nambawan Super Plaza in downtown Port Moresby, the Rangeview Precinct in Waigani, the newly opened Moki Business Park, Morobe Haus and NSL Haus in Lae have created thousands of jobs, supported local businesses and delivered world-class commercial spaces for the country’s growing cities. NSL said these investments were more than buildings and figures, representing livelihoods, opportunities and a stronger economy for all Papua New Guineans.

As part of its Independence message, NSL stressed that Members’ dedication must also be recognised and rewarded. This includes the timely settlement of unfunded State share contributions owed to Members and the clearance of outstanding State rental obligations. The Fund said meeting these commitments would not only honour Members’ service but also reinforce the Government’s partnership with NSL as its biggest employer group, strengthening the Fund’s ability to secure Members’ future.

“Nambawan Super is here for the long term,” NSL said. “We will continue to operate with the highest ethical standards and integrity, protecting our Members’ interests first and foremost. In the face of challenges, we will remain resilient and steadfast, staying the course for our Members. Together with the State, we will keep building a more hopeful, prosperous and better future for Papua New Guinea and its people.”

Happy 50th Independence Anniversary, Papua New Guinea!

A local project services company is partnering with a leading Australian manufacturer to introduce innovative dome shelter solutions across Papua New Guinea.

PNG CR Services Company announced its strategic collaboration with Container Domes Australia, a move that promises to deliver durable, cost-effective infrastructure tailored to the country’s varied environments and sectoral needs. The partnership merges PNG CR’s on-the-ground project delivery expertise with Container Domes Australia’s reputation for quality, innovation, and robust engineering in dome shelter systems.

"This partnership is about more than just supplying infrastructure—it’s about providing solutions that meet the needs of Papua New Guinea’s industries and communities," said Allen Tyson, managing director of PNG CR Services Company.

"By combining international expertise with local presence, we are ensuring that our clients receive quality products backed by reliable, on-the-ground service," Tyson added.

The two companies said the partnership will focus on serving key sectors such as mining, construction, agriculture, and logistics, with plans to expand into areas like rural development, education infrastructure, and disaster relief.

Prior to the partnership, Container Domes Australia supplied and installed four 18-metre-wide cyclone-rated domes at Port Moresby Wharf, demonstrating the suitability of their shelters for PNG’s challenging conditions.

Paul Whitla, director of Container Domes Australia, said the collaboration aligns with the company’s broader vision of making its products more accessible in emerging markets.

"Container Domes Australia is excited to work alongside PNG CR Services to expand our reach into Papua New Guinea," Whitla said.

"With PNG CR’s deep market knowledge and service capability, customers can be confident that our domes will not only be delivered to international standards but also supported locally through installation, maintenance, and warranty services," he added.

The companies said they are committed to enhancing local capacity by providing training, employment, and ongoing support—an approach that could generate broader economic benefits beyond the construction and industrial sectors.

The collaboration is a distribution agreement that grants PNG CR Services exclusive rights to represent and supply Container Domes Australia products throughout Papua New Guinea. The domes will continue to be manufactured in Australia and imported into PNG, ensuring consistent quality and compliance with international engineering standards.

Emphasis on long-term presence

Central to the partnership is the establishment of a strong local presence to ensure proper installation and reliable after-sales service.

According to PNG CR, the dome structures offer a scalable and flexible alternative to conventional buildings, allowing faster and more efficient project delivery—particularly in remote or resource-constrained locations.

The premium quality shelters are engineered to withstand some of the harshest conditions, making them ideal for Papua New Guinea’s challenging environments.

Manufactured in Australia to meet the country’s highest engineering standards, each structure is cyclone-rated and built with a galvanized RHS steel framework and a heavy-duty polyethylene (P.E.) fabric cover designed for high UV resistance.

The shelters come with a 10-year structural warranty and a 20-year UV warranty, offering long-term durability and reliable performance across industrial, remote, and coastal applications.

Beyond industrial use, both companies expressed interest in deploying the dome technology for humanitarian and community applications. This includes temporary classrooms, mobile clinics, and emergency shelters—particularly relevant in PNG’s disaster-prone regions.

The collaboration, they said, is designed to create "long-term value for clients while contributing to Papua New Guinea’s industrial and community growth." 

As Papua New Guinea marks 50 years of independence, Zenex Drilling is celebrating the national milestone with a step that blends technical innovation with local ambition: the arrival of the LRS275 Duo Sonic Drill Rig from Dutch manufacturer Eijkelkamp. For Zenex, this is more than a fleet upgrade — it’s a statement about where PNG’s homegrown drilling capability is heading next.

“The LRS275 Duo is a real investment in PNG’s future capacity, not just a headline,” said Emmanuel Bonte, General Manager of Zenex Drilling. A first of its kind in the region, the LRS275 Duo brings a leap forward in capability, versatility, and reliability. Its high-performance sonic head delivers superior core sample quality in complex geology, including stockpiles, tailings, and unconsolidated formations where conventional methods struggle. Sonic vibration reduces friction, improving penetration while preserving sample integrity.

True to its name, the Duo is engineered for flexibility. The integrated dual-head system enables seamless changeover to diamond coring, allowing crews to shift methods without demobilising or bringing in a secondary rig. That translates to fewer mobilisations, a smaller footprint, and tighter project schedules — benefits that matter in PNG’s rugged conditions and on international programmes with demanding timelines.

“One rig, two disciplines, no compromise,” says Bonte. “It’s the kind of adaptability our clients increasingly expect.”

Under the hood, the LRS275 Duo is as digital as it is mechanical. A state-of-the-art remote maintenance platform streams live telemetry to Zenex’s maintenance team, enabling data-driven diagnostics, predictive component changes, and faster fault resolution. Real-time operational data supports better planning, fewer interruptions, and more consistent utilisation.

“Downtime is the silent cost in any drilling campaign,” Bonte notes. “With live data and remote support, we can prevent problems before they appear on site.”

As with every major asset, Zenex is pairing the investment with a people-first rollout. Site-based training will ensure operators and offsiders gain confidence on the new platform, while select maintenance specialists will travel to the Netherlands for factory training with Eijkelkamp’s engineering team. The focus is on long-term capability and knowledge transfer, not just commissioning.

“We don’t just buy technology, we internalise it,” Bonte says. “By sending our people to the source, we bring world-class expertise back to PNG.”

That approach aligns with Zenex’s broader workforce philosophy: build locally, grow from within, and create meaningful progression pathways. The company’s “Way We Work” programme — an open coaching model that blends safety, leadership, and technical proficiency — is being extended to incorporate sonic-specific modules and data-driven maintenance practices.

The deployment of the new sonic rig will help geologists make faster, higher-confidence decisions. Combined with Zenex’s expanding logistics capability and disciplined maintenance systems, the new rig strengthens the company’s position as a partner for complex exploration across PNG and abroad.

Strategically, the investment signals how Zenex intends to scale: sustainably and selectively. Rather than chasing volume, the focus remains on capability — integrated services, reliable delivery, and a safety record that clients can trust.

“We’re not trying to be everywhere,” says Bonte. “We’re choosing the right work, with the right partners, where our technology and our people can create outsized value.”

As the nation celebrates half a century of independence, Zenex’s move captures a broader story about PNG’s technical maturity and international relevance. Advanced equipment, rigorous systems, and local leadership are no longer aspirations — they’re daily practice.

“Innovation is not a destination for us,” Bonte reflects. “It’s a discipline. When we invest in people and the right tools, we lift the standard for our whole industry.”

With the LRS275 Duo joining the fleet, Zenex Drilling is marking the country’s golden jubilee with a clear view of the next 50 years — where independence is measured not only in history, but in the confidence to lead.

Nambawan Super Ltd (NSL) has announced the relocation of its Madang branch to the ground floor of the Fenske Aben Building along Modilon Road.

The branch is now open for business, offering members and employers more space, modern facilities and a comfortable environment.

NSL Chief Executive Officer Paul Sayer said the move formed part of the company’s wider Branch Relocation and Expansion Project, which aims to bring services closer to members while improving the quality of facilities and customer experience.

“This relocation is part of NSL’s larger project that aims to bring services closer to members’ doorsteps while also improving the quality of services and facilities provided,” Sayer said.

“All our new and relocated branches have been upgraded to enhance members’ experience and ensure our staff have everything they need to deliver the same high-quality services.

“Through this exercise, we want to ensure that we can provide a standard welcoming look and feel across all our 22 branches nationwide so that our members receive the same level of service wherever they are.”

While the Madang branch is already serving members, the official opening ceremony will be held in September as part of NSL’s celebrations for Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

NSL is Papua New Guinea’s largest superannuation fund, with more than 230,000 members and over K9 billion in funds under management. The fund provides retirement savings and financial services to employees across the public and private sectors, and has a nationwide branch network aimed at improving accessibility for members in urban and regional centres.

For more than a century, the Steamships Group of businesses has underpinned Papua New Guinea’s maritime and logistics sector. Today, its Logistics Division is one of the country’s most complete logistics services providers – spanning sea, land and portside solutions – geared to support the oil, gas and resources sectors.

Nick Fisher, CEO of Steamships Logistics, highlights the company’s advantage: “Our century-long presence in Papua New Guinea means we understand the terrain, the waterways, and the challenges of moving critical cargo across the country better than anyone.”

Shipping & Towage

Steamships Logistics operates a comprehensive coastal and project shipping network through its business, Consort Express Lines. Another of its businesses, Pacific Towing – a full member of the International Salvage Union (ISU) and International Spill Control Organization (ISCO) – provides complementary harbour towage, emergency response (e.g., salvage, oil spill response), commercial diving, and marine support. Critically, Steamships Logistics can tranship international cargo to remote areas of PNG – from river landings to remote coastal communities – so equipment and supplies reach projects on time.

Alistair Skingley, GM of Consort Express Lines, explains: “We connect international cargoes to even the most remote inland and coastal destinations, while linking export communities through one accountable logistics chain for oil, gas, and resources clients.”

These capabilities have supported LNG-linked supply chains and contractors serving the country’s first major LNG project (i.e., PNG LNG), and they are configured to support the upcoming execution of its second (i.e., Papua LNG), as well as offshore developments like Pasca A.

Land Freight, Cartage & Heavy Equipment Hire

Beyond the shoreline, Steamships Logistics’ ISO-accredited land operations – East West Transport and JV Port Services – combine to provide last-mile delivery. The division has a versatile and modern fleet of vehicles as well as a diverse array of mobile plant and heavy equipment for hire (e.g., cranes, reach stackers, forklifts, prime movers, side loaders). It also manages bulk fuel logistics for aviation and marine customers, supporting continuous operations at energy sites. This integrated land capability is ready to scale for Papua LNG construction logistics and to safely mobilise oversized and hazardous cargo to site.

Project Staging

Steamships Logistics is located at multiple sites throughout PNG – including within and alongside the Portside Business Park development.  The park is an emerging logistics precinct adjacent to Port Moresby’s international and domestic wharves. It provides expansive depot and laydown areas – a midstream node for staging, storage, assembly and dispatch of mining and petroleum equipment. The park streamlines import handoffs, integrates customs brokerage and heavy-lift handling, and links with Steamships’ coastal shipping, river routes and cartage for onward movement – including transhipment to remote sites. A staged development, Portside Business Park is purpose built to support Papua LNG, the expansion of PNG LNG, and future major resource developments, including offshore projects.

Joint Ventures for Long-Term Partnerships

Steamships has long partnered with local landowner groups in numerous joint venture (JV) partnerships around the country. This JV model is central to how its Logistics Division builds durable, community-aligned logistics solutions. JVs operate across key ports and deliver employment, skills transfer and earnings that flow back into host communities. Notably, Gulf Maritime Services and Hebamo Transport were both formed to provide marine and land logistics support for projects including Papua LNG – a demonstration of Steamships’ commitment to partnership, local content and long-term capacity building that the oil and gas sector values.

Boilerplate

Steamships Logistics, a division of the Steamships Group, is one of Papua New Guinea’s largest full-service logistics providers. With over 2,000 employees – 98% Papua New Guinean nationals – it delivers integrated shipping, transport, and project solutions nationwide. A proud PNG company, Steamships Logistics plays a vital role in driving the nation’s development and connecting PNG to the Pacific and beyond.  To learn more about Steamships Logistics: www.steamships.com.pg.

Swire and Steamships have reaffirmed their commitment to community development and education in Papua New Guinea with the official opening of a third double-classroom building at Vula’a Rivilina Elementary School in Hula Village, Central Province.

The initiative marks a significant milestone under the Swire Philanthropic Fund, implemented by Steamships Trading Co. as part of a phased programme to improve educational infrastructure in rural areas.

At the opening ceremony, Ruth Kissam, general manager of corporate affairs at Steamships, delivered the keynote address.

“By investing in education, we invest in the potential of future generations,” Kissam said. “This school represents more than just a building; it is a symbol of our shared belief in the power of education to empower individuals and transform communities.”

The classroom project aligns with key national frameworks, including the National Education Plan 2021–2029 and the Medium-Term Development Plan 4 (MTDP 4). It reflects the government’s focus on improving access to quality education through enhanced infrastructure, sanitation and hygiene standards to create a more conducive learning environment.

The third phase of the initiative cost approximately PGK215,000 (US$55,900). The investment covers a fully furnished double-classroom kit, which includes a dedicated teacher’s office, seating and desks for students and staff, blackboards, pinboards, and associated logistics and construction costs.

Steamships’ connection with the Hula community began through recreational visits by staff for kite surfing. These visits led to discussions around local educational needs, culminating in a formal collaboration with Swire in 2023 to support school redevelopment.

To date, the companies have jointly funded the construction of three double-classroom buildings, bringing their total investment in Vula’a Rivilina Elementary School to PGK645,000 (US$167,700).

“On behalf of Swire and Steamships, we formally open and present the classroom to the school community and thank everyone who contributed to the success of this project, which will uplift and inspire future generations who will contribute positively to our nation,” Kissam said. “We are proud to play a role in helping provide children in Hula Village with a safe, conducive learning environment.”

The partnership reflects Swire’s and Steamships’ broader strategy to support education, health and sustainable development throughout Papua New Guinea.

As Papua New Guinea celebrates its 50th year of independence, the milestone underscores the urgent need for continued investment in infrastructure, institutions and human resources to secure the nation’s future. For provincial education projects, this progress must be paired with a firm commitment to safety, security, skilled personnel and sustained funding.

One such project is the Gobo School of Excellence in Jimi District, Jiwaka Province. The school has won strong backing from the Teaching Service Commission (TSC), provided the local community ensures the safety of teachers and students. The ambitious initiative, spearheaded by local MP and Minister for Civil Aviation Wake Goi, seeks to deliver elite secondary education for girls in this remote Highlands district, underpinned by significant government funding.

During a recent visit, a high-level TSC delegation met community leaders in Gobo to outline critical steps for teacher service validation and compliance ahead of the school’s planned opening next year.

TSC Commissioner for Operations Maini Ugaia commended Goi’s vision but emphasised the Commission’s key condition for assigning teachers.

“For us to bring this service… I have just one request. The school does not have a fence. If the school starts next year, the lives of the teachers and students must be looked after by you, the people of Gobo," he said.

This assurance of safety, Ugaia explained, is central to the TSC’s validation process. Without it, the school cannot be formally registered and qualified educators cannot be deployed.

Provincial Guidance Officer John Kui added that the institution is designed as a premier secondary school for 200 to 300 of the province’s top-performing female students from 27 feeder high schools, catering specifically to Grades 11 and 12.

“We are looking to get the girls that score the better marks,” Kui said. He noted that the school’s vision requires highly qualified teachers, whose appointments depend on TSC approval.

To meet this standard, Goi outlined a nine-month construction plan that includes new classrooms, five fully serviced teachers’ houses with water supply, solar power and gas stoves, as well as two vehicles — a Land Cruiser and an Isuzu truck — to support school operations. He also pledged personal financial backing to begin operations before national Tuition Fee Free (TFF) funding becomes available.

“We must finish the school good and proper in infrastructure. I’ll make sure we have the best teachers to give the best education to the students," he said.