We are proud to offer a large range of services in Papua New Guinea (PNG) with a number of local locations in key industry hotspots across the country.

With positive growth of the PNG economy since 2021, powered largely by the extractives sector, we have supplied a large number of services to aid major operations throughout the region. This has ranged from our Upstream services, and plant and terminal operations to drilling tool supply and inspection.

Local service, global expertise

The increased demand for the highest level of quality in operations at many leading sites across PNG has seen us offer local service and experience with global expertise and backing. This has meant that we have employed a large number of personnel over the last two years, directly aiding industry growth within the region.

A comprehensive range of services

In Papua New Guinea, we offer an extensive array of services designed to cater to exploration industries. Our surface well testing service evaluates productivity by gathering fluid samples, measuring pressure and temperature, and analyzing data to determine flow rate and other characteristics. Slickline operations involve setting and retrieving downhole tools, measuring wellbore characteristics, conducting interventions like perforating and logging, and supporting coiled tubing and snubbing operations.  We also offer exceptional Technical Staffing Services in PNG, providing skilled professionals to meet your project needs with unrivaled expertise and local knowledge

We ensure quality at every stage of the project lifecycle, from initial exploration to production, safeguarding operational excellence and project success.

Evaluating environmental impact

We also offer well site and PVC sampling services aimed at analyzing water or soil for contaminants that may pose risks to the environment, human health, or nearby communities. This analysis plays a crucial role in evaluating the potential impact of drilling activities on the surrounding environment.

Additionally, our camp services are designed to meet the specific needs of industries operating in remote or challenging environments, including mining, oil and gas, construction, and exploration projects. These services prioritize supporting the operational requirements and well-being of personnel working in these remote sites.

Cutting-edge drilling solutions

One of the key operations in the PNG region is our subsidiary, Redback Drilling Tools, who provides cutting-edge drilling solutions and services to support efficient operations. With expertise in supplying, maintaining, and inspecting high-quality drilling tools, we are a trusted partner for local companies, contributing to the growth of the drilling industry.

This is supported with our full suite of energy solutions such as comprehensive electrical engineering services, including inspections, testing, compliance assessments, risk assessments, power quality analysis, and energy efficiency optimization.

Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and supply chain services

Our Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) techniques ensure quality control and safety in various industries. Additionally, our oil condition monitoring services optimize maintenance and operational efficiency. With our supply chain services, we enhance compliance, product quality, logistics, and supply chain efficiency.

Supporting PNG’s industries across the full operational lifecycle

Our comprehensive solutions are tailored to meet the unique challenges and requirements of the local market. With an extensive range of services we can support the full lifecycle of your operations, whether it's evaluating well productivity, conducting inspections, optimizing energy efficiency, ensuring product quality and safety, or enhancing operational efficiency.

At SGS, we play a vital role in supporting PNG's industries, contributing to their success and growth. Our expertise, reliability, and commitment to regulatory compliance are essential in fostering safe, sustainable, and environmentally responsible business practices.

About SGS

We are SGS – the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognised as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 97,000 employees operate a network of 2,650 offices and laboratories, working together to enable a better, safer and more interconnected world.

Papua New Guinea (PNG), a country known for its diverse natural resources and rich mining industry, has witnessed a significant boost in its drilling operations, over the last few years. Redback, a global leader in drilling tools and equipment, has increased our operations in this region to best service our clientele.

With a commitment to excellence and a focus on delivering cutting-edge solutions, Redback has established a strong presence in PNG, partnering with major mining companies and exploration firms to enhance their drilling capabilities. By providing state-of-the-art drilling tools and a comprehensive suite of services.

As a proud member of the SGS Group, Redback Drilling Tools possesses a unique advantage through our global network. This advantage enables us to deliver not only a comprehensive range of cutting-edge drilling solutions but also facilitates connections to a diverse array of upstream and industry services. Our primary objective is to support your operations throughout the entire lifecycle, ensuring seamless efficiency and success.

One of the key factors that sets Redback apart is our unwavering commitment to quality. We adhere to the highest standards in the design, manufacturing, and delivery of our drilling tools. Redback's product range includes a wide variety of drilling equipment, such as drill bits, reamers, stabilizers, and hammers, among others. These tools are engineered to withstand the most challenging drilling conditions, ensuring optimal performance, durability, and efficiency.

Mining companies and exploration firms in PNG have experienced improved drilling efficiency, reduced operational costs, and enhanced overall performance. Alongside client benefits, we are also creating job opportunities for skilled workers, contributing to the growth and development of the local workforce. By transferring knowledge and expertise, we are committed to upskilling local professionals and promoting the long-term sustainability of the drilling industry in PNG.

We have a key emphasis on research and development in PNG continuously investing in advanced technologies, materials, and manufacturing processes to develop innovative drilling solutions. By staying at the forefront of industry advancements, we can provide tools that deliver superior performance, minimize downtime, and maximize productivity.

Our competitive edge stems from harnessing the vast expertise and global connections of the SGS Group. This enables us to deliver an integrated approach tailored to your specific needs, whether it's cutting-edge drilling solutions, extensive industry services, or steadfast support at every stage. With Redback Drilling Tools, you gain access to a comprehensive suite of services coupled with unmatched industry insights. Count on us as your trusted ally, supporting your business ventures and driving sustainable growth in PNG's energy industry.

With an extensive range of services in PNG, contact us today to find out how we can benefit your operations.

Steamships Limited recently took possession of Motukea North from Curtain Bros Limited. This is a significant milestone for Steamships in its plans to develop the 38-hectare site to the north-west of Motukea Wharf into Portside Business Park.

Steamships Managing Director, Rupert Bray, said “We see the Portside Business Park precinct as the future industrial and commercial hub for Port Moresby. Steamships is proactively working with the respective PNG Government agencies to have Portside Business Park become a Special Economic Zone. This industrial park has the potential to become the catalyst for economic development in both the resource and non-resource sectors.”  Mr. Bray added that “Consistent with the PNG Government’s National Development Goals, Portside Business Park will not only generate economic activity but also promote downstream processing, manufacturing and the export of local goods and services, encourage domestic and international investment, create employment, and develop infrastructure.”

Portside Business Park will be developed and operated by Steamships’ property arm, Pacific Palms Property.  It will be a mixed-use industrial development with three core zones – an Industrial Zone with a wharf and open-yard storage; a Light Industrial Zone with warehouses and flexible warehouse with office mezzanines; and a Commercial Zone for supermarkets, petrol stations, banks and ATMs, primary healthcare, food & beverage outlets, a business hotel, and other businesses that support the locators at Portside Business Park etc. It is anticipated that the total investment to develop the Park to its full potential will exceed PGK 1billion.

With direct access to Motukea International Port and its own deepwater wharf, the project also has key road frontage along the Napa Napa Road, giving tenants access to key trading centres within 20 minutes of the site - including Papa Lealea LNG Site, Puma Energy Refinery, Baruni Industrial Centre, Waigani Business District, Port Moresby Downtown, and Jacksons International Airport.

Steamships’ General Manager Corporate Affairs, Mr. Vele Rupa, believes “the Portside Business Park demonstrates the interconnectivity between key stakeholders including the State, Provincial and local level Government, landowners, and the landowner companies”.

Residents of Manu and it’s surrounds can now treat themselves to an ENZO’s Pizza. The latest addition to PNG’s favourite Pizza outlet is conveniently located at the recently reopened Puma Station on Taurama Road.

ENZO’s Pizza Country Development Manager Sudeep Geethanandan said, “Our vision is to make ENZO’s more accessible to all Papua New Guineans. By opening at outlet at the Puma Service it gives our patrons the added convenience and security.”

The new outlets operate seven days a week and are open from 9am-9pm. The new store brings ENZO’s Pizza offering in Port Moresby to seven stores, and the national coverage for the chain to 11 outlets across Port Moresby, Lae, Hagen, Goroka and Kiunga.

“We are growing at an exponential rate making us the fastest-growing Quick Service Restaurant brand in Papua New Guinea. We are making it more accessible to our pizza-loving customers with the opening of these ENZO’s new outlets,” says Mr. Geethanandan.

Treat yourself, your family, friends, or your team to one of ENZO’s saucy, toppings-loaded, hot, and deliciously cheesy pizzas today, and share your images with us using the hashtag #YumiCelebrate on Enzo’s Facebook page @enzospizza.p.n.g

Photo: Remington Group CEO, Peter Goodwin (L) and POMCCI Consultant Brian Riches (R).

The Remington Group is proud to announce the launch of its ‘Loyal to Local’ campaign with the support of the Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

The core objective of this campaign is to inspire and encourage both business communities and individuals to reconsider their purchasing choices and embrace the power of buying locally. By raising awareness about the vital importance of supporting local enterprises, the campaign aims to increase local business visibility, stimulate the local economy and foster a sense of community pride through supporting local businesses, and most importantly ensure that PNG financial resources stay in PNG.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had an immense negative impact on all businesses, and now with the possibility of a global recession looming, it is more important than ever to support our very own PNG businesses. By consciously choosing to purchase from local businesses, both corporate entities and residents have the power to sustain local businesses and strengthen our national economy.

Expressing his passion for the cause, Remington Group CEO, Peter Goodwin says,” Our goal is to raise awareness around the importance of supporting local business houses. The Remington Group itself, is a 100% PNG-owned Group of businesses, we suffer when PNG based businesses, foreign missions and NGO’s choose to buy equipment and products that we sell, from overseas For further enquiries Contact Esther Gegelagi Email: egegelagi@remington.com.pg or Call: 312 3400 sources. Even worse, then they expect us to service and sustain their purchases for them. We all know how expensive it is to do business here. The high cost and unreliability of utilities, worsening law and order, lack of foreign exchange shortages, bad roads and transport, rising unemployment, inflation…the list goes on and on. We need local businesses to stay loyal to PNG, for the benefit of all concerned.” “When we choose to buy from local businesses, we are supporting our neighbours, creating local jobs, and investing in the future of our community”, he added.

The Remington Group will be partnering with other local businesses to share what we are doing as we strive to support each other during these challenging times. This will feature different activities within our own Group of companies, from promoting other local businesses, discounts on our products and services, and working in partnership on initiatives to influence and support PNG businesses.

The Remington Group encourages businesses and individuals nationwide to seize this opportunity to make a difference by embracing the 'Loyal to Local' campaign and actively supporting each other through their purchasing choices. Together, we have the power to influence each other to benefit our communities, stimulate economic growth, and pave the way for a prosperous future.

Photo: Pacific Towing towed a replacement 250m oil transfer hose from Port Moresby to an offshore export terminal in the Gulf of Papua in February as part of the terminal’s scheduled routine maintenance.  Pacific Towing also towed the replaced transfer hose back to Port Moresby.

Pacific Towing (PacTow) is increasingly performing ocean towages, including outside of Papua New Guinea and broader Melanesia.  Recent months have seen the marine services company perform two towage projects from Northern Australia and another for an oil and gas major in the Gulf of Papua.  PacTow anticipates further growth in ocean towage services as barges and vessels, as well as heavy plant and equipment are sourced internationally for the imminent construction phase of PNG’s next LNG project.

PacTow is a PNG business in its 46th year of operation.  Employing in excess of 200 staff, the company operates out of PNG’s five main ports as well as in Honiara, Solomon Islands.  Although harbour towage represents approximately 70 percent of its business, PacTow also provides a range of niche services to the oil and gas sector and is Melanesia’s leading salvage operator.

General Manager Neil Papenfus reports that PacTow has provided international towage services for at least two decades but that these have increased in frequency over the last five years.  Two significant projects were the 2019 towage of a stranded barge from Micronesia to Indonesia, as well as the 2020 tandem towage of a vessel and barge from American waters in Guam.

Papenfus says that PacTow has increased its capacity to perform long distance ocean tows and that this is “primarily due to the company’s refleeting programme” which it embarked upon in 2020.  The company’s 20-vessel fleet has been modernised and more than half of its tugs are Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) tugs.  Several vessels in PacTow’s fleet are also specialised ‘blue water’ tugs ideally suited to long distance tows, including multi-week projects such as international tows and salvages.

The company’s diverse fleet and experienced crews have the capacity to tow a wide range of vessels and even ‘items’ as evident by its first three ocean tows for 2023.

PacTow delivers excellent, reliable, and safe marine services through PNG and the broader region. A well-maintained fleet, as well as a dedicated and exceptionally trained team underpin the company’s ongoing expansion and success. PacTow is part of a larger sea and land logistics group wholly owned by Steamships Limited.  To learn more about PacTow:  www.pacifictowingmarineservices.com.

The Wan PNG platform has been moving from strength to strength over the last few weeks as it prepares for its official launch soon.

After signing the Memorandum of Understanding between Papua LNG and Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited, the platform has now been presented at a number of events such as the recently organised Port Moresby Chamber of Commerce and Industries breakfast on the 11th of May. The presentation was well received with numerous engaging questions.

Significant interest was expressed by the audience after the event with a number of attendees reviewing the platform after the event and signing up. An additional session was organised at Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (who are the organisation who initiated, sponsored and had the vision to launch the project) which was attended by further local Papua New Guinean employers.

Since then, the FM100 team carried out a live streamed interview that received a number of interested callers discussing how the platform will help the nation. It was explained how the platform will solve a number of challenges around skill shortages and finding jobs.

The Wan PNG team is preparing for an official launch coming up over the next months which will be announced soon. Papua New Guineans will be encouraged to sign up during the official launch and take part in the platform which is aimed at driving prosperity in PNG by:

1. Showcasing Local Talent: First and foremost, Wan PNG’s goal is to showcase the best PNG talent to both local and foreign business through a national candidate database.
2. Kickstarting Careers: Wan PNG is dedicated to the promotion of internship and entry-level positions to school-leavers and other entrants into the workforce.
3. Expanding Diversity: Wan PNG is committed to highlighting women and other under-represented people to employers to build a more diverse, successful workforce.
4. Training and Upskilling: Job Seekers can access expert career advice and courses offered by the community of training partners to develop the skills they need to succeed.
5. Educating and Informing: Job Seekers have instant access to news, resources, and courses offered by the community of educational partners to build the foundation for their future.
6. Supporting Landowners: Wan PNG is dedicated to raising the participation and prospects of landowners across Papua New Guinea, including highlighted Wan PNG profiles.

Beyond allowing employers to find suitable employees, the platform reveals the data on skill gaps identified on the platform, allowing training and education institutions to ensure they offer the right skill development needed by the nation now.

New features are being continually added to help increase the development and sustainable employment of local PNG talent, so everyone can share in newfound resources and growing prosperity.

Photo: The apprentices and OTML Training Centre Staff at the indenture signing

Thirty-seven (37) new apprentices have joined Ok Tedi Mining Limited’s (OTML) Apprenticeship Training Program, bringing the total number of apprentices currently undergoing the program to 73.

The first-year apprentices signed their Indenture Contracts with OTML and the National Apprenticeship Trade Testing Board (NATTB) on May 16th in Tabubil, Western Province.

The 37 apprentices include 19 males and 18 females who are enrolled in various trades including auto electrical, carpentry, cabinet making and joinery, electrical, heavy equipment fitter , maintenance fitting and machining, metal fabrication & welding, plumbing and refrigeration and air-conditioning.

The apprentices will undergo 4 years of apprenticeship training which will include practical placements within the company, extension and block courses either onsite or through various registered institutions in the country that will contribute to the final attainment of their trade certificates.

OTML General Manager People and Capability, Mark Stone welcomed the new apprentices and highlighted the importance of safety, discipline and professional conduct while in training emphasising the OTML values of Safety, Integrity and Teamwork to be used as guiding pillars in their apprenticeship journey.

He said “safety is the most important thing in everything we do. If we can’t do it safely, then we simply can’t do it! We want people to work hard but go home at the end of the day without having done any damage to themselves, others or any equipment.”

NATTB Officer, Lyn Kila, appealed to the new hires to ensure they embrace the opportunity with OTML and do their best to successfully complete the training program.

Ms Kila said, “This is an opportunity that cannot be taken for granted and with the signing of this contract you are bonded by the contract to both NATTB and OTML. Follow the binding contract and the OTML rules and regulations to complete this training. This is a privilege that you need to take advantage of for a good career path in life."

Since 1989, a total of 1,093 apprentices have undergone the OTML Apprenticeship Training Program.

Photo: Students from Tabubil International School with OTML Safety Mascots PITA and SES after a Road Safety Awareness.

Ok Tedi Mining Limited (OTML) staged a week-long awareness campaign in all its operational sites, of Fubilan/Folomian, Tabubil, Kiunga, Bige and Port Moresby focusing on ‘Light Vehicles and Mobile Equipment Safety’ during its National Mine Safety Week from April 30th to May 6th.

According to Manager Safety, Anna Ila, “There has been an increase in trends from Light Vehicles and Mobile Equipment incidents over the past months. The theme is timely as it complements our efforts in addressing the issue.”

OTML started off its National Mine Safety Week with a Fun Run/Walk on Sunday morning, 30th April, which saw over 200 participants from OTML and Business Partner employees.

OTML Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kedi Ilimbit said the theme for this year highlights the need for more awareness with employees and the public.

“The more awareness we do, the better we improve the outcome.”

“We need to prevent and eliminate light vehicle and mobile equipment fatalities and incidents because as human beings we are in control of light vehicles and mobile equipment, it is not the other way around so we should be able to operate these machines safely,” Mr Ilimbit said.

Speaking at the launch of the event on 30th April, OTML General Manager People and Capability, Mark Stone, emphasised the importance of working together with business partners to ensure OTML performs well in terms of safety.

Much of the awareness activities that were rolled out included the safety pre-start activities, school awareness on road safety, games, quizzes and a panel discussion on OTML’S Community Radio Station, Radio Fly that saw active participation from OTML Departments and Business Partner employees.

The Mineral Resources Authority (MRA) sanctioned week is recognised each year by mining companies and projects in PNG.

ExxonMobil has appointed Tera Shandro, currently Senior Opportunity Evaluation Advisor to the ExxonMobil CEO & Management Committee, as its new Chairperson and Managing Director at ExxonMobil PNG Limited.

Shandro takes over from outgoing Chairman and Managing Director, Peter Larden, who will become the Senior Upstream & Low Carbon Solutions Advisor to the Exxon Mobil Corporation CEO & Management Committee in Dallas, Texas.

Since joining ExxonMobil’s Canadian affiliate Imperial Oil in 2003, Shandro has held both global Upstream and Downstream senior roles across engineering, research, operations, business planning

and finance. She brings to PNG significant capital project execution experience in both Canada and the United States.

“Tera is a people-first leader who will bring broad international expertise and perspective to PNG,” said Larden.

“She is uniquely qualified to drive ExxonMobil’s continued growth in Papua New Guinea.”

Appointed to PNG in March 2021, Larden's leadership has resulted in the achievement of multiple major milestones. The PNG LNG Project recorded two of its safest years on record, with the LNG

Plant marking nine consecutive years without a Lost Time Incident.

The Angore Project recommenced and is now on track to begin production in 2024.

In collaboration with the PNG Government, he secured the successful execution of the P’nyang LNG Project Gas Agreement, and progressed Papua LNG Project FEED entry based on an enhanced downstream concept.

“Two years passes quickly, especially when you reflect on all the amazing things that we have collectively achieved,” Larden said.

“Thank you to our stakeholders for your partnership, I am deeply

grateful for this opportunity to have led a world-class project that continues to redefine global benchmarks.

“To my ExxonMobil PNG wanwoks I am honored to have worked with a team that delivers beyond all expectations. Because of you, my family and I depart PNG with fond memories and lifelong friendships.”

Photo from left to right: Luke Liria (KPHL), Richard Kassman (TotalEnergies), Wapu Sonk (KPHL), Jean Marc Noiray (TotalEnergies), Marie-Alix Dognin (Total Energies), Evan Shellshear (UBIDY). Credit: Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited

To increase job opportunities for Papua New Guineans, the country's national petroleum frontrunner Kumul Petroleum Holdings Limited (KPHL) is aiming to reduce the breach for the recruitment of potential national candidates for major resource projects and industrial sectors within the country.

In a recent Memorandum of Understanding signing in Port Moresby with one of PNG's major LNG operators, KPHL welcomed the commitment of TotalEnergies to support the unique nation-building platform WAN PNG.

The MoU was signed on Tuesday the 5th of May by TotalEnergies with a sponsorship of K250,000, making PNGLNG a major sponsor for the launch of the WAN PNG recruitment platform developed by Ubidy, a global recruitment marketplace for employers, jointly with KPHL.

The platform is dedicated to expanding opportunities for local Papua New Guineans and increasing the development and employment of local PNG talent with the newfound opportunities in the country's booming resource and industrial sectors.

In his remarks during the signing, managing director for KPHL Wapu Sonk said they have previously learnt from past instances in the PNG LNG project that job participants within the sector faced significant difficulties when using different recruitment platforms.

This had influenced and prompted the state entity to establish WAN PNG, which is a national career database and career portal.

"What we did was to build from lessons learnt in the PNG LNG project where we have different people processing the different applicants. We wanted to invest in a platform that every Papua New Guinean will register their interest ahead of time for jobs," he said.

"KPHL has identified an opportunity to assist petroleum and other industries’ development and had established the WAN PNG portal. Similar to our support of Kumul Petroleum Academy, (and) plans for a fabrication facility and construction academy, we have a responsibility to play a much bigger role in the industry than just passively holding the State equity in petroleum developments," Mr Sonk said.

The platform is managed by KPHL to increase the sustainable employment of local talent. This commitment by TotalEnergies demonstrates their intention to maximise national content in this LNG project with respect to employment of qualified Papua New Guineans during construction and operation, he added.

"The platform will provide a clear pathway to employment no matter whether one is a student, school leaver, university graduate, employed or unemployed. It will provide access to training, life skills, career advice and employment opportunities," Mr Sonk said.

An official and representative of TotalEnergies expressed during the signing of the MoU that the firm is very glad to contribute to the platform, mostly to the rollout and the expansion of such an important tool for development.

"We understand that this is such an important aspect to bring out competency towards the development of the Papua LNG project," the official said.

KPHL's strategic vision for the future includes investment in initiatives that serve to diversify the economy beyond the extractive industry, in which the establishment of WAN PNG is part of the strategy to build a foundation for broadening employment opportunity across regions and industry sectors throughout the nation.

The development has shown that Kumul Petroleum and its partners recognize their responsibility as a National Oil Company to deliver greater prosperity to the people of Papua New Guinea.

BSP Financial Group Limited (BSP) has appointed Nuni Kulu as the new Group Chief Operating Officer (GCOO) on Wednesday 26th April, 2023, making Ms. Kulu the first Papua New Guinean woman to have this leadership role in its history.

With a career that spans over 25 years in the banking industry, Ms. Kulu entered as a graduate trainee in 1998, before moving into Retail Banking in 2019. Ms. Kulu worked across various roles at BSP and was later appointed to General Manager where she led the first Digital Strategy Business Unit for BSP.

After the recent resignation of Frank van der Poll, Ms. Kulu was appointed as the internal successor to the GCOO role and will now be responsible for the Bank’s operations functions across PNG and the six Pacific Island countries in which BSP operates.

BSP Group CEO Mark Robinson said, “The strategic role of GCOO is critically important for BSP. It requires a leader who fosters relationships based on integrity, is focused on the operational efficiency of the bank and builds internal team capability through process improvement.”

Mr. Robinson added, “Ms. Kulu understands the nuances of working in complex and challenging environments. Her deep knowledge of banking, digital, and her connection to customer and community will support BSP to continue to transform our banking services”.

After her appointment Ms. Kulu announced, “I am privileged to be in a position to help shape the operations of the largest bank across the Pacific and I am committed to making banking easier for our customers. I am honoured to assume the Chief Operating Officer position within the Group and I hope to inspire and mentor others to take on similar leadership roles.”

BSP Board Chairman, Robert Bradshaw remarked; “the BSP Board is delighted to see the investment BSP has made to promote the next generation of Papua New Guinean women as executive leaders, reflected in Ms. Kulu’s appointment to this senior role”.

Ms. Kulu hails from Manus and holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the Australian National University.

BSP is proud to support women in leadership through meritocracy and BSP invests in the development of both male and female leaders and encourages Papua New Guineans to excel in their areas of expertise.

Photo: Santos Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gallagher. Photo credit: Attila Csaszar

Strong sales revenue and free cash flow

• Sales revenue of US$1.6 billion in the first quarter
• First quarter production of 22.2 mmboe was lower than the prior quarter primarily due to reduced domestic gas volumes in Western Australia supported by extended production from the Bayu-Undan field
• Free cash flow of around US$720 million in the first quarter

Strong balance sheet supportive of shareholder returns and delivering on strategy

• Completed US$466 million of announced US$700 million on-market share buyback at end March
• Barossa project 56 per cent complete – drilling activities remain suspended pending re-submission and approval of the environmental plan. Potential for drilling activities to recommence before the end of the year
• Pikka Phase 1 preparing for drilling activities in the second quarter of 2023
• FEED entry on the integrated Papua LNG project in March 2023, with first production expected end 2027/early 2028
• Dorado Offshore Project Proposal accepted by regulator in February 2023 to support development and we continue to refine an integrated development concept, with a focus on integrating the Pavo discovery and phase 2 via Varanus Island
• The impact of the proposed reforms to the Safeguard Mechanism are yet to be determined, as guidelines are not finalised. We continue to engage with the Government on the proposed changes

Santos Energy Solutions focused on decarbonising the energy supply chain

• Moomba CCS project is 60 per cent complete with first injection expected early 2024
• Construction of the first 0.25 tonnes per day Direct Air Capture unit complete with field trials in the Cooper Basin planned to commence in the first half of 2023
• FEED work scopes complete for the Bayu-Undan CCS project including design of the offshore platform topsides CCS equipment

Santos Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gallagher said Santos delivered another solid quarter of production and cash flow generation with our diversified portfolio demonstrating the strength of our disciplined operating model.

Free cash flow of around US$720 million positions the company well to maintain a strong balance sheet, deliver higher shareholder returns and invest in cash-generative critical fuels projects and decarbonisation.

“Our Santos Energy Solutions business continues to work on building new revenue sources through decarbonisation projects. The Moomba CCS project, which will be one of the biggest in the world, is 60 percent complete and on track for first injection of CO2 next year. We have also established a partnership with Osaka Gas to investigate the feasibility of carbon neutral synthetic e-methane from green hydrogen in the Cooper Basin,” Mr Gallagher said.

“Despite the uncertain external environment Santos continues to perform strongly against the backdrop of regulatory and economic uncertainty. The disciplined operating model we have in place positions us to deliver on our strategy to backfill and sustain our infrastructure, decarbonise and develop future clean fuels.”

Photo: Mr Kedi Illimbit, the new MD/CEO of OTML

The Board of Ok Tedi Mining Ltd (OTML) has appointed Mr Kedi Ilimbit as the Company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer effective 17th April 2023. 

Chairman of the Board, Mr Jeffrey Innes said that Mr Ilimbit was appointed following an international search campaign and a thorough assessment of candidates. 

Mr Ilimbit was originally employed by OTML from 1995 to 2004 starting as a graduate mechanical engineer and working in various roles. He left OTML and worked at various mines in Australia including Blackwater, Peak Downs, Saraji, Prominent Hill, Cannington and Koolyanobbing, in senior and managerial roles. He returned to OTML in 2015 and has worked in Mine Maintenance, Processing, Asset Management and Operations & Community Support and is the current Acting CEO. 

“The Board looks forward to working with Kedi and the Leadership Team to ensure the continuing success of Ok Tedi and the satisfaction of all our stakeholders’ expectations,” Mr Innes said.

Photo: Group photo after the Business Matching meeting in October 2022 between PNG and Indonesia SMEs

Are you an entrepreneur and looking to grow your business to another level? Look no further, as AIDAN Limited is an international consultancy, networking and business development company aiming to empower entrepreneurial professionals and creating International Business Pathways (IBP) for Papua New Guinean businesses.

AIDAN Limited has two IBP presentations scheduled for 19th and 27th April 2023. These presentations are on what the IBP is about, and the why and how of it.

AIDAN Ltd.'s IBP is a homegrown innovative, structured and integrated economic empowerment model and system for SMEs who are hungry for change and are looking specifically to find overseas suppliers and buyers to grow their businesses. The IBP is 80% self-education and 20% other benefits from international exposure structured around three pillars:

• Pillar I - International B2B networking events, trade exposition and factory visits.
• Pillar II - Business matching with suppliers and buyers.
• Pillar III - Supply chains with partner countries, imports, and exports.

"Our IBP tagline is 'Design Locally Applied Globally.' I want to open new business opportunities for Papua New Guineans to experience evolutionary entrepreneurial skills and develop their businesses,” says Marianna Ellingson, Managing Director of AIDAN Ltd.

“I have established partnerships with Indonesian and Filipino SMEs through which other Papua New Guinean businesses can access and establish their own international partnerships. So far, we have had local business matching meetings on the wings of the Trade Expo to Indonesia (Jakarta) since 2019, and the trade mission Philippines (Manila) since 2022. My next target is either Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, or Vietnam,” she adds.

Ms. Ellingson is an Australian Certified business coach with a Bachelor of Arts from UPNG and a Master’s degree holder in Arts specializing in International Affairs from the Ohio University through a Fulbright Scholarship Award.

She also earned a postgraduate Certificate in Strategic Management from Bristol University in the United Kingdom through self-sponsorship while working in London.

Ms. Ellingson has worked as an international and civil servant starting with the Department of Foreign Affairs as a young diplomat in the 1980s, to Deputy Secretary, Department of Planning and Monitoring and briefly as Acting Secretary in 2004, moving on as head of Planning at the Commonwealth Secretariat on London from 2004 to 2010.

After 6 years as Director General for the Office of Tourism, Arts and Culture from 2010 to 2016, she semi-retired and registered her company AIDAN Ltd. in 2013, which began operations in 2018.

AIDAN Ltd is a 100% nationally owned business based in Port Moresby founded by Ellingson, who hails from Kwato Island in the Milne Bay Province. She wanted to follow her passion in creating innovative and successful businesses using her international experience and entrepreneurial skillset.

The name of her company was derived from her maternal grandparents, who were her role models, with the inclusion of the first three letters of their names.

Businesses who wish to register with AIDAN Limited and be able to enjoy the packages for the two partner countries can do so by 31st of March 2023.

To know more about AIDAN Ltd., call 78887088 or 72245976, or message them on these Whatsapp numbers.