By Georgina Michael
THE people of Kikori District, will soon have reliable transport and improved access to essential goods and services thanks to the new MV IBK which was officially launched today.
The new vessel will address long-standing challenges faced by remote communities, connect isolated areas, enable the transport of local produce to markets, and support economic growth across the district.
MV IBK was launched by Prime Minister Hon. James Marape, alongside key Ministers including the Minister for Provincial and Local Level Government Affairs and Member for Kikori, Hon. Soroi Eoe, and other dignitaries. The occasion also marked the official launch of the Kikori District Five-Year Development Plan (2023–2027).
In his address, Minister Soroi Eoe highlighted the significance of the occasion, saying: “This important milestone comes as we prepare to celebrate our country’s 50th Independence anniversary — a time to reflect on our progress and future.”
He explained that the motivation for acquiring the ship stemmed from repeated maritime tragedies in the district, including a recent incident where 15 lives were lost at sea.
“These tragic events — people dying while traveling by dinghy — pushed me to explore safer transportation options. The need for a vessel like this has existed for many years.
“On behalf of the people of Kikori, I acknowledge and thank the Prime Minister for helping us secure funding for this vital ship.”
The vessel was purchased in South Korea and departed for Papua New Guinea on July 9, 2025. Measuring 48 meters in length and 9 meters in width, the vessel can accommodate up to 84 passengers. It features a VIP room, and a chiller for transporting seafood and other perishable goods to market — helping to boost the local economy.
It will be captained by Mr. Walso David, who brings 40 years of experience in maritime operations. Management of the vessel will be carried out through a partnership between the Kikori District Development Authority (DDA) and a private company.
“What we are witnessing today is a result of strong government support,” Minister Eoe said, adding his appreciation to other key government officials who played a role in the ship’s acquisition, including the Minister for Planning, the Department of Treasury, and other contributing ministries.
He emphasized the logistical challenges in delivering services across Kikori’s vast and remote geography.
“Kikori District is large, and reaching our people with basic services is difficult. But today, we celebrate the commissioning of a vessel that can help overcome that barrier.”
Minister Eoe encouraged the people of Kikori to take ownership of the ship:
“This is your ship — it will allow you to travel, transport your goods like crabs and fish to market, and participate more fully in the local economy.”
The launch of the MV IBK aligns with the Kikori District’s Five-Year Development Plan, both of which were officially launched today.
“You can’t run a DDA without a five-year plan — that’s how you set your goals and identify ways to achieve them,” Eoe explained.
Although the development plan was ready in 2024, he acknowledged that delays in coordination with the Prime Minister’s Office postponed its release until now.
“Despite those challenges, I am proud to officially launch and distribute the Kikori Five-Year Development Plan today.”
One of the plan’s key objectives was to improve basic infrastructure — and the MV IBK is a testament to that goal being realized.
“As we approach our 50th year of Independence, many of our people still live disconnected from basic services. It is our duty as Papua New Guineans to rise to the challenge and do everything within our means to ensure that no one is left behind.”