PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNG Ports) welcomed the arrival of a new pilot boat which will boost its pilotage services.
The pilot boat, christened recently (on April 27) as MV Siabo, is the first of five pilot boats purchased by PNG Ports at a cost of about AUD2.2 million (K6m) each.
The pilot boats are custom-made for PNG Ports by renowned boat makers, Norman R Wright & Sons, from Brisbane, Australia, who have been in the boat-making business since 1904.
Chairman of PNG Ports, Kepas Wali, said MV Siabo was fully-kitted with navigational and safety equipment, plus accessories designed to meet pilotage standards required anywhere in the world.
“Siabo will be used for various pilotage contracts in Port Moresby and will also be used for surveillance as well.
“Siabo has been tested and proven to meet industry standards, and has MOB (Man Over Board) recovery equipment, and easy access for parts and technicians.
“Siabo also has good fuel capacity, good speed and fuel consumption, good fendering system and superior stability.
“New boats will boost pilotage services provided and revenue expected to double as a result.
“PNG Ports is stepping up its pilotage standards and will continue to invest in it as we see Pilotage as a growth area,” Mr Wali said.
The customized pilot boats were purchased under a re-fleet program to replace the existing fleet of 15. Of these 15 pilot boats, five were bought from Singapore in 2016 while the rest are from more than 25 years ago.
The re-fleeting program is to ensure that the pilot boats are modern and able to efficiently deliver pilotage services due to the growth in cargo, ports, and demands from the mining and petroleum sector.
Pilotage is also a 24/7 365 operation and pilot boats have to meet standards.