In November 2022, the first AIFFP funded pilot boat, purpose-built for PNG Ports Corporation (PNG Ports), was launched in a ceremony attended by Papua New Guinea Minister for State Enterprises, the Hon William Duma MP and Australian Minister for International Development and the Pacific, and Minister for Defence Industry, the Hon Pat Conroy MP.
The pilot boat is the third boat launched under the PNG Ports Fleet with the first two funded by PNG Ports and five additional boats supported by the AIFFP. The renewed fleet will enhance PNG Ports ability to meet industry demands as global trade increases in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. MV Paga was named after Paga Hill which overlooks Fairfax Harbour in Port Moresby.
The new pilot boats are part of the AIFFP’s $621 million partnership with PNG Ports Corporation to upgrade and renew key ports across Papua New Guinea, which will boost maritime trade capacity, create local jobs, and support economic growth in alignment with Papua New Guinea’s PNG Connect initiative.
Only 4km apart by distance, Australia and Papua New Guinea share a close partnership that is underpinned by strong people-to-people links and a commitment to working together to deliver tangible and positive outcomes. Building on this partnership, the AIFFP is proud to be supporting the development priorities of Papua New Guinea.