The Papua New Guinea Tourism Promotion Authority (PNGTPA) has taken another important step towards strengthening marine tourism in Papua New Guinea through a new partnership that will bring a ferry back into service in Port Moresby Harbour.
The partnership was formally signed on 6 August 2026, bringing together PNGTPA, Happy Soles Limited and Marine Contract Management to operate and manage the vessel.
The partnership aims to ensure the vessel is safely, professionally and efficiently operated while supporting PNGTPA’s tourism promotion activities and creating new experiences for both local and international visitors.
The vessel will initially support tourism promotion activities, official engagements and sightseeing experiences around Port Moresby, while also providing a platform for the development of new marine tourism products showcasing the capital’s coastline and surrounding waters.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, PNGTPA Chief Executive Officer Eric Mossman Uvovo said the partnership marked an important milestone for the Authority and demonstrated its commitment to making better use of its tourism assets.
“This boat has been sitting idle for some time, and today marks the beginning of a new chapter. Our goal is to get it back on the water as quickly and safely as possible so it can support PNGTPA’s work in promoting Papua New Guinea and creating more tourism opportunities. This is only the beginning of what we hope will become a bigger marine tourism initiative for our country,” Mr Uvovo said.
He added that the initiative was also aligned with PNGTPA’s long-term vision of strengthening marine tourism infrastructure, including the development of jetties and waterfront facilities.
According to Mr Uvovo, Port Moresby will serve as an important starting point, with the potential to expand similar marine tourism initiatives to other provinces and coastal destinations across the country.
Happy Soles Limited Managing Director Yiannis Nicolaou welcomed the partnership, saying the company was excited about the opportunity to help transform the vessel into a unique tourism attraction.
“We’re proud to work alongside PNGTPA on this exciting project. We want to give visitors something different by creating enjoyable experiences on the water. From island cruises and private functions to family celebrations, we believe this boat can become a memorable attraction that people will want to experience again and again,” Mr Nicolaou said.
He added that Happy Soles Limited plans to upgrade the vessel with more comfortable seating and modern features while developing creative tourism experiences that complement existing marine services in Port Moresby.
Meanwhile, Marine Contract Management Managing Director Captain Matthew Dieni said his company was pleased to be part of the initiative and would place a strong emphasis on safety, vessel maintenance and professional operations.
“It is an honour to partner with PNGTPA on this important project. My team and I are committed to ensuring the boat is well maintained, safely operated and ready to deliver quality services. We look forward to working together to make this a success,” Captain Dieni said.
As the vessel prepares to return to service, PNGTPA remains committed to building strategic partnerships that enhance Papua New Guinea’s tourism offering and support sustainable tourism development.
PNGTPA will continue working with industry partners to unlock the potential of the country’s extensive coastline, pristine marine environment and unique coastal attractions, helping position Papua New Guinea as a world-class destination offering authentic and memorable experiences to visitors.
