Steamships has launched two community grants programmes to coincide with Global Community Engagement Day, reinforcing its focus on volunteerism and community-led development across Papua New Guinea.

The company introduced the Steamies LEAD Grants Programme, an internal initiative aimed at enabling employees to design and lead their own community projects. Managing Director Chris Daniells said the programme recognises the contribution staff already make through volunteering and community involvement and is intended to support them to expand that work.

Daniells also confirmed that applications are now open for the 2026 Community Grants Programme, Steamships’ flagship external funding initiative. The programme supports registered organisations delivering positive and sustainable outcomes in communities across PNG. Application details and forms are available on the Steamships website.

The announcements were made during Steamships’ first internal Lunch with Legends session for 2026. The event, themed The Community Special, brought together community partners working in areas ranging from sport and leadership to youth development, women’s advancement and community health.

Panellists included Dika Toua, founder of the LDT W8lifting Club; Esther Lavu, president of Vewala'va Association Inc.; Nelson Stone, founder of NEST Foundation; Cathy Alex, executive director of Advancing PNG Women Leaders Network; and Shirley Kaupa, programme coordinator at Magna Carta PNG Inc.

Speakers shared perspectives on the challenges and opportunities shaping their work and highlighted the role of partnerships in delivering long-term community impact. The discussion encouraged Steamships employees to continue active participation in community development initiatives throughout the year.

Steamships Trading Company, commonly known as Steamships, is a diversified group operating across logistics, hospitality, property and joint-venture businesses in Papua New Guinea. Established in 1918, the company has played a long-standing role in the country’s economic and social development.

The group says it remains committed to its people, the sustainability of its operations and long-term investment in PNG, positioning community engagement as a core part of its approach to business and national development.

Pacific Towing (PacTow) has successfully refloated the grounded Coral Expeditions cruise vessel Coral Adventurer (IMO 9838644).

The refloating operation was completed on the afternoon of December 30, 2025, near Dregerhafen, approximately 65 miles north-east of Lae, Papua New Guinea.

Following the vessel’s grounding, Pacific Towing was engaged to lead the salvage and recovery operation. The successful outcome was achieved through prompt and professional coordination between the crew onboard Coral Adventurer and shore-based support teams from Coral Expeditions, the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA), and Pacific Towing.

Pacific Towing’s diving and salvage specialists coordinated the refloating operation, with support from the PacTow tug Langila (IMO 9018933).

“We are very pleased with the result of this operation,” said Gerard Kasnari, General Manager of Pacific Towing.

“Our rapid response and the strong teamwork demonstrated by all parties ensured a safe and efficient refloat, while maintaining safety, the integrity of the vessel and protection of the marine environment as our top priorities," he added.

Pacific Towing is Papua New Guinea’s and Melanesia’s market leader in marine services and salvage, with operations extending across the broader region. The company has been operating for nearly 50 years and is a full member of the International Salvage Union (ISU) and the International Spill Control Organisation (ISCO).

Pacific Towing provides marine services to both upstream and downstream oil and gas clients, as well as a wide range of other industry sectors. The company owns and operates a fleet of 21 vessels and maintains its own Australian-trained and certified commercial dive team.

Employing more than 200 people, of whom 97 per cent are national employees, Pacific Towing is committed to workforce development and diversity. The company partners with the Australian Government on female cadetship training programmes.

With operations across Papua New Guinea’s major ports and in the Solomon Islands, Pacific Towing is headquartered in Port Moresby at its dedicated tug base and HACCP-certified camp. The company is ISO certified to international standards ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001.

Motibhai Group has announced plans to develop a new, purpose-built distribution centre in Labasa, a move aimed at improving supply chain efficiency across Fiji’s Northern Division and supporting sustainable economic growth.

The modern facility will strengthen the company’s logistics and distribution operations while contributing to the broader development of Vanua Levu and the Fijian economy.

Key features include a warehouse of more than 1,500 square metres with a mezzanine level, open unloading area and a seven-metre height designed to support efficient storage and logistics operations. The development will also include a 192-square-metre ground-floor office block and a 185-square-metre first-floor manager’s flat to enable on-site administration and operational oversight.

Safety and resilience measures form a central part of the project. These include a setback block wall with fire-rated doors along the eastern boundary, backup water tanks and a new on-site fire hydrant. Drainage infrastructure will be upgraded with stone pitching to control erosion and ensure long-term reliability and low maintenance. The facility will also integrate solar energy systems as part of Motibhai Group’s commitment to environmentally responsible business practices.

The project’s architectural and design consultants are LHM, with Engineered Design providing geotechnical, civil and structural engineering services, and Irwin Alsop Pacific PTE LTD delivering building services engineering. Construction will be undertaken by Total Infrastructure Fiji PTE Ltd, with a scheduled construction timeframe of 44 weeks.

“This new Distribution Centre represents a major investment in the Northern Division, totaling just over FJ$8.5 million,” said Jinesh Patel, executive director of Motibhai Group. “It reflects our long-term commitment to the people of Northern Division, improving service delivery, resilient infrastructure, and sustainable environmental practices.”

Investment Fiji Chief Executive Officer Kamal Chetty welcomed the development, describing it as an example of high-impact domestic investment in the North.

“The Motibhai Group’s new Distribution Centre is a prime example of the high-impact domestic investment we are seeing in the North,” Mr. Chetty said. “This facility not only strengthens the region's supply chain capacity but also generates meaningful employment and improves the standard of services available to the people of Vanua Levu. We remain committed to facilitating such projects that align with our national goals of sustainable growth and infrastructure modernisation.”

Motibhai Group also acknowledged the support of Investment Fiji for facilitating regulatory requirements with relevant authorities and recognising the capital investment, employment opportunities and growth potential the project brings to the Northern Division.

The company said the new distribution centre underscores its confidence in the Northern Division and its intention to invest in modern, resilient and environmentally responsible infrastructure.

As one of Papua New Guinea's most vital industries, the mining sector relies on infrastructure that minimises downtime and maximises productivity. Water management—often overlooked in mining discussions—is critical to both safety and profitability.

Truflo Pumps, an Australian-owned and operated company, has maintained a longstanding relationship with PNG, providing dewatering solutions to open-cut and underground mines for over 15 years. Its deep understanding of the region’s unique challenges has made it a trusted partner for some of the country’s largest mining operations.

The PNG Challenge

Water management at mine sites in PNG poses a number of challenges.
“Many of the mine sites are quite inaccessible, the terrain is difficult, and there’s a lot of water—especially in the highlands where it rains most days,” says Paul Power, Truflo Pumps’ International Business Development Manager. “And the water that needs to be moved is often quite dirty and harsh.”

These are not conditions where off-the-shelf solutions suffice. Equipment must be robust, reliable, and specifically engineered for the job at hand.

Purpose-Built Solutions

“That’s where Truflo Pumps excel,” Paul explains. “Our range of wet ends and pump sets are designed to handle the toughest conditions in the world. We have off-the-shelf models available, but we specialise in the design and manufacture of purpose-built pumps. Our in-house design engineers look at all of the variables and design a solution that will do all that you want it to—and more.”

A prime example is the underground dewatering system Truflo designed for Ok Tedi. The pumps needed to move 800 litres per second, with a capability of up to 1,200 litres per second. This provided safe access for vehicles and ensured a secure working environment for underground crews.

Truflo Pumps didn’t just design and supply the system—they also commissioned it and trained operators on-site.
“We often fly team members from Australia to sites in PNG to provide support and training,” Paul says. “It’s part of our commitment to providing the best service and solutions possible.”

Smart Technology, Real Results

Beyond hardware, Truflo Pumps’ technological innovations have transformed dewatering efficiencies across the world’s mining sectors. The AquaBoss Asset Protection Controller, developed over three years in collaboration with pump crews, hydraulic engineers, maintenance teams, and Truflo’s R&D department, has set new benchmarks for dewatering management in the industry.

AquaBoss features a user-friendly interface that allows operators—without needing years of experience—to run pumps safely within recommended parameters. Using a simple traffic light system, real-time monitoring, and automated curve optimisation, the controller protects both the pump’s wet end and engine, reducing wear, tear, and downtime. The controller can also be easily retrofitted to existing Truflo pump sets.

For mining operations, this translates directly to the bottom line—longer equipment life, less downtime, and substantial cost savings.

A Partnership Built on Understanding

What sets Truflo Pumps apart isn’t just engineering expertise—it’s understanding. With more than 35 years of experience in mine dewatering and a long history of supplying solutions to PNG, Truflo knows the terrain, climate, logistics, and pressures that mining operators face.

The company has invested heavily in relationships, training, and ongoing support, recognising that even the most advanced equipment is only as effective as the team operating it.

In a sector where downtime is measured in lost millions, that commitment to partnership and performance makes all the difference.

Steamships Ltd., on behalf of John Swire & Sons (JS&S), officially handed over a new classroom building to Yanga Elementary School in Lae on 22 August 2025. The second classroom was presented to the School Board during a ceremony attended by students, parents, teachers and community members.

The milestone marks continued investment in rural education infrastructure, made possible through the Swire Philanthropic Fund (SPF). JS&S, a privately held UK-based company, has longstanding ties to Papua New Guinea through Swire Shipping, which operates nationwide, and as a major shareholder in Steamships for more than 50 years. The SPF supports education projects across the country and is administered locally by Steamships.

Steamships Managing Director Chris Daniells underscored the importance of investing in communities that underpin the company’s success.

“At Steamships, we recognise that sustainable progress begins with education. Our people are our greatest asset, and many of them come from communities like Yanga. Supporting local schools not only helps build a pipeline of future talent but also strengthens communities that have helped our business thrive,” Daniells said.

Yanga Elementary School was chosen for investment because many employees from Steamships’ operating companies — Consort Express Lines and Joint Venture Port Services — come from the Yanga, Sipaia and Wanang communities. The project responds directly to community-identified needs and reflects Steamships’ approach to inclusive, locally driven development.

The new classroom, valued at approximately PGK200,000, is a prefabricated steel building equipped with student and teacher furniture, blackboards, pinboards and other facilities. It is the second classroom delivered to the school under a two-year partnership aligned with the School’s Learning Improvement Plan (SLIP). Since 2024, PGK400,000 has been invested in the school.

The initiative supports key goals of Papua New Guinea’s National Education Plan 2021–2029 and Medium-Term Development Plan IV, reinforcing the government’s priorities for educational infrastructure and improved learning environments.

As the classrooms open their doors, Steamships and Swire encouraged the school community to take pride in the facilities and ensure they benefit generations of learners to come.

In a landmark moment of cultural reconnection and national pride, Returning Home, an art exhibition and programme, takes centre stage at Harbourside South in line with the celebration of Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary.

Steamships, in collaboration with Pacific Palms Property, is proud to bring home five Papua New Guinean artists, showcasing their work in-country for the first time and paying tribute to heritage, resilience, identity, and culture. The exhibition and week-long creative programme, which offers workshops, talks, and networking opportunities, features the work of Grace Hasu Dlabik, Yuriyal Bridgeman, Lesley Wengembo, Jeremiah Neundorf, and Serge Ah-Wong.

“Our connection to culture is something we deeply value. At Steamships, we often say that we don’t just do business in PNG — it’s our home. That belief is at the heart of everything we do. Supporting local communities, talent, and creativity is a core part of our commitment to Papua New Guinea. That’s why it was only fitting for us to partner with these incredibly gifted Papua New Guinean artists, to celebrate and elevate their work, and to share their creativity with the wider community we proudly call home,” said Ruth Kissam, Corporate Affairs General Manager at Steamships.

This initiative promises to leave a lasting legacy across cultural, community, and economic dimensions — from revitalising creative energy to fostering cultural pride, and inspiring both emerging and established members of the art community.

“Returning Home has been a pivotal moment for us as artists — a chance to share our art, experiences, and skills with the wider creative community. The overwhelming response has been deeply humbling, affirming the power of creativity not only to connect and inspire, but also to actively contribute to nation-building, shaping identity, strengthening pride, and envisioning the future we wish to create together, using art as a critical conduit,” said Grace Hasu Dlabik, artist and director of BE. ONE CREATIVE.

As Papua New Guinea stands at a moment of national reflection and pride, Returning Home affirms the power of art to connect, heal, and celebrate. This unprecedented exhibition is a beacon for cultural continuity, artistic evolution, and shared identity, inviting all to witness, participate, and be moved.

The Returning Home exhibition will be open to the public from 10 to 22 September at Harbourside South, Port Moresby. Admission is free.

When Papua New Guinea celebrates 50 years of independence this September, one business stands out for having journeyed with the nation long before 1975: Remington Group.

Established in 1948, Remington began as the country’s typewriter supplier, introducing modern office equipment to government, schools and businesses. Those machines helped lay the foundation for administration and communication in a young nation finding its feet.

Over the decades, as PNG transformed, so did Remington. The Group evolved from typewriters to photocopiers, printers and ultimately into today’s full-service technology organisation.

With a national footprint stretching from Port Moresby to Lae, Goroka, Mt Hagen, Kimbe, Kokopo, Wewak and Kavieng, Remington has become a trusted partner for thousands of businesses.

The company is the exclusive authorised Konica Minolta dealer in PNG and has been recognised regionally, winning the 2024 Konica Minolta Dealer of the Year award across the Australia-Pacific region.

But the Group’s impact goes far beyond hardware.

Through its divisions—Remington Technology, FX Business Centre (the only authorised Fujifilm dealer in the country), BizPrint, OFC Tech Solutions and Remington Digital Solutions—it delivers everything from managed print services and IT infrastructure to document digitisation, cloud storage and workflow automation. Its mission is clear: help organisations work smarter, faster and more securely in a rapidly digitising world.

Looking ahead, Remington is preparing to launch Remington Hi-Tek, a bold retail venture that will bring electronics and technology directly to customers through modern stores in Lae and Port Moresby, and an online shop serving the entire nation.

Together with Remington Digital Solutions, the Group is positioning itself as a leader in PNG’s digital transformation, empowering businesses, government and communities to embrace the next era of innovation.

From typewriters to the cloud, Remington Group’s story mirrors Papua New Guinea’s own journey: resilient, adaptive and forward-looking. As the nation marks its Golden Jubilee, Remington remains firmly committed to shaping the next 50 years of progress.

Over the past year, PNG Ports Corporation Ltd (PNG Ports) has taken a significant step forward in shaping its leadership for the future. It appointed four exceptional professionals to senior roles, in line with its most ambitious infrastructure programme since the relocation of Port Moresby’s terminals to Motukea and the expansion of Lae Port.

The appointments reflect a deliberate strategy pursued by the State-Owned Enterprise (SOE) over the past decade – to build and nurture leadership talent from within while also recruiting outstanding expertise from outside the organisation.

The newly appointed senior leaders include Chief Operations Officer (COO) Felix Bauri, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Deborah Onga, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Dorothy Kore, and Senior Civil Engineer – Major Projects Denmark Gimiseve, who also heads the Joint Implementation Unit (JIU) overseeing the A$621.4 million Australian Government investment in the national port upgrade programme.

Chair Harvey Nii emphasises that “these appointments are more than simply staffing changes. They reflect a long-term strategy to cultivate a new generation of leadership talent that will carry the organisation forward for the next 50 years.”

Building Leaders from Within

COO Felix Bauri is a standout example of PNG Ports’ ability to develop its own people. Beginning his career two decades ago through the Graduate Trainee Program, Bauri has worked his way through a diverse range of roles across the port network, from Wharf Superintendent to Regional Business Manager.

After serving multiple acting stints in senior roles, he was formally appointed COO in 2024. Nii describes Bauri’s corporate knowledge as “second to none” and notes his operational expertise is vital to PNG Ports’ performance across its 15 port operations.

Bringing in Fresh Perspectives

In contrast, CCO Deborah Onga joined PNG Ports in April 2025. A commercial lawyer with extensive experience in large-scale property development, she is leading efforts to advance the 400-hectare Lae Industrial Park adjacent to Lae Port and to secure its Special Economic Zone (SEZ) status.

She is also tasked with unlocking the commercial potential of all ports in PNG Ports’ network, including the 12 Community Service Obligation (CSO) ports currently funded by the SOE.

Bringing with her property experience as well as more than a decade of aviation industry expertise, PNG Ports’ Chief Financial Officer, Dorothy Kore, joined the SOE in August 2024. Complementing her strong accounting background with an MBA in International Business, Kore also brings highly regarded strengths in project and change management. These capabilities underpin her leadership of core responsibilities spanning financial management and reporting, treasury accounting, and corporate strategy. They are proving particularly valuable in navigating the financial dimensions of the AIFFP-funded port upgrade programme—most notably the complex tax components.

Alongside this, she is driving the modernisation and upgrade of the accounting system and port operations system.

Senior Civil Engineer – Major Projects, Denmark Gimiseve, who joined the SOE in late 2023, brings 15 years of engineering expertise across high-profile projects such as APEC Haus, Angau Memorial Hospital, and the National Football Stadium.

Highly regarded for his technical skills and project management capability, Gimiseve has been “instrumental” in progressing PNG Ports’ nationwide programme of port upgrades since becoming head of the JIU in March this year.

Developing the Talent Pipeline

Today, Bauri, Onga, Kore, and Gimiseve are part of a 12-strong senior leadership team that combines long-serving employees with fresh external talent.

Human Capital Manager Rex Kini notes that “PNG Ports’ dual strategy of developing its own people while recruiting top professionals from outside the organisation has proven highly effective.”

Central to this has been the Graduate Trainee Program, which has trained 60 graduates since inception – 90 per cent of whom secured full-time positions, with most staying at least five years.

Four other senior managers are alumni of the programme. Beyond this, PNG Ports invests heavily in leadership programmes for high-potential staff, including rotational placements, stretch assignments, strategic projects, acting appointments, and external study support.

Strong Results, Strong Future

This strategy is paying off. In the past decade, PNG Ports has strengthened its operational efficiency and global standing, with Lae and Port Moresby climbing the World Bank’s Container Port Performance Index. At the same time, profitability has been consistent, allowing substantial dividends to be returned to the State.

The company’s leadership evolution underscores its broader ambition of being led by an exciting new generation of talented professionals – people who combine deep corporate knowledge with fresh perspectives – ensuring PNG Ports continues to deliver value to the nation.

A local project services company is partnering with a leading Australian manufacturer to introduce innovative dome shelter solutions across Papua New Guinea.

PNG CR Services Company announced its strategic collaboration with Container Domes Australia, a move that promises to deliver durable, cost-effective infrastructure tailored to the country’s varied environments and sectoral needs. The partnership merges PNG CR’s on-the-ground project delivery expertise with Container Domes Australia’s reputation for quality, innovation, and robust engineering in dome shelter systems.

"This partnership is about more than just supplying infrastructure—it’s about providing solutions that meet the needs of Papua New Guinea’s industries and communities," said Allen Tyson, managing director of PNG CR Services Company.

"By combining international expertise with local presence, we are ensuring that our clients receive quality products backed by reliable, on-the-ground service," Tyson added.

The two companies said the partnership will focus on serving key sectors such as mining, construction, agriculture, and logistics, with plans to expand into areas like rural development, education infrastructure, and disaster relief.

Prior to the partnership, Container Domes Australia supplied and installed four 18-metre-wide cyclone-rated domes at Port Moresby Wharf, demonstrating the suitability of their shelters for PNG’s challenging conditions.

Paul Whitla, director of Container Domes Australia, said the collaboration aligns with the company’s broader vision of making its products more accessible in emerging markets.

"Container Domes Australia is excited to work alongside PNG CR Services to expand our reach into Papua New Guinea," Whitla said.

"With PNG CR’s deep market knowledge and service capability, customers can be confident that our domes will not only be delivered to international standards but also supported locally through installation, maintenance, and warranty services," he added.

The companies said they are committed to enhancing local capacity by providing training, employment, and ongoing support—an approach that could generate broader economic benefits beyond the construction and industrial sectors.

The collaboration is a distribution agreement that grants PNG CR Services exclusive rights to represent and supply Container Domes Australia products throughout Papua New Guinea. The domes will continue to be manufactured in Australia and imported into PNG, ensuring consistent quality and compliance with international engineering standards.

Emphasis on long-term presence

Central to the partnership is the establishment of a strong local presence to ensure proper installation and reliable after-sales service.

According to PNG CR, the dome structures offer a scalable and flexible alternative to conventional buildings, allowing faster and more efficient project delivery—particularly in remote or resource-constrained locations.

The premium quality shelters are engineered to withstand some of the harshest conditions, making them ideal for Papua New Guinea’s challenging environments.

Manufactured in Australia to meet the country’s highest engineering standards, each structure is cyclone-rated and built with a galvanized RHS steel framework and a heavy-duty polyethylene (P.E.) fabric cover designed for high UV resistance.

The shelters come with a 10-year structural warranty and a 20-year UV warranty, offering long-term durability and reliable performance across industrial, remote, and coastal applications.

Beyond industrial use, both companies expressed interest in deploying the dome technology for humanitarian and community applications. This includes temporary classrooms, mobile clinics, and emergency shelters—particularly relevant in PNG’s disaster-prone regions.

The collaboration, they said, is designed to create "long-term value for clients while contributing to Papua New Guinea’s industrial and community growth." 

As Papua New Guinea marks 50 years of independence, Zenex Drilling is celebrating the national milestone with a step that blends technical innovation with local ambition: the arrival of the LRS275 Duo Sonic Drill Rig from Dutch manufacturer Eijkelkamp. For Zenex, this is more than a fleet upgrade — it’s a statement about where PNG’s homegrown drilling capability is heading next.

“The LRS275 Duo is a real investment in PNG’s future capacity, not just a headline,” said Emmanuel Bonte, General Manager of Zenex Drilling. A first of its kind in the region, the LRS275 Duo brings a leap forward in capability, versatility, and reliability. Its high-performance sonic head delivers superior core sample quality in complex geology, including stockpiles, tailings, and unconsolidated formations where conventional methods struggle. Sonic vibration reduces friction, improving penetration while preserving sample integrity.

True to its name, the Duo is engineered for flexibility. The integrated dual-head system enables seamless changeover to diamond coring, allowing crews to shift methods without demobilising or bringing in a secondary rig. That translates to fewer mobilisations, a smaller footprint, and tighter project schedules — benefits that matter in PNG’s rugged conditions and on international programmes with demanding timelines.

“One rig, two disciplines, no compromise,” says Bonte. “It’s the kind of adaptability our clients increasingly expect.”

Under the hood, the LRS275 Duo is as digital as it is mechanical. A state-of-the-art remote maintenance platform streams live telemetry to Zenex’s maintenance team, enabling data-driven diagnostics, predictive component changes, and faster fault resolution. Real-time operational data supports better planning, fewer interruptions, and more consistent utilisation.

“Downtime is the silent cost in any drilling campaign,” Bonte notes. “With live data and remote support, we can prevent problems before they appear on site.”

As with every major asset, Zenex is pairing the investment with a people-first rollout. Site-based training will ensure operators and offsiders gain confidence on the new platform, while select maintenance specialists will travel to the Netherlands for factory training with Eijkelkamp’s engineering team. The focus is on long-term capability and knowledge transfer, not just commissioning.

“We don’t just buy technology, we internalise it,” Bonte says. “By sending our people to the source, we bring world-class expertise back to PNG.”

That approach aligns with Zenex’s broader workforce philosophy: build locally, grow from within, and create meaningful progression pathways. The company’s “Way We Work” programme — an open coaching model that blends safety, leadership, and technical proficiency — is being extended to incorporate sonic-specific modules and data-driven maintenance practices.

The deployment of the new sonic rig will help geologists make faster, higher-confidence decisions. Combined with Zenex’s expanding logistics capability and disciplined maintenance systems, the new rig strengthens the company’s position as a partner for complex exploration across PNG and abroad.

Strategically, the investment signals how Zenex intends to scale: sustainably and selectively. Rather than chasing volume, the focus remains on capability — integrated services, reliable delivery, and a safety record that clients can trust.

“We’re not trying to be everywhere,” says Bonte. “We’re choosing the right work, with the right partners, where our technology and our people can create outsized value.”

As the nation celebrates half a century of independence, Zenex’s move captures a broader story about PNG’s technical maturity and international relevance. Advanced equipment, rigorous systems, and local leadership are no longer aspirations — they’re daily practice.

“Innovation is not a destination for us,” Bonte reflects. “It’s a discipline. When we invest in people and the right tools, we lift the standard for our whole industry.”

With the LRS275 Duo joining the fleet, Zenex Drilling is marking the country’s golden jubilee with a clear view of the next 50 years — where independence is measured not only in history, but in the confidence to lead.

Swire and Steamships have reaffirmed their commitment to community development and education in Papua New Guinea with the official opening of a third double-classroom building at Vula’a Rivilina Elementary School in Hula Village, Central Province.

The initiative marks a significant milestone under the Swire Philanthropic Fund, implemented by Steamships Trading Co. as part of a phased programme to improve educational infrastructure in rural areas.

At the opening ceremony, Ruth Kissam, general manager of corporate affairs at Steamships, delivered the keynote address.

“By investing in education, we invest in the potential of future generations,” Kissam said. “This school represents more than just a building; it is a symbol of our shared belief in the power of education to empower individuals and transform communities.”

The classroom project aligns with key national frameworks, including the National Education Plan 2021–2029 and the Medium-Term Development Plan 4 (MTDP 4). It reflects the government’s focus on improving access to quality education through enhanced infrastructure, sanitation and hygiene standards to create a more conducive learning environment.

The third phase of the initiative cost approximately PGK215,000 (US$55,900). The investment covers a fully furnished double-classroom kit, which includes a dedicated teacher’s office, seating and desks for students and staff, blackboards, pinboards, and associated logistics and construction costs.

Steamships’ connection with the Hula community began through recreational visits by staff for kite surfing. These visits led to discussions around local educational needs, culminating in a formal collaboration with Swire in 2023 to support school redevelopment.

To date, the companies have jointly funded the construction of three double-classroom buildings, bringing their total investment in Vula’a Rivilina Elementary School to PGK645,000 (US$167,700).

“On behalf of Swire and Steamships, we formally open and present the classroom to the school community and thank everyone who contributed to the success of this project, which will uplift and inspire future generations who will contribute positively to our nation,” Kissam said. “We are proud to play a role in helping provide children in Hula Village with a safe, conducive learning environment.”

The partnership reflects Swire’s and Steamships’ broader strategy to support education, health and sustainable development throughout Papua New Guinea.

Swire Shipping, a leading shipping company in the Asia-Pacific, announced a significant upgrade to its North Asia Express (NAX) service with the introduction of fixed-day weekly sailings and expanded capacity.

Effective 22 August 2025, the service will offer market-leading speed and reliability, significantly enhancing connectivity between the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong SAR and Papua New Guinea.

The upgraded NAX service will feature a weekly port rotation of Shanghai – Ningbo – Nansha – Hong Kong – Lae – Shanghai, with the fastest direct connection currently in the market from Lae to Shanghai.

Reliable trans-shipment connections to Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and Fiji will be available in Lae via Swire Shipping’s service network in the South Pacific, through its Papua New Guinea (PNG) fortnightly service and Pacific Weekly Express (PWX) service.

Randy Selvaratnam, chief commercial officer of Swire Shipping said that the upgrade reflects company’s ongoing commitment to supporting customer supply chains with dependable, high-frequency services across the region.

“Upgrading our North Asia Express (NAX) service to a weekly frequency doubles the number of sailings available to customers, giving them faster access to markets and more options to align shipments with production cycles, inventory needs and delivery timelines,” Selvaratnam said.

“This reflects our continued investment in expanding capacity and high-frequency shipping solutions that support our customers’ evolving supply chain needs,” he added.

The upgraded NAX service will be the second in Swire Shipping’s comprehensive network in the Asia-Pacific to offer weekly connections into Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands. It follows the successful launch of the PWX service in February 2023, which connects Southeast Asia with Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and Fiji on a weekly schedule.

The NAX service was first launched in July 2015 to provide a direct link between North Asia and the South Pacific, and was upgraded in October 2020 to a fixed-day fortnightly service to better support customers’ supply chains.

Swire Shipping, a leading shipping company in the Asia-Pacific, is the wholly owned, deep-sea shipowning and operating arm of the multinational Swire Group. Headquartered in Singapore, Swire Shipping is dedicated to facilitating and growing trade in the regions where it operates.

The company provides several high-frequency liner shipping services and integrated logistics solutions in the Asia-Pacific; transpacific services between North Asia and the Pacific Northwest; and specialist shipping services to the global project logistics market under the brand name Swire Projects.

The company specialises in providing a wide range of specialist customer solutions for containerised, project, heavy-lift, refrigerated, breakbulk and mini bulk cargoes. Swire Shipping maintains a worldwide agency network in addition to its own representative offices across the Asia-Pacific, Pacific Islands, North America and Europe, providing customers with dedicated service and expert market knowledge.