Since its maiden voyage in October 2021, the marine landing craft MV Islander has been ensuring uninterrupted freight transport as part of Australian Government support to improved service delivery in the South Fly District, Western Province.
The MV Islander and its workboat the MB Humbii have been delivering freight for Australia’s health, education, infrastructure, community and economic programs for over 12 months.
In addition to transporting cargo for Australian-funded programs, the service has assisted PNG Government agencies and the Western Provincial Government. This includes regularly transporting medical supplies and equipment for the Western Provincial Health Authority.
Australian High Commissioner and several High Commission staff members onboard the barge with the crew members.
During this year’s general election, the MV Islander assisted the PNG Electoral Commission to ship a container with ballot boxes and other essential materials to Daru.
Australian High Commissioner, Jon Philp, visited the MV Islander during a trip to Daru early this month to witness the delivery of cargo firsthand.
“As PNG’s largest province, we understand transportation and logistical challenges slow the delivery of services and programs and increase costs” Mr Philp said.
“While Western is blessed with vast and beautiful coastlines, rivers and lake systems, we understand the logistical challenges that come with such large water systems and we’re pleased to partner with the PNG Government and the Provincial Government to deliver development programs more efficiently.”
Mr Philp added, “being such close neighbours – with longstanding cultural and historical ties – Australia has a deep understanding of the challenges that Western Province faces”.
When Mr Philp called aboard the MV Islander, its cargo included a 20ft container and five pallets of medical supplies for the Provincial Health Authority, and over 100 tonnes of building materials for water harvesting and rehabilitation projects to support the implementation of the South Fly District WASH Plan.
The barge (in the background) has assisted with the transportation of medical supplies.
During its first year of operation the MV Islander completed 28 voyages between Port Moresby and locations in South Fly District, primarily Daru and Mabudawan.
This initiative is ensuring program partners can continue to support economic growth, enhance stability and improve service delivery across Western Province, as part of the broader PNG-Australia Partnership.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100