MEDIA RELEASE | 10 October 2011 | ||
PNG Ports Pilot Boat Fleet Rehabilitation PNG Ports currently owns and operates a fleet of nine pilot boats used exclusively for pilot transfer operations. Quite naturally the age of a vessel plays a significant part in the overall condition. The frequency of mechanical break-down plotted against age of pilot boats on a linear graph would best describe an exponential curve, the older the boat the higher the occurrence, and hence the cost of maintenance. Some of our pilot boats have been well maintained while others especially in the machinery and structural areas reflect their 20+ years of tropical service. The PNG Ports Pilotage management team has now finalised plans for an extensive pilot boat fleet rehabilitation exercise this year. The objective of this exercise is threefold. The first part of this exercise is implementing a standard job plan which will see all nine pilot launches owned and operated by PNGPCL slipped and a complete overhaul and replacement of mechanical parts including engines, electronic navigational equipment, life saving appliances and hull maintenance is carried out while the vessel is out of the water in a dry dock. Four new engines with accessories have been purchased and shipped out to the location of boats identified for replacement of engines. The second part is to develop and implement a maintenance strategy covering all aspects of maintenance activities, identifying technically feasible and cost effective maintenance programs including firm action plans for achieving maintenance objectives to minimise the consequences and/or frequency of engine and equipment failure. This will involve realignment of maintenance resources (personnel, spare parts, tools, manuals etc), procedures (preventive maintenance programs, continuous replenishment programs, skills development programs etc) and implementation of set standards with measurement of actual performance against maintenance targets to ensure reliable ongoing serviceability of pilot boats. The third part is replacing and acquiring additional pilot boats. The last recorded purchase of a new pilot launch by PNG Ports directly from a boat builder was MV – “Davara” from Souter Shipyard Limited - Isle of Wright (UK) in 1995 during the transition of hull construction from GRP to aluminium. In 15 years PNGPCL has not replaced its pilot boats with new boats, either through lack of proper planning, commitment, vision or a combination of all of the above. As a business, this constitutes poor management practise. Any venture depending on an operating fleet should have prudent replacement policy in place. This dedication is a practical example of committed and professional Papua New Guineans within the workforce of PNG Ports who have embraced the "change" agenda and taken command of challenges ahead. Manager Pilotage Services, Mr. Newman Kapa said investment in the development of an in-house expertise base has significant advantages. He said: “It adds value to the skills level in the company’s workforce, and also improves the personal profile of the employee in terms of practical experience gained in their career development. The engine overhaul and scavenging program is an example of using in-house expertise to save PNG Ports in capital outlay, money that would have otherwise been spent unwisely. The landed cost of one new engine is around the K100k mark.” Mr Kapa also acknowledged and thanked the PNGPCL Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Brian Riches and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Michael Nye for the overwhelming support they have given to Pilotage in providing an environment that is conducive to staff working undeterred and achieving important milestones that contributed to the overall success of PNG Ports. Mr Riches said: “The pilot boat fleet rehabilitation exercise is common in Pilotage operations, and for PNG Ports it is a commitment to a fundamental Service we provide to the vital shipping trade link into Papua New Guinea of which we are at the pulse of the Supply and Logistics chain in the Region.” Re-fleeting and maintaining pilot boats is an ongoing exercise and the management of PNG Ports would like to highlight to our valued stakeholders that we are committed to providing a robust customer experience with continuous improvement across all our service offerings, especially the vital Pilotage Service by meeting customer expectations and requirements set by national maritime authorities and international standards.For more information, please contact: | |||
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