| Rigid inflatable boats to patrol ports
PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNGPCL) has purchased two rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) for patrols at its major ports of Lae and Port Moresby.
PNGPCL made the decision to purchase suitable boats to be used by the PNG Harbour Management Services (PNGHMS), a Division of PNGPCL responsible for the management and control of the declared ports to adequately patrol the busy ports of Port Moresby and Lae initially.
The plan than is to later acquire more RIBs to cover PNG’s other ports.
Chief Executive Officer of PNGPCL, Mr. Brian Riches said basically, “the objective is to ensure that no illegal maritime activities are carried out.
Mr Riches said PNGPCL is committed to the security of its ports and the country as a whole.
There are already uncontrolled activities taking place, hence, it is time for PNGHMS to go out regularly to make seafarers, companies and individuals aware that PNGHMS is the authority and is in control of the declared ports and harbours.
Chief Maritime and Compliance Officer, Mr. Paul Unas said that “Our concerns are the sustainability of the port and harbour precincts PNGHMS’s oversight.”
“Therefore, PNGHMS is committed to ensuring that the foreshore developments, wreck and laid up vessel monitoring, sea passage clearance, mooring and anchorage, general shipping traffic and environmental issues particularly ship related spills and rubbish are monitored and controlled consistent with the Act and Ports (Management & Safety) Regulation 2010 in order to maintain a clean and an environmental free port and harbour system,” Mr. Unas said.
The work that PNGHMS is doing will be of beneficial to maritime partners such as the National Maritime Safety Authority, Department of Transport and other institutions like Department of Environment and Conservation and the Department of Lands and Physical Planning which also have an interest in harbours and foreshore environment including safety.
“We are committed to ensuring that maritime activities are done consistent with the Act, the regulation and international conventions and regulations.” RIBs also known as rigid inflatable boats, rigid hull inflatable boats, or RHIBs, are powerboats fitted with inflatable collars or tubes. As well as excellent fendering, this makes RIBs almost unsinkable and suitable for use in all sorts of conditions.
RIBs are some of the most flexible boats available and are used as rescue boats also.PNGPCL’s RIBS are each powered by two 60HP Honda outboard motors and are well equipped with navigational and safety equipment. For more information, please contact:
the.editor@pngports.com.pg | |