Good news for PNG maritime safety & efficiency

Asian Development Bank

THE ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (ADB) has approved a $41.5 million loan to improve navigational aids in Papua  New Guinea, allowing ships to more safely
travel through PNG’s largely unchartered and often unsafe waters.

“The Maritime and Waterways Safety Project will upgrade the existing navigational aids network, reducing risks which cause serious injury, loss of life, and environmental damage,” said Xianbin Yao, director general of ADB’s Pacific Department.

“The project will also establish a safe and efficient maritime transport environment for national, regional, and international traffic.”

Remote populations are expected to be the main beneficiaries of the project, which will make maritime safety information more readily available and help develop maritime safety communities of practice.

Regional and international maritime transport services will benefit as monitoring and surveillance systems are renovated and search and rescue capacity improved.

More effective beacons or lighthouses are also expected to boost local and international shipping and trade.

“This project will have significant benefits for the 65% of PNG’s people who live in coastal regions” said Chris Rupen, general manager of the National Maritime Safety Authority.

“It will also provide direct support to communities in cash and services.”.

Comments

[Sharlene Kendo]

Please maritime safety authority, now you have the money or will have the money please think about the safety of your country's people.

That includes thinking about sea pirates and protecting our waters. Also lately we have been facing boats going under water without the proper rescue team.

I only pray that you kind and loving people working in that maritime safety authority will do what is right for the benefit of everyone in our nation
,Papua New Guinea.

[Mrs Barbara Short]

I hope this money will help to stop any repeat to the recent shipping tragedy earlier this year in PNG.

I hope wise men and women will continue to work hard at improving maritime safety.