NMSA urged to promote maritime safety and responsible shipping

Transport Minister Miki Keaok says Papua New Guinea will be receiving more ships when the Papua LNG and other major projects in the pipeline commences operations.

As the government anticipate the start of these projects to generate revenue, the role of National Maritime Safety Authority is crucial in ensuring safer and environmentally responsible shipping.

Minister Keaok says as PNG expects significant increase in vessel traffic in Papua New Guinea waters, MNSA must not be a passive observer in this growth.

He says NMSA as the maritime regulator must be an active strategic participant and he expects the new board to provide policy direction on how MNSA can increase its non-tax revenue, particularly under the non-tax revenue administration framework.

He also says NMSA’s navigation aids must be brought up to and maintained at international standards.

“At the same time, our navigation aids must be brought up to and maintained at international standards. Lighthouses, beacons and other aids to navigation must be fully functional.

“We cannot afford maritime incidents, collisions, oil spills under our watch, especially as vessel traffic increases. Safety must remain non-inclusive,” Minister Keaok said.

The transport minister believes stronger financial sustainability will position NMSA to contribute more to government revenue through the lawful enforcement of maritime laws, including penalties on vessels that breach requirements.

Meanwhile, the acting Managing Director for NMSA Captain Krzysztof Orlowski [Kris-Top Olos-Ki] says partnerships under memorandums of understanding with key agencies can significantly improve NMSA’s operational capacity.

“The best example is NMSA collaboration with PNG Ports Corporation and Pacific Towing. MOU with Water Police and PNG Defense Force Maritime Element, both currently pending official signing, will support NMSA during search and rescue and oil spill response operations.”

Captain Orlowski adds that the 50 vacant positions approved by the Department of Personnel Management are critical and will strengthen NMSA’s operations.
“Filing those roles is critical as it will not only improve NMSA operational capabilities, but most importantly, provide young Papua New Guineans with access to high quality training through NMSA partnerships,” Captain Orlowski added.

NMSA Deputy Board Chairman, Mathew Wowoni acknowledges that NMSA’s role goes beyond safety.

He says NMSA’s international engagement and national partnerships are vital to maintaining a safe and sustainable maritime environment.

Mr Wowoni assures that the new board looks forward to building stronger collaboratio