MV Lorraine welcomed to Alotau

Sunday, 24 May 2026, 8:04 pm

Ribbon cutting to officially welcome the MV Lorraine in Alotau (NBC News)

Esa'ala District's brand new multipurpose boat received a rousing welcome home in Alotau on Saturday.

The 43.5m MV Lorraine was custom-built in Malaysia over the last three years, able to carry up to 112 passengers, 100tons of cargo at any one time, and comes equipped with a 20ton crane, 20-foot freezer, and 20-foot chiller.

Esa'ala MP and Minister for Petroleum Jimmy Maladina was on hand to see the vessel in, he says it had cost up to K12million and would unlock his island district's aspirations for safe sea travel, support economic growth and connection to major markets across PNG.

Esa'ala MP, Jimmy Maladina (NBC News)
MV Lorraine welcomed into Alotau on Saturday (NBC News)