The MV YWAM PNG has returned home to Papua New Guinea following successful maintenance work, marking a major milestone in the vessel’s extension project and ensuring the ship remains strong, safe, and ready to serve the nation for years to come.
“We are delighted to welcome our ship back home,” said Mrs. Rachael Marape, Co-Patron of YWAM Medical Ships – Australia & PNG. “The MV YWAM PNG carries hope, unity, and opportunity wherever she goes. I thank Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong, Minister Pat Conroy, and the Australian Government for making it possible for this work to continue reaching our people.”
With dry dock and initial maintenance completed, the MV YWAM PNG is now preparing to sail back to Western Province for its final outreach of the year, the first since returning to service. The outreach will support the Provincial Health Authority in providing a full range of essential health services mainly to remote and disadvantaged communities, along with training focused on maternal and child health, disease prevention, and community health education. These efforts will be delivered in close collaboration with local health professionals.
Volunteers from 13 different nations boarded the ship this week for the sail. Australia’s High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Mr. Ewen McDonald, said it was great to see the MV YWAM PNG back in Port Moresby.
“This vessel stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea. Side by side, step by step, delivering better health outcomes for communities across the country. With the ship refurbished and ready, we look forward to continuing our shared mission to ensure health services reach every Papua New Guinean, no matter where they live,” he said.
Further work will continue in phase two of the ship’s extension project, with additional enhancements to be conducted in-country in 2026, ensuring the ship remains well-equipped to reach isolated coastal and river communities.
“The story of the MV YWAM PNG is one of genuine collaboration,” said Mr. Ken Mulligan, Managing Director of YWAM Medical Ships. “Health professionals, leaders, and communities in PNG are driving real change, working alongside Australian and international teams in a spirit of shared learning and respect. Together, we’re building healthier futures by combining local knowledge, skills, and commitment with broad support, training, and resources.”
Since 2010, YWAM Medical Ships – Australia and PNG has partnered with the National Department of Health and provincial health authorities, delivering over 2.3 million healthcare and training services and providing hands-on training opportunities for Papua New Guinean health workers.
The ship’s return home marks a renewed season of service, partnership, and hope for the decade ahead.
This critical maintenance work was supported by the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Australian Government, a partnership that continues to strengthen healthcare delivery and workforce development across Papua New Guinea.
