AUSTRALIA SUPPORTS PNG TO STRENGTHEN MARITIME INTELLIGENCE AND COMBAT ILLICIT ACTIVITY

Officers from across Papua New Guinea’s maritime border and regulatory agencies have undergone a week-long Maritime Intelligence and Targeting training in Port Moresby to gain the knowledge needed to safeguard PNG’s vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

According to the Australian High Commission, the training was delivered by expert trainers from the Australian Border Force (ABF) to support PNG’s efforts to counter threats such as piracy, smuggling, and illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. Protecting such an expansive maritime domain presents significant operational challenges.

The program is designed to improve maritime domain awareness by strengthening intelligence capabilities across the collection, collation, and analysis of information. By enhancing the ability to produce accurate and actionable intelligence, the training helps inform operational responses to illicit maritime activity.

The course also emphasizes the importance of collaboration. Participants were encouraged to build strong partnerships with domestic and international agencies to better understand the intent and capabilities of those seeking to harm PNG’s communities and economy.

The Maritime Intelligence and Targeting training is part of Australia’s ongoing commitment under the enduring security partnership, as both countries walk step by step into a shared future.