Madang Port is set to receive a new purpose-built pilot boat following the arrival of Musangu II, further strengthening Papua New Guinea’s maritime infrastructure and port operations.
The fourth of five pilot boats delivered through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) is completing final safety and registration checks before entering service.
Australia is partnering with PNG Ports through the Ports Infrastructure Investment Program (PIIP) to deliver a coordinated program of port infrastructure upgrades across Papua New Guinea, enhancing the safety, resilience and performance of the country’s ports.
Musangu II replaces an ageing pilot boat, enhancing safety by providing PNG Ports with a modern and reliable way to transfer marine pilots to and from ships visiting Madang Port. Pilot boats play a critical role in port operations, helping vessels move safely through local waters.PNG Ports Chief Executive Officer Neil Papenfus said the vessel would help ensure PNG Ports continues to provide reliable services.
“PNG Ports has a responsibility to ensure our ports operate safely and efficiently for all users. The addition of Musangu II strengthens our marine pilotage capability and helps us continue providing safe and reliable services to vessels calling at Madang Port,” Mr Papenfus said.
The new pilot boats deliver significant improvements in reliability, safety and operational performance, helping to minimise disruptions and ensure the continued safe movement of vessels.
An additional benefit of the fleet upgrade is the standardisation of pilot boats across the fleet, replacing legacy vessels of varying age, design and capability. This will simplify crew training, maintenance and spare parts management.All five vessels were manufactured by Norman R Wright & Sons in Brisbane and are specifically designed to provide safe, reliable and efficient pilotage services in Papua New Guinea’s rugged operating environment.
Once final safety checks are completed, Musangu II will be transferred to Madang Port and begin service.
Taubar II, the fifth and final pilot boat, is in the final stages of testing in Brisbane and is expected to arrive in Port Moresby in late September 2026.
