P&O Maritime Logistics is taking delivery of two new bespoke vessels built to service Ok Tedi Mining Ltd (OTML) in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
Operating on the Fly River and in the Gulf of Papua, P&O Maritime Logistics’ new vessels will work between Kiunga and Port Moresby to transport mainly copper concentrate for export.
The movement of copper concentrate from the Ok Tedi mine to Port Moresby – which requires specialist vessels and navigational expertise – is a key link in the supply chain which helps enable OTML’s significant contribution to the PNG economy.
With no road or rail links to the mine, P&O Maritime Logistics has been key in servicing the route since the late 1980s.
P&O Maritime Logistics designed and built the two new 5,400 DWT Bulk and Container vessels, in partnership with Wartsila Ship Design and Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding Limited, to improve cargo lift, whilst also meeting the environmental requirements with a low wake profile.
The addition of the vessels will bring the number of dedicated vessels that P&O Maritime Logistics’ operates in support of OTML to 11.
The company is scheduled to take possession of the first vessel in mid-September followed by the second vessel in mid-October.
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Martin Helweg, CEO of P&O Maritime Logistics said: “The new vessels are part of our long-term commitment to working with Ok Tedi Mining, where we are able to bring out expertise to transporting copper concentrate and general consumables through complicated marine environments such as the Fly River.”
Musje Werror, Managing Director and CEO of OTML said: “The Ok Tedi Mine is located in a remote and challenging location, and it is important that we work with competent and credible partners to support our operations.
“P&O Maritime Logistics is one of our long serving partners who have brought their long-term expertise to build the right solution to moving our copper concentrate from the Port of Kiunga down the Fly River in an efficient and environmentally conscious way to our silo vessel located in Port Moresby.”
