Life extension works are breathing fresh air into the MV YWAM PNG, ensuring the vessel can continue delivering vital healthcare to some of Papua New Guinea’s most remote communities for years to come. The ship is currently undergoing its 25-year special survey, alongside significant maintenance at Austal’s dockyard in Cebu, Philippines, a location recommended for its high-level aluminium expertise. Austal, the company that originally built the vessel in 1999, brings unique knowledge of the ship’s construction to this project, making them an ideal partner to carry out the detailed work required to extend her service life.
A dedicated crew of 13 sailed the ship from Port Moresby to Cebu in July, a voyage lasting 10 days. Of this crew, 11 were Papua New Guinean. For many, it was their first voyage outside of PNG, and it provided invaluable maritime exposure and training. This international experience builds on YWAM Medical Ships’ vision of equipping Papua New Guineans with practical skills that strengthen the country’s capacity for the future.
Captain Jeremy Schierer said the project is progressing steadily. “This mid-project stage is dynamic and the scope of work is substantial, but we are confident the MV YWAM PNG will return to service stronger than ever, ready to continue reaching the most remote communities in Papua New Guinea.”
For Chief Mate Aisolie Omal, the experience has been significant. He shares, “This has been an important milestone in my career. The expertise I’ve gained here will not only strengthen my own leadership at sea, but also equip me to invest in other Papua New Guineans entering the maritime industry. Our involvement in this project shows that PNG seafarers have a vital role to play in maintaining and operating vessels of this standard.”
The MV YWAM PNG has already served Papua New Guinea for more than a decade, collaboratively delivering healthcare and training alongside local health workers in some of the nation’s most remote and hard-to-reach coastal, riverine and island regions. These life extension works are designed to ensure the vessel remains operational for many years to come, enabling continued outreach with key partners, including the Australian Government through the PNG-Australia Transition to Health Program.
Progress so far has included extensive work on propulsion and steering systems, structural repairs, safety inspections, and upgrades to living spaces. While the team has inevitably faced challenges with a project of this complexity, they are working hard, and the outlook is positive. The ship is scheduled to refloat in October, with final alignments and testing to follow before her return voyage to Papua New Guinea.
The Australian Government’s partnership through the PNG-Australia Transition to Health Program is not simply keeping a ship afloat, it is safeguarding a platform of hope, training, and transformation for countless communities in Papua New Guinea. With these life extension works, the MV YWAM PNG will remain a vital part of Papua New Guinea’s health system, working alongside government, health, and community partners to extend services and build the capacity of emerging leaders.
