Crew Expertise Keeps MV YWAM PNG Moving
6 November 2026
The expertise and determination of the MV YWAM PNG’s engineering crew kept a planned Western Province outreach moving forward, with only a short delay. Upon departure, the vessel carried 3,240 water filter kits supplied by Sustainable Development Program (SDP). The filters are being distributed to households in South Fly and Delta Fly districts as communities face severe water shortages caused by prolonged El Niño drought conditions.
A complex mechanical challenge had threatened to significantly postpone this outreach. Drawing on their detailed knowledge of the vessel and its systems, the technical team worked intensely to develop a solution that enabled preparations for departure to proceed. Planning for a permanent repair is underway.
The ship’s captain, Aisolie Omal of PNG, praised the engineering team’s teamwork and determination.
“Our engineers know this vessel and its systems extremely well. When the challenge arose, we worked together, day and night, and found a solution that allowed us to get underway,” Captain Omal said. “I am grateful to be part of a team with such skill, determination and unity.”
Many of the engineering and deck crew, with years of experience on other ships, have also completed numerous outreach and maintenance cycles aboard MV YWAM PNG, building detailed knowledge of the vessel and working closely together to support its health promotion activities.
With the departure delayed by only a few days, SDP was able to deliver 3,240 water filters to the ship before the ship sailed, adding practical support for families affected by the drought.
YWAM Medical Ships - Australia & PNG (YWAM MS) and SDP have been working together in Western Province throughout the year. As water shortages place increasing pressure on communities, the organisations are adapting their activities to respond to changing needs.
Prior to MV YWAM PNG’s departure from Port Moresby, SDP procured and delivered 27 pallets to the wharf, with the final delivery arriving at 10:00pm - just hours before the ship departed at 4:30 the next morning. With support from WASH personnel who joined the vessel in Daru, distribution began in communities South Fly, alongside primary health care clinics and community engagement activities.
A small YWAM MS team is also currently engaging in villages along the Bamu River, working alongside the Delta Fly District health teams to facilitate medical care and health education.
YWAM MS In-Country Field Manager and nurse Hannah Peart welcomed the delivery of the water filters. “We’ve seen firsthand the challenges communities are facing because of the drought and poor water quality. I’m very pleased these filters will soon be reaching them,” she said.
YWAM MS Managing Director Ken Mulligan acknowledged the work behind getting the ship and supplies underway. “Time and again, I’m in awe of the diligence and commitment of our team. So much of their work happens behind the scenes, but it makes an enormous difference to the communities we serve,” said YWAM MS Managing Director, Ken Mulligan.
“We’re deeply grateful to our volunteers and crew, particularly Marine Superintendent, Captain Jeremy Schierer, and the vessel’s current captain, Aisolie Omal, for their diligence and commitment. We also thank our many supporters, including the Australian Government and PNG SDP, whose ongoing support helps make this work possible.”
YWAM MS is proudly supported by the PNG National Government, the Australian Government through the PNGAus Partnership, PNG Sustainable Development Program, Western Provincial Health Authority, Kumul Minerals, Kumul Consolidated Holdings, NCDC, Henry Schein, Hiri Koiari Open Electorate, ExxonMobil PNG, PNG Ports Corporation, Ok Tedi Mining, Colgate-Palmolive, Sir Brian Bell Foundation, Ela Motors, Julian Zahara Memorial Fund, Mills Dental, Mitsubishi Electric, Days for Girls, Pro-Ma Systems, Rotarians Against Malaria, AVIS, Coutts Redington, Mun, Pacific Marine Group, Medical Dental Solutions, Dawson & Associates, Hu-Friedy, Trukai, Wison/Ryan/Grose, World Vision, PwC, Septodont, Mocom Australia, PVW Partners, GE Healthcare, Austal, Dunlop PNG and TotalEnergies .