Prime Minister Commissions MV YWAM PNG

After many years of dreaming and hard work, this month the MV YWAM PNG entered Papua New Guinea (PNG)’s waters for the very first time!
The arrival was celebrated by 150 corporates, church leaders, and government officials at a national commissioning event aboard the vessel in Port Moresby.
The guest of honour for the night was the Prime Minister of PNG, Honourable Peter O’Neill, who officially commissioned the vessel by cutting a ribbon across the recently renovated dentistry clinic.
The PNG Government was the biggest donor towards the purchase of the MV YWAM PNG. During the commissioning, the Prime Minister reaffirmed the national government’s support.
“I would like to thank the crew and volunteers on this ship.”
“The people in the remote areas where you are delivering medical support and training truly appreciate the work that you are undertaking.”
“When I was told about this project some years ago I had no hesitation in committing government support; the purchase and refurbishment of this ship will help thousands of people and their communities in the years to come,” said the Prime Minister.
Other attendees included the Minister for Planning, provincial governors, PNG’s High Commissioner to Australia, YWAM Medical Ship – Australia (YWAM MSA)’s corporate sponsors, and the Deputy Secretary for Health.
YWAM MSA’s Managing Director, Ken Mulligan, said that the national commissioning event was a momentous occasion.
“It was wonderful to take time to celebrate with our key stakeholders in PNG who have helped make this possible.”
“We are very honoured to have such strong support from the national government – the commissioning represented the start of a new and exciting chapter in our partnership in helping to reach hundreds of isolated communities,” said Mr Mulligan.
The MV YWAM PNG sailed to the Gulf Province a few days after the commissioning for its very first outreach. A total of 87 medical, marine, and general volunteers representing 13 nationalities joined the voyage.