PNG hosts regional marine pilot conference

MARINE pilots provide an essential service to international shipping, the ports in which they work and the wider community, according to the Australasian Marine Pilots Institute (Ampi).
Ampi president Josephine Clark said, during the opening of the Ampi 2024 Regional Pilotage and Ports Conference in Port Moresby, that marine pilots were a vital link in the logistics supply chain, and underpinned the safe operation of ports through the safe navigation of ships, the implementation of risk management protocols, the protection of port infrastructure and the marine environment.
Ampi is a not-for-profit organisation representing the professional interests of marine pilots in Australia and Papua New Guinea.
Through Ampi membership, pilots have a conduit to membership of the International Marine Pilots Association and a non-governmental organisation seat at the International Maritime Organisation.
“It is an historic occasion to mark the first time that an Ampi regional conference has been hosted outside of Australia.
“Our annual conferences serve to impart education on emerging industry issues, continuous professional development, and networking with industry peers and leaders,” Clark said.
“We are delighted to bring a diverse and thought-provoking programme covering training, technology, towage and regulation to the vibrant port city of Port Moresby.
“Home to about 420,000 persons, and the nation’s capital, the wider port of Port Moresby, (including Motukea and neighbouring oil and LNG terminals) play a critical role in PNG’s growth, connectivity and economic success.
“As a beautiful, but rugged archipelago nation, PNG relies heavily on seaborne transport for both domestic distribution of goods and international trade now and into the future.
“The efficient and safe operation of ports, pilotage and shipping remain essential for economic prosperity.”