Extra Swire ship for PNG/Pacific Islands route

Deployment will begin in early September when the Pacific Harmony moves from the SEA/PNG service. 

The ship will be renamed Coral Chief.

According to the Class Direct Live database, the vessel is a boxship with general cargo capability. Equasis puts the deadweight of the vessel at 10,553 while Swire states it is 13,500 dwt.

The 1990-built vessel is classed by Lloyd’s Register and is entered into the Standard P&I Club, according to Equasis.

Lloyd’s List DCN understands that, for many businesses in the islands, there are quite high levels of business risk compared to Australia or New Zealand.

So more frequent and regular vessel calls will help cargo receivers in the islands to carry lower levels of inventory/stock, which should therefore free-up cash from the balance sheet.

Further demand drivers include major projects, which have caused demand to rise for carriage of break bulk machinery and containerised cargo to support a growing and wealthier population. 

Other types include unit cargoes and building materials, along with chilled and dry foodstuffs.

Swire’s redeployment of the Coral Chief will enable the company to offer a weekly service from Australia to PNG and 14-day frequency to the Solomon Islands.

The service will see vessels calling at the ports of Melbourne, Port Kembla, Sydney, Newcastle, Brisbane, Port Moresby, Lae, Madang, Kimbe, Rabaul, Lihir, Honiara, Alotau, Oro Bay, Madang, Wewak, Rabaul, Kimbe and Kavieng.

It should be noted that the service will alternate calls between Port Kembla and Newcastle.