Dubai-based marine solutions and logistics company P&O Maritime Logistics (POML) has secured a contract to build two 5,400 dwt multipurpose vessels to support Ok Tedi Mining Limited’s (OTML) growing export requirements.
The vessels, designed by Wartsila Ship Design, will be built at Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding Limited in China.
Once completed, the units will operate in Papua New Guinea (PNG) principally between Kiunga in the Western Province and Port Moresby.
POML currently operates ten vessels in PNG, nine of which are operated in support of OTML’s operations and the OK Tedi Development Foundation. Of its nine vessels, four are used to ship copper concentrate from Kiunga in the Western Province via the Fly River to Port Moresby for export.
As explained, the fit-out and design of the existing vessels, as well as the bulk and container carrier newbuilds, have been optimized to operate on the Fly River. The vessels will maximize cargo lift, whilst also meeting the ‘unique’ environmental requirements and ensuring that the communities on the river are not impacted by the ships’ operations.
P&O Maritime Logistics was established in 2019 following DP World’s USD 1.1 bn acquisition of Topaz Energy and Marine and its integration with P&O Maritime. The company owns and operates approximately 400 vessels.