Dubai owner P&O Maritime Logistics is expanding its operations in Papua New Guinea (PNG) with a new vessel order.
The two 5,400-dwt units mark a move into the multipurpose (MPP) sector for the offshore service vessel player.
The ships will handle both bulk and container cargoes for Ok Tedi Mining's growing export requirements.
Designed by Wartsila Ship Design, they will be built at Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding in China.
On delivery, they will run between Kiunga, in the west of PNG, and the capital of Port Moresby.
P&O Maritime has 10 ships operating in PNG, of which nine are chartered to OTM.
Four general cargoships already ship copper concentrate from Kiunga.
"The fit-out and design of the existing vessels, as well as the newbuilds, have been optimised to operate on the Fly River," P&O Maritime said.
"The vessels will maximise cargo lift, whilst also meeting the unique environmental requirements and ensuring that the communities on the river are not impacted by the ships’ operations."
Commitment to PNG
The MPPs are due in August and November 2021 for an undisclosed amount.
TradeWinds had previously cited brokers as saying an order had been signed in February.
"P&O Maritime Logistics has been operating in PNG for over 30 years," P&O Maritime chief commercial officer Robert Desai said.
"During this time, we have consistently invested in growth — towards our operations and supporting our client’s important work for the PNG economy, as well as towards the communities in which we operate."
The new ships will lead to the creation of 35 more jobs in PNG.
P&O Maritime is controlled by Dubai ports giant DP World, which merged it with compatriot OSV owner Topaz Energy and Marine in December.
The DP World fleet also includes OSVs and ferries, plus heavylifters and a tanker.
P&O Maritime is focusing on offshore, port services and logistics with a fleet of 400 vessels, including tugs.
DP World paid $1.08bn for Topaz, buying it from Oman's Renaissance Services and Standard Chartered Private Equity, which is now Affirma Capital.
