World's largest yacht to visit Papua New Guinea

The world's largest sailing yacht, EOS (pictured), is planning a visit to Papua New Guinea later this month.

Melanesian Tourist Services owner Sir Peter Barter said todat that EOS was currently at Cairns Superyacht Marina in Australia and would be heading up north later this month.

"This luxurious sailing vessel is 302 feet long, crewed by around 30 and will cruise the waters of Milne Bay," Sir Peter said.

He could not divulge further information as owners of the EOS are known in international yachting circles to be very publicity-shy since she was launched in 2006.

According to information sourced from the Internet, EOS is a three-masted Bermuda rigged schooner sailing luxury yacht, currently owned by Barry Diller.

It is one of the largest - if not the largest - private sailing yacht in the world, its overall length measuring approximately 305 feet (93 m).

It was launched in Germany from the Lürssen yard in 2006 after being designed by Bill Langan, with Rondal/Huisman supplying the rig, and the naval architecture being completed by the Lürssen team.

The interior was designed by French designer François Catroux.

The yacht is moored in Cairns at the time of writing.

Characteristics

Length Overall (LOA) - 304.86 feet (a significant amount of EOS' overall length comes from her bowsprit)

Length on Deck (LOD): 271 feet (83 m)

Waterline Length (LWL): 233 feet (71 m)

Beam: 44.29 feet (13.50 m)

Hull Material: Aluminium

Superstructure: Aluminium

Gross Tonnage: 1500

Engines: 2 x 2,333 hp (1,740 kW) MTU Diesels

Propulsion: Twin Screw

Max Speed: 16 knots (30 km/h)

Kalibobo Spirit is shipshape for 2010

Popular Madang-based tourism vessel mv Kalibobo Spirit  has undergone annual survey at Norship Shipyard in Cairns, Australia,  according to owner Sir Peter Barter.

“The ship returned to PNG on Christmas Eve after it had a complete paint job undertaken by the shipyard and night vision and infa-red camera was installed to improve safety on the Sepik River,” Sir Peter said today.

Kalibobo Spirit provides the perfect way to see the coastal ports, islands and Sepik River in Papua New Guinea.

The 30m vessel was built in Picton, New Zealand,   and is owned and operated by Sir Peter’s Melanesian Tourist Services based in Madang.

The ship is fully-stabilised, carries the latest navigation equipment including sonar and provide luxurious accommodation for up to 16 guests in four queen, three singles and a state room, all with ensuites, air conditioning, television and telephone.

 There is a dining room, lounge, cocktail bar and three covered decks to observe and relax.

Facilities aboard the vessel include two zodiac tenders, a fast aluminium river boat that can carry 20 passengers at 50mph along the Sepik and tributaries and on selected cruises a helicopter.

 The ship is equipped with a dive shop which enables guests to dive some of the most-pristine waters in the world.

Whilst the Kalibobo Spirit is primarily for charter, several cruises to the Sepik are scheduled.

Since the Kalibobo Spirit arrived it has had cruises throughout the Bismarck Sea including Manus, New Ireland, Rabaul, West New Britain, Siassi, Madang, Port Moresby, Milne Bay and to the Sepik River.

For more information, call MTS on (675) 852 2766 or e-mail mtsoperations@mtspng.com  

 

 

IPA Haus nears completion along Lawes Road, Port Moresby

View of IPA Haus at the bottom of Lawes Road.-Pictures by MALUM NALU

Workmen at IPA Haus on Sunday

View from Lawes Road of IPA Haus

Crane at work at IPA Haus on Sunday

Work on Nasfund’s IPA Haus along Lawes Road, Port Moresby, is progressing well with work expected to be completed by Jan 31, 2010.

I visited the project site on Sunday and saw workmen hard at work to meet the Jan 31 deadline.

IPA Haus, which is 100% owned by Nasfund, has a total area of 2, 792 sq m.

At the back of IPA Haus is another 100% Nasfund-owned property, ‘The Factory’, with a total of 6, 156 sq m, which is expected to be completed by Mar 10, 2010.

The construction of IPA Haus and ‘The Factory’ is part of Nasfund’s ‘Archipelago Project’, which began in the concept stage in 2006-2007.

The project was designed around building an ‘arc’ of construction projects at the 2km edge of Port Moresby Town, which would capitalise on the highway access, marine facilities and harbour view access.

Building boom to create surplus commercial space, more empty rooms

Nambawan Super commercial development in down town Port Moresby.Pictures by MALUM NALU

Port Moresby and PNG’s tallest building Deloitte Tower…challenged by increasing commercial spaces

Steamships’ commercial property development in Gordon, along the Poreporena Freeway

Steamships’ commercial development in down town Port Moresby

Nambawan Super commercial development in down town Port Moresby

Nasfund has warned of more commercial vacant spaces in light of the current building and construction boom all over Port Moresby.

Joint chief executive officer Rod Mitchell says commercial vacant spaces will grow in 2010 and peak in 2013-2014.

“In early 2009, in the Nasfund newsletter, we stated that ‘Clearly the freeing up of office space in Town, expected early 2010 will signal the beginning of rent stabilisation’,” he said.

“This was stated on the basis that with Harbour City and surrounding Konedobu coming on line, space would naturally free up in town.

“While we do not believe that we will see a dearth of vacant space in town over 2010, we nevertheless are starting to see vacancies in commercial space in Port Moresby.

“This we believe will grow through 2010 and with peak vacancy appearing sometime in 2013-2014.

“The three to five year prognosis for commercial space is increasingly flashing warning signals if all commercial constructions planned to commence over 2010 eventuate.”

Mr Mitchell said there were a number of reasons for raising the alarm bell on commercial construction.

“A number of alternative commercial buildings within close proximity in Gordon’s, Waigani drive and Hohola are now physically underway or near completion,” he said.

“Steamships are building 6,000 sq m in Gordon, there are two three-storey walk-ups in Hohola approximating 3,000 sq m and 4,000 sq m of quality commercial space is being built next to the Westpac building in Waigani drive: The combined space is the equivalent of one Deloitte Tower.

“The Rimbunan Hijau (PNG) Group is powering perhaps the largest long-term retail and commercial development ever seen in PNG – Vision City.

“Taking away the soon-to-be-completed 33,000 sq m ‘Mega Mall’, the commercial element planned over the coming decade is extraordinary with a further 60,000 sq m of office space planned at Vision City, Waigani.

“This will be the equivalent of four times the current commercial space offered at Deloitte Tower!

“In 2010, Nasfund will commence a further 4,600 sq m in town on two sites and Steamships are planning 8,000 -10,000 commercial on the waterfront: Effectively combined, yet another Deloitte Tower in size.

“A further 4,000 sq m in Hunter St will be commissioned in April 2010.

“Uniting Church House, a brilliantly-renovated 2,000 sq m office complex will be commissioned in January – February 2010.

“Harbour City will shortly see a 4,000 sq m commercial development plus three apartments adjacent to the ANZ building commence by a private consortium with two anchor tenants line up (the implication is that they are being cannibalised from an existing building).

“Finally there is a three-storey walk up approved by Physical Planning for POSF at Two-Mile as their new head office (3,000 existing sq m to be freed up at Era Rumana) and 8,000 sq m planned by CHM in Waigani.

Mr Mitchell said with a large amount of commercial space becoming available over 2010-2012, it was hard to see how demand would meet the oversupply.

“However, it will not be until 2013-2014 that we will witness crunch time,” he added.

“That is when it is expected that Exxon will complete its own head office building of 10,000 sq m and vacate exiting temporary to medium-term accommodation already acquired for the LNG start-up.

“In the absence of another major resource project, vacancy rates will most likely increase substantially from 2013.

“The other factor which has to now be considered is the costs of construction which we believe will face strong upward pressure over the next few years.

“The reasons for this are:

• The LNG project will change the face of skilled labour in PNG. In previous discussions on Nasfund’s residential housing construction at Eight – Nine Mile we talked of a very small but emerging middle class. The LNG project we believe will re-rate PNG skilled labour dramatically with demand for local skills (both trades and professional) propelling hourly rates significantly higher. This will lift a whole new group into what we could describe as ‘aspiring middle class’. The re-rating of labour will mean significantly higher costs to business, higher costs of construction as well as bottlenecks within the economy due to skill shortages. The positive outcome however will be a more visible middle class which tends to drive both greater economic diversity as well as social reform including greater demands on elected officials.
• The increased demand for construction materials will also lead to higher prices over the coming few years exacerbated by the easing of the global economic crisis. Imported construction goods will in the absence of an appreciating local exchange rate be expected to increase as world demand picks up; and
• Finally, inflation and expected higher interest rates will also begin to cause on the margin investment plans to falter or completion costs to rise above budget. In the expected soft demand for commercial space combined with higher completion cost for commercial buildings, we will see a fairly difficult period ahead and certainly a case of lowered expectations than the current display of exuberance by market participants.”

Brighter outlook for quality residential in Port Moresby

Signboard at Harbour City

Work on the ‘The Edge’, Harbour City, on Sunday.Pictures by MALUM NALU

‘The Edge’ with Ravalien Haus in the background

Another view of work on ‘The Edge’

Nasfund has recently committed with Curtain brothers to the biggest apartment construction in Papua New Guinea history.

Based on a 70-30% split, 63 luxury apartments will be constructed at Harbour City next to Sol Wara Apartments owned by Nasfund.

Known as “The Edge”, these apartments will butt the sea, looking straight down Fairfax Harbour and the Yacht Club.

The complex will rise six stories (one more floor than adjoining Sol Wara apartments) and is designed in conjunction with the recent constructions along the archipelago.

“That is, Nasfund has ensured that the development fits within the scale of the landscape,” according to Nasfund joint chief executive officer Rod Mitchell.

“We were very conscious that Harbour City displays a modern yet understated feel: - that instead of breaking the landscape, the buildings merge within the landscape.

“Our aim is to turn Harbour City into a showcase of modern subtlety that lifts the image of Port Moresby and demonstrates the growing sense of a confident nation.

“We are very fortunate that Curtain Brothers share these values as we build a legacy for the 21^st Century.”

The land site covers 6,914 sq m.

At K2, 000 per sq m, the land cost is just under K13.8 million.

The gross floor area covered by the 20 x 2 bedroom apartments and 43 x 3 bedroom apartments including balconies is 14,355 sq m with ground level under cover parking for 126 vehicles taking up a further 2,085 sq m.

Total cost of construction will be K7-8, 000 per sq m with an anticipated yield of 12%.

Construction time is expected to be 24 months with a completion date of March 2012.

Mr Mitchell said demand for premier accommodation remained high in Port Moresby with aid agencies, diplomatic missions and senior executives chasing a shortage of upmarket quality apartments.

“Nasfund has taken the view that the complex will be taken up quickly, either by large multinational companies, embassy staff, or aid agencies,” he said.

“If Nasfund fails to secure large immediate tenants, we will aim to entice existing tenants from upmarket locations currently on Touaguba Hill and adjoining Paga Hill down to the water’s edge.

“Research suggests that a new residential complex tends to attract people from existing older complexes looking for an upgrade.

“Add the fact that ‘The Edge’ will sit on the water’s edge over looking the Yacht Club, Fairfax Harbour and 100m walking distance to SVS Foodland, we believe ‘The Edge’ will become the most-desirable address in the country.

“Rental prices remain tight at the upper end.

“High covenant accommodation going for K3, 500 – K4, 000 per week a year ago is now ranging from K5, 000 to K6, 000 per week.

“This trend should continue for the next few years until increased supply comes closer to meeting demand.

“2010, however, will be a year of shock to many tenants, as rental renewals at the upper end will increase by up to 20%.”

Datec signs partnership with Apple, bringing Apple officially to Papua New Guinea

The MacBook Pro, the high performance notebook for everyone

The new iMac, the ultimate all-in-one

The iPod Classic, iPod Touch and iPod Nano. Music for all

Datec PNG is pleased to announce an increase in its portfolio of world-class professional and personal technology by bringing Apple technology and support to the Papua New Guinea market.
Today, Apple leads the computing industry in innovation with its award-winning computers, OS X operating system and iLife and professional applications.
Apple is also spearheading the digital media revolution with its iPod portable music and video players.
The range of products now available within PNG, courtesy of Datec, includes the ‘ultimate all in one’ desktop computer on the market today – Apple’s new iMac.
The full range of MacBook and MacBook Pro Laptops are now in PNG, that suit everything situation ranging from home life, student life and work life.
A range of Apple Accessories will now be available in-store to complement your Apple Technology.
MS office 2008 for Mac for every occasion whether work, school or home, gives you tools that help simplify your life.
With Microsoft Office 2008 for Mac, you can manage projects, collaborate with others and create dynamic documents and presentations simply and easily.
iPod family range – Which iPod are you? From the shuffle, the worlds smallest and most wearable music player comes in new colours and tells you which song is playing, through to the latest iPod Touch, with up to 64Gb of storage, for your games, movies, music and so much more.
If you like the sound of “no-fuss, no downtime, easy wireless, no viruses, everything-just-works… “ then welcome to the benefits of owning a Mac.
Expected early in 2010, Datec will be certified as the only Apple Authorised Service Centre in PNG.
To find out more about Apple, then visit Datec’s new Megastore, opening 21st January 2010, the Lae retail showroom or contact sales@datec.com.pg.

New Papua New Guinea Defence Force Commander has a big task ahead

By REGINALD RENAGI

 

The PNG Defence Force has a new Commander and General.  He is infantry Colonel Francis Agwi and former Chief of Defence Intelligence who replaces Commodore Peter Ilau after two tours of duty (2001 – 2009).

While Prime Minister Somare and his big entourage were attending the Copenhagen climate change conference, the National Executive Council (NEC) promoted and appointed a new Defence commander.  The new command changes comes just four days before Christmas and twelve weeks after the tour of duty of Commodore Peter Ilau expired on October 12, 2009.  Since then, the Commodore has been on an acting capacity until Monday 21st December 2009. 

In addition, cabinet also appointed another senior infantry officer as the Chief of Staff to the Force commander.  He is Colonel Tokam Kanene who is presently the Defence Advisor within the PNG High Commission in Djakarta, Indonesia.  Colonel Kanene comes from the Simbu (formerly pronounced ‘Chimbu’) province in the highlands.   This is the first time since Independence the PNGDF has had a Commander and Chief of Staff from the Sepik and Highlands region respectively. 

The recent changes saw the former Commander and Chief of Staff (both from the Maritime Element) being replaced by two infantry officers from the Land Element (Army).   Already there are rumours circulating within the Defence community on the criteria used by the NEC to make these new changes when other options were available to the Government.  

Former Commander Ilau was appointed as Defence Commander in October 2001 by a new Government in office under Prime Minister, Sir Mekere Morauta.  The Commander was directed to cull the force manpower strength to 2,000, and de-mob the rest by December 2001 under a very controversial one-time reduction program. 

What followed was a total national debacle and disgrace to loyal servicemen who dedicated their whole life to their country’s military before and after Independence.  The whole political exercise was virtually an administrative nightmare for many long-serving servicemen and their families for over eight years.  To date, many servicemen have not received their full payout service entitlements to this day. 

Many complaints by ex-servicemen still stranded in the barracks and bases, and in the community are falling on deaf ears.  Many servicemen have passed on while still waiting to be paid leaving their immediate families destitute in the cities and towns.  These families need money to be properly repatriated to their provincial villages. 

The government seems oblivious to their plight.  Maybe the next government in 2012 will do something to resolve this situation.  Many more ex-servicemen will die while waiting.  The list of destitute ex-military families grows with many children dropping out of the education system to joining the unemployment ranks as military widows can not afford today’s high school fees.   These military families have been failed by the system.  Governments have done them a great disservice.    

As a result of the forced reduction of service personnel in 2001, all three PNGDF elements now comprise of hollow operational units.  This must now be fixed by the new PNGDF Commander.   

General Agwi will have an almost impossible job as he takes over a grossly-underfunded, undermanned and a demoralised force. 

These are most trying times for this once-proud national icon, as defence and national security seems to be not a top priority for the PNG government.  The present political regime has unfortunately shown its ignorance and apathy about improving PNG’s national security situation for a long time. 

Commander Agwi in his new role must see that some good basic changes be made to a force that needs a better deal.  The new commander will no doubt have his hands full to whip the present military into top shape and form.  This can be done if the new general resists the temptations of all predecessors not to take too many unnecessary ‘out-of-town’ overseas trips, and have a completely new no-nonsense command team to help him.

A new good command team is an absolutely must.  It will ensure the Commander’s intent and mission is not unduly compromised and carried out without fear or favor by fully committed, dedicated officers and subordinates.  This is the only way to make the PNGDF really work to the expectations of the people. 

Commander Agwi needs to put his job on the line by ensuring the PNGDF is not maintained as a mere ‘paper tiger”, but a true national force.  The PNGDF must now be made into a strong force.  To achieve his new defence mission, General Agwi must tell his government and the bureaucracy to ‘put up, or shut up’.  The Government has two choices: give the Defence Force what it needs now or scrap it.