News in Brief
Highlander Hotel is gearing up for the opening of the new conference facility.
13 November 2019
Highlander Hotel is gearing up for the opening of the new conference facility.
At a cocktail party on the eve of the Steamships Board meeting in Mt Hagen the Chairman took the opportunity to
introduce the soon to be opened Highlander Hotel conference facility.
“We are excited to continue our plans into 2020 with the opening of this refreshed conference facility featuring
upscale amenities, modern designs and a dedicated staff,” remarked Geoff Cundle.
On hand to witness the soft opening was Sir Peter Ipatas, Steamships Board of Directors, Coral Sea Hotels
Management, Mt. Hagen business community as well as various community leaders.
The new facility offers meeting rooms for up to 300 guests with flexible solutions for various meeting and banquet
requirements. The facility will offer AV capabilities with LCD projectors and screens combined with superior high
quality image clarity. Functional seminars, birthdays, corporate dinners and wedding receptions can take place at the
conference rooms.
The conference centre is expected to open in phases starting 12 November 2019. “We are looking forward to
continuing our partnership with our guests and opening the doors to the new facility. Our excellent location is a
gateway to all businesses in the region and Highlander Hotel offers guests a variety of services including outdoor
pool, relaxing guest rooms, restaurants and meeting rooms”, said Peter Laigaard Jensen, Group General Manager of
Coral Sea Hotels.
The new facility exemplifies Steamships commitment to investment and partnership in the region and Coral Sea Hotels
are equally committed to building a meaningful and memorable experience for guests who chose to stay.
Steamships Chiefs upsets Ela Ocean in intercompany netball.
08 October 2019
The Steamships 2019 sporting calendar ended on a high note with the successful staging of the STC intercompany mixed netball competition. A total of sixteen teams took to the courts at the Rita Flynn Indoor Courts last Saturday, with 120 players vying for the prized Managing Director’s Cup.
After pool play, the teams qualifying for the play-offs included Grand Eagles, Gateway Dolphins, CHHO Hotties, Ela Ocean, Truckies Lae, Swire Sailors, Consort and STC Chiefs.
The fast paced finals saw STC Chiefs from Head Office go head to head with Ela Ocean’s from the Ela Beach Hotel, in what was a nerve wrecking and close encounter. The Chiefs were the surprise victors as they upset the competitive Ela Ocean’s to claim the Managing Director’s Cup and bragging rights for the next twelve months.
“The roller coaster was a bit bumpy for us because Ela Ocean’s is a competitive team and we had to push hard in the second half of the games to edge one point ahead and win the competition” said Raga Vali, STC Chief’s Captain and Most Valuable Player of the Tournament.
Steamships mixed netball competition is one of three sports on the company’s annual sporting calendar. The intercompany competition brings together employees of the company’s six divisions; Consort, Coral Sea Hotels, Pacific Towing, Pacific Palms Property, JV Ports, East West Transport, as well as sister company Swire Shipping and J/V partner Colgate Palmolive.
East West Truckies entered a team from Lae to compete in the competition. The Lae side performed well to win the runner up award in the General Manager’s Cup.
Managing Director Michael Scantlebury was on hand to give out the awards which was witnessed by Rupert Bray, Chief Operating Officer and divisional managers.
“Steamships intercompany sports has a long history which started with Rugby Sevens 25 years ago and expanded to include softball and netball. It’s the perfect way to create inclusiveness and team building amongst our employees, and a great way to meet colleagues from various divisions. The great thing is everyone plays in the spirit of the game, and on the court everyone is equal. You might get the occasional whistle blown on the COO or even a General Manager for running in the wrong courts. It’s a fun day for everyone, “remarked Michael Scantlebury.
The competition was coordinated by Stephan Dawanincura from The Right Connections and international sporting elite Mona Lisa Leka who was the Tournament Director and her team of officials.
Steamships would like to thank its divisions, Mona Lisa-Leka, KB Stone Crew, The Right Connections, Heisi Andrews and his team at the Rita Flynn Courts.
Steamships supports PNG saling cadets at Royal Papua Yacht Club
21 September 2019
Steamships has come on board to proudly sponsor the Young Sailor’s Program this year.
Chief Operating Officer Rupert Bray was on hand on Sunday 29th September to present certificates to young Papua New Guinean sailing cadets at Royal Papua Yacht Club.
Mr Bray remarked, “Given our own maritime heritage, it seems appropriate to lend support to the development of young Papua New Guinean sailors. Sport offers essential developmental and pathway opportunities for children and young adults, and sailing is no exception. This programme will help to focus and nurture young talent, and who knows, may help to realise the Pacific, Commonwealth, and Olympic Games ambitions of one or two of the sailors”.
On hand to witness the presentations were Aaron Batts, General Manager for Royal Papua Yacht Club, Upu Navu Kila Sr, and the organising committee.
The young sailors went through an intensive eight-day school holiday training program last week. The program was aimed at providing the sailors with Hobie 16 and Laser racing skills to enable their advancement to an internationally competitive level.
The program was facilitated by the successful Papua New Guinean sailor and trainer, Upu Navu Kila MBE. Mr Kila has previously competed successfully at the Pacific Games representing PNG, as well as at many overseas events. He has received an MBE from the Queen as well as PNG Logohu Medals for services to sports.
The intensive training programs are ongoing, with an international event being planned for 2020 at the RPYC to coincide with Independence Day celebrations. In thanking Steamships, Aaron Batt, General Manager of the RPYC said, “This will showcase our local sailing talent as well as our beautiful harbour and unique culture and hospitality. It’s great to have Steamships on board”.
Steamships Rugby Sevens Celebrates More than 25 Years of Rugby
12 August 2019
The Steamships Rugby Sevens ended with a high note despite wet conditions on Saturday at Bava Park.
Players and fans withstood the rain to cheer on their favourite teams go head to head at the finals.
The dual men and women’s competition saw the first games kick off at 8:30am.
The finals saw Swire Taikoo dominate the field in the first half of the game against East West Truckies to take out the Managing Director’s Cup.
In the women’s side it was an exceptional win for STC Corporate coming out the reigning champions for the Managing Director’s Cup against East West Truckies.
Chief Operating Officer Rupert Bray was on hand refereeing a couple of games as well as the finals. Rupert is no stranger to rugby Sevens. Having played throughout school, university and the Royal Marines, Rupert became a World Rugby certified referee in Singapore and has refereed 15s and 7s matches all over Asia. Rupert is also a qualified touch rugby referee and coached both contact and touch in Singapore.
Aidan Toua who plays for the Japanese team Honda Heat presented the awards including a signed Australian Rugby Sevens jersey to the Player of the Tournament for both the Men and women’s category. Aidan previously played Super Rugby for the Queensland Reds and ACT Brumbies. His usual position is fullback. Aidan presented
The Steamships Rugby Sevens is experiencing an exponential experience with increasing teams each year for the men’s and women’s team.
New comers to the competition include Pacific Towing and Colgate.
The organising committee would like to thank everyone that assisted on the day including former Pukpuk and Tournament Director Paul Joseph and his technical team, Stephen Dawainincura from The Right Connection, Dr Kapua and his team and Hesi Andrews from Bava Park