News in Brief
Steamships at the Green Finance Summit 2025
27 March 2025
Steamships Trading Company proudly participated in the inaugural Green Finance Summit 2025, held from March 24th to 26th at the Hilton Port Moresby Hotel & Residence. Hosted by the Green Finance Centre (GFC), the summit aimed to drive inclusive, climate-resilient financial solutions and promote sustainable economic growth in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
The three-day event brought together senior government officials, financial sector leaders, development partners, and private sector stakeholders from PNG, the Pacific, and international markets. Discussions focused on sustainable development, emphasizing policies that balance economic growth with environmental protection; climate vulnerability, addressing PNG’s exposure to climate risks and the urgent need for sustainable financial solutions; and economic diversification, exploring how sustainable investments can help expand PNG’s economy and create long-term job opportunities.
On Day 2, during Session 4: Green Opportunities for the Private Sector, Vele Rupa, General Manager of Corporate Affairs, delivered a presentation on Steamships’ sustainability initiatives, with a particular focus on EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) Certification — an internationally recognized certification developed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to promote energy, water, and material efficiency in building projects.
Key highlights of the presentation included:
- Steamships’ commitment to sustainability across its logistics, property, and hospitality operations, guided by its THRIVE sustainability Strategy.
- EDGE Certification as a key initiative to improve energy and resource efficiency in Steamships’ properties, playing a crucial role in the property division’s SBT/net-zero strategy to reduce emissions.
- @345 Building – the first in the South Pacific to achieve the EDGE Standard, demonstrating at least a 20% reduction in energy use, water use, and embodied energy in materials.
- Ongoing EDGE-certified projects, with a firm commitment to integrating EDGE and sustainability measures into all future developments from the design phase onward.
Steamships’ participation in the summit reinforced business’s critical role in driving green economic growth and strengthening climate resilience in PNG. Through continued investment in sustainable development, Steamships remains dedicated to building a greener future and collaborating with industry partners to advance sustainable finance and green initiatives.
International Partnership to Enhance Education in PNG
21 March 2025
Steamships, through EastWest Transport and Consort Express Lines were pleased support delivery of materials in an inspiring collaboration to boost literacy in Papua New Guinea (PNG).
The Australian Government’s Partnerships for Improving Education (PIE) program teamed up with United World College of Southeast Asia (UWCSEA) Dover and other Singaporean international schools to provide books and essential school supplies to government schools across Central, Enga, and West Sepik provinces, as well as the Autonomous Region of Bougainville.
Through the Classroom Library Initiative, supported by the Australian Government’s PIE program, these resources are helping to create engaging reading spaces for early-grade students (Preparatory to Grade 2)—fostering a lifelong love for reading and strengthening early literacy skills.
Safety First, Safety Always as Steamships team undertakes Basic Fire Extinguisher Training
03 February 2025
”Fire is a good servant but a bad master.”
The team at Steamships have an internal interactive and insightful Basic Fire Extinguisher Training session conducted the Pacific Palms Property Fire Risk Management Team. This initiative is part of Steamships’ proactive approach to fire safety.
This training highlighted the importance of fire safety and being prepared for emergencies in the workplace.
Key Takeaways from the Training:
1. Types of Fire Extinguishers – Understanding the
different types (water,foam,wet chemical,dry
chemical powder, and carbon dioxide) and the fire
classes they are suitable for.
2. Classes of Fire - Class A, B,C,D,E,F.
3. PASS Technique – Pull the pin, Aim at the nozzel
base, Squeeze the lever, and Sweep side to side.
4. Fire Triangle – The three elements needed for a fire
(heat, fuel, oxygen).
5. When to Fight vs. When to Evacuate – Assessing
fire size, exit access, and personal safety before
attempting to extinguish a fire.
6. Regular Maintenance – Ensuring that extinguishers
are brought in for their routine checks and are in
working condition.
This training reinforced the critical role everyone plays in maintaining fire safety. Since fire hazards can emerge unexpectedly, being equipped with the right knowledge and the ability to respond quickly and effectively is essential for protecting both lives and property.
Steamships Gold Sponsor of Eda Davara Marine Conservation and Scientific Research Gala
03 February 2025
On Friday, 24th January, the Eda Davara Gala Night brought together a passionate community dedicated to marine conservation and scientific research. Steamships was proudly a Gold Sponsor for this remarkable event, held at Lamana Hotel.
It was truly inspiring to witness the achievements of young, brilliant, and passionate Papua New Guineans come to life through their commendable work in marine conservation. The evening featured insightful presentations, including an introduction to KataLite Consultancy and the Eda Davara Marine Sanctuary, updates on EcoRangers and ED Scientific Research Projects, and an inspiring and insightful keynote address by Dr. Eric Kwa, Chairman of the Marine Scientific Research Committee and Ocean.
The program also included moving performances by Art Activism PNG which powerfully reflected the night’s theme, adding an emotional and artistic dimension to the event.
One of the highlights of the night was the Caroline Gaba Henao Award, which recognized outstanding EcoRangers. Guests also gained valuable insights into 2025 projects and wet laboratory plans for the Kohua Research Centre in Barakau Village, presented by Dikatauna Kwa Co-Founder & Director of KataLite Consultancy.
The evening concluded with the screening of the Eda Davara Documentary, produced by Waldo Media,followed by meaningful networking and discussions on the future of sustainability. The event reinforced the importance of collective action and the integration of traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches to strengthen marine conservation efforts.
Written by Shoshanna Tamari, Sustainable Development Officer, Steamships Limited