Steamships Re-establishes its Permanent Footprint in Bougainville with Strategic Toniva Development
13 October 2026
Toniva, Autonomous Region of Bougainville || Steamships today marked a significant milestone in its long-term commitment to Bougainville with the groundbreaking ceremony for its new corporate office and accommodation facility in Toniva, Central Bougainville.
The new single-storey modular office and accommodation facility will re-establish Steamships' permanent presence in Bougainville, providing a local base to support the pipeline of investment activities, developing sustainable partnerships with the people of Bougainville and ongoing engagement with key stakeholders. Construction is expected to be completed by December 2026.
Image 1: (Left to right) Moses Miramira - Ward Member of Metora, Lynette Baratai-Pokas - Secretary, ABG Department of Lands, Physical Planning, Environment and Conservation, Dan Khaisir - General Manager Business Development Steamships, Chief Lawrence Topeu representing the 6 land custodian clans of Toniva, perform the formal groundbreaking to mark the commencement of the project.
The development follows the Memorandum of Understanding signed between the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) and Steamships in May 2026, which established a framework for collaboration on land management, community governance and economic development in Bougainville.
Managing Director, Chris Daniells, said the project reflects Steamships' confidence in Bougainville's future and the strong relationships that have been built since 2022 through ongoing engagement, consultation and collaboration with the traditional land custodians and the ABG.
Image 2: Steamships representatives joined ABG representatives, Chiefs, and representatives of the six land custodian clans of Toniva for a group photograph following the groundbreaking ceremony.
"I thank the traditional land custodians and the ABG for their trust, partnership and commitment throughout this process. Today's groundbreaking is an important milestone that reflects the strong foundation we have built together through engagement, consultation, collaboration and a shared vision for Bougainville's future.” It marks the start of the next phase as we continue working together to support sustainable development, attract investment and create long-term economic opportunities for the people of Bougainville."
Toniva was selected for its strategic location within North Nasioi, Central Bougainville. The area is earmarked to be a future economic corridor with strong potential to support the rebuilding of commercial, logistics and light industrial activity.
Steamships currently hold 19 titled properties in the Toniva area, acquired prior to the Bougainville Crisis, and views the development as an important step in supporting future investment and economic activity in the region.
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