Steamships and Tininga break ground on Dobel Central
29 April 2025
Pictured: Steamships Managing Director - Chris Daniells, Hon. William Duma LLB, LLM, MP, Member for Hagen Open, Minister for State Enterprises, Mrs. Margaret Duckworth, Hon. Wai Rapa Western Highlands Province Governer, Tininga Managing Director Pat Duckworth, Mr. Sam Koim
For immediate release – 25 April 2025
Mount Hagen, Western Highlands Province – Steamships and Tininga Ltd today broke ground on joint venture project, Dobel Central, a mixed-use mega mall which will change the economic landscape of Mt Hagen and Western Highlands. The new, state-of the-art 10,000m2 development will play a critical role in driving progress across agriculture, MSMEs, tourism, and other key sectors in the Highlands region
Dobel Central is a collaborative initiative aimed at creating an inclusive, thriving commercial hub that not only facilitates business growth but also directly empowers local communities through job creation and entrepreneurial opportunities.
“We see this not only as an investment in infrastructure but as an investment in people. Our goal is to create a premium retail and commercial development in the Highlands. One that provides a safe and secure trading environment,” said Steamships Managing Director Chris Daniells in his address on Friday, “it will be an inclusive space that nurtures opportunity—where entrepreneurs can flourish, youth can find employment, and families can benefit from improved access to services and amenities.”
Steamships highlighted the essential role of partnerships in this achievement, particularly with the Western Highlands Provincial Government, whose support has been instrumental in aligning the development with the region’s strategic goals.
Tininga Managing Director Pat Duckworth comments, “Changes in government have brought about a positive shift in law and order, fostering a safer, more positive community. Tininga has its roots firmly implanted in Mt Hagen and together with Steamships, we believed in the potential of the Western Highlands. That belief started with the Hagen Central development in town and today we are proud to take the next step with Dobel Central.”
The capital investment of Dobel Central is worth an approximate K200 million and is expected to deliver expanded retail and commercial spaces, supporting a wide range of local and national businesses while reinforcing Mt. Hagen’s role as the premier service centre for the Highlands Region. The first phase of the mall is on track to open in Q1 2026, and will feature Tininga’s new supermarket alongside stage one of the retail space rollout.
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Media contact
Denika Seeto
Corporate Affairs Manager
Level 2, @345 Building, Stanley Esplanade, Port Moresby
Dseeto @steamships.com.pg
About Steamships
Steamships Trading Company or Steamships, as it is more commonly known, is a diversified leader in logistics, hospitality, properties and joint-venture businesses in Papua New Guinea.
Commencing operations in 1918, Steamships has been investing in PNG’s growth, development and progress ever since, steadily evolving its business to meet current needs and anticipate the future. The group has been integral to, and part of, PNG’s development into a modern and formative leader within the Asia-Pacific region.
Committed to our people, the sustainability of our operations, and the future of Papua New Guinea, Steamships is pioneering sustainable progress in PNG for the next generation of stakeholders.
We don’t just do business in PNG….It’s our home.
About Tininga
With a workforce surpassing 1020 dedicated individuals, Tininga Limited has established itself as one of the largest companies in Mount Hagen, the dynamic epicentre of the PNG Highlands. From its modest beginnings in 2005 with two stores and 80 staff members, Tininga has undergone remarkable growth.
The company boasts an extensive and diverse portfolio, operating four supermarkets, two hardware stores, a wholesale business, four distribution outlets, and a property joint venture with Steamships Trading Company – Hagen Central. The diversified business also includes Hilans Fres, a fresh produce arm supplying Papua New Guinea with high-quality Highlands vegetables, Highlands Butchery, a small goods and meat manufacturing plant, and Highlands Bakery, a centralized commercial bakery catering to the Western Highlands and surrounding provinces. Tininga is committed to meeting diverse market needs and contributing to the economic landscape.
At the core of Tininga’s success lies a foundation built on robust relationships with customers, staff, and suppliers, all underpinned by the unwavering commitment to the highest standards of business ethics in every interaction.