Steamships expresses gratitude to Hanuabada and Elevala
12 April 2018
Steamships expresses gratitude to Hanuabada and Elevala.
A small ceremony was conducted in the boardroom of Port Services PNG Limited (PSL) on Thursday 12 April, to mark the end of a successful business relationship between the villagers of Hanuabada and Elevala, and Steamships.
Port Services is almost as old as the Independent State of Papua New Guinea, having commenced its operations in 1979. For over 25 years of the operations, the business has been a joint venture between Steamships, the Motu Koita Assembly through Tabudubu Limited, and the villagers of Hanuabada and Elevala, through H&E Stevedores Limited. The move of the port to Motukea and the appointment of an International Terminal operator has necessitated the closure of the business.
The ceremony was held to distribute a dividend to the shareholders as the business is wound up and assets are sold. When handing over the cheques General Manager of TPS, Gordon McMaster remarked that it was pleasing for Steamships to have had a business relationship that returned significant income and benefit to a local community. "Today's payment is a realisation of the significant value generated over the lifetime of the business" said McMaster.
"We're very grateful to our fellow shareholders and the staff of PSL, for their commitment and contribution to what has been a very successful business", continued McMaster. "Over the years the company has provided employment to thousands of men and women from Hanuabada and Elevala, as well as people from Baruni and Tatana. In fact, some of our employees are actually third generation", continued Mr McMaster.
Steamships celebrates 100 years of doing business in PNG this year. The company has a long association with the people of Motu Koita, and this year will be a major sponsor of the Hiri Moale Festival. In accepting the dividend on behalf of Tabudubu, Chairman Turaho Morea, and Taunao Vai of H&E Stevedoring expressed their thanks to Steamships and Port Services for their confidence and investment in the people of Motu Koita.