Papua New Guinea has received the third of four Guardian-class Patrol Boats delivered through the Pacific Maritime Security Program; at a handover ceremony in Henderson, Western Australia.
HMPNGS Francis Agwi will soon join HMPNGS Ted Diro and HMPNGS Rochus Lokinap in protecting Papua New Guinea’s maritime domain and contributing to regional maritime security.
The High Commissioner for Papua New Guinea, His Excellency John Ma’o Kali, addressed the handover ceremony virtually, and was represented by HMPNGS Francis Agwi Commanding Officer Lieutenant Elizah Lourie at the official ceremony.
“Australia continues to work closely with our Pacific partners,” Head Maritime Systems, Rear Admiral Wendy Malcolm said.
“Together we undertake coordinated maritime surveillance operations to address illegal fishing, transnational crime, and related security challenges.”
RADM Malcolm said the delivery of HMPNGS Francis Agwi ensures Papua New Guinea is well placed to continue to support our shared vision of a free and open Pacific.
“We are capable of achieving so much more as a community. Working together keeps us better informed and well positioned to protect our collective maritime resources.”
The Pacific Maritime Security Program is delivering 21 Guardian-class Patrol Boats to 12 Pacific Island nations and Timor-Leste, providing investment and job opportunities within Australia’s Naval Shipbuilding Enterprise.
To date 13 vessels have been delivered and vessel construction has delivered 400 direct and indirect Australian shipbuilding jobs.
