Lae, Morobe Province | Wednesday, 9 July 2025 – Australia’s premier maritime humanitarian response vessel, the Australian Defence Vessel (ADV) Reliant, has arrived at the Port of Lae as part of a regional deployment across the Pacific — highlighting the growing cooperation between Australia and Papua New Guinea under the Comprehensive Strategic and Economic Partnership (CSEP).
The visit, facilitated by the Australian Consulate-General in Lae, included a special VIP tour for invited guests, showcasing the ship’s extensive capabilities in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), maritime security, and regional support.
Australian Consul-General in Lae, Mr Brenton Kanowski, described the visit as a strong symbol of Australia’s enduring partnership with PNG.
“The visit of ADV Reliant highlights the strength of Australia’s partnership with Papua New Guinea and our shared commitment to regional security and resilience,” Mr Kanowski said.
“As Lae continues to grow as an economic and logistics hub, Australia is proud to support capabilities that can assist in times of disaster and strengthen the region’s humanitarian response.”
During the official programme at Berth 3 of Lae Main Port, guests toured the vessel and received a comprehensive briefing on its technical capabilities and role in the Pacific.
Equipped with a 150-tonne crane, 1000m² open cargo deck, onboard medical facilities, and desalination units capable of producing 20 tonnes of drinking water daily, Reliant is purpose-built to respond rapidly to regional crises. It can support up to 500 people during a 12-hour transit and offload 500 tonnes of water per day, making it an indispensable asset in the event of natural disasters or humanitarian emergencies.
ADV Reliant plays a key role in Australia’s regional security operations through initiatives such as Operation SOLANIA, targeting illegal fishing in partnership with the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency. The vessel also supports maritime surveillance under the Pacific Maritime Security Program, delivering high-priority cargo to regional partners and conducting joint patrols.
The vessel’s visit to Lae is part of a broader effort by the Australian Government to deepen defence and development ties with PNG and the wider Pacific.
For more information on ADV Reliant, visit the Royal Australian Navy’s official page:
🔗 https://www.navy.gov.au/capabilities/ships-boats-and-submarines/adv-reliant