MARCH 19 2022
The island ferry, Kalibobo Express, arrived in Madang on Wednesday (March 16 2022) from Thailand after a 16-day voyage.
The vessel departed Thailand on March 1 after being cleared by Thailand Customs and arrived at the Madang Resort Hotel Marina on March 16.
Melanesian Tourist Services (MTS) Director of Tourist Operations, Wesley Hantan, said that upon arrival, PNG Customs, National Agriculture Quarantine Inspection Authority (NAQIA). and Health Quarantine cleared the vessel into PNG waters.
“Everything has gone according to plan, the vessel is already cleared and was given a registration number,” he said.
“Hopefully, the vessel will begin full operations in April after the registration certificate is handed to MTS by National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA).
According to MTS Ship Captain, Josevata Saukilagi, the performance of the vessel during the 16-day voyage was very good.
“We travelled on an economical speech of 10 knots and did not face any difficulties,” he said.
“Mirror tests and surveys will soon be carried out and the vessel will be ready for service in April.”
Chief Engineer, Lemeki Tuivanuavou, said the vessel was built for comfort, safety and fast transport and would bring a whole new level in sea transportation to the people of Madang and Papua New Guinea.
Beautiful! I HAVE FOND MEMORIES OF SWIMMING IN THE POOL BY THAT HOTEL IN THE LATE SIXTIES!