25 February 2011
For immediate release
Australian Navy ships conduct oceanic survey
Australian High Commissioner, Ian Kemish, Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) Chief of Staff Captain Tom Ur and Chief Hydrographer Mr. Joseph Kunda were amongst guest on board HMAS Leeuwin on Thursday, February 24, 2011.
Her Majesty’s Australian Ship (HMAS) Leeuwin has been conducting hydrographic surveys for the past two weeks, while sister-ship HMAS Melville will join survey operations in Caution Bay, just off Papa-Lealea and surrounding areas next week.
Mr. Kemish said the hydrography and bathymetric surveys, which had been requested by PNG, will allow for safe navigation in the approaches towards the LNG facility which will be located in Caution Bay. As such the work the two ships were doing was of crucial importance to the LNG project.
“I am delighted that these Royal Australian Navy ships are making such a direct contribution to PNG’s execution of the LNG project. These surveys will be of direct and practical benefit to PNG authorities and the LNG project” Mr Kemish said.
The HMAS Leeuwin arrived on Saturday, February 12, 2011 while HMAS Melville arrived on Friday, February 25, 2011.