The Royal Australian Naval (RAN) Vessel HMAS Leeuwin has arrived in Lae under the PNG-Australian partnership for maritime survey operations including around Umboi Island.
HMAS Leeuwin is a hydrographic survey ship and her visit to the Lae Port, is part of the regional hydrographic survey mission that the PNG Government is undertaking.
The surveying began on 13 July and will end on 16 August 2026 and involves collecting hydrographic data that will contribute to the development of updated nautical charts and improve the safety of navigation in PNG waters.
In Papua New Guinea, the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA) conducts similar surveys and chartings to improve sea travel and navigation of maritime vessels.
The RAN Hydrographic Service is responsible for charting more than one-eighth of the world’s surface, covering an area that extends from Cocos (Keeling) Islands in the Indian Ocean to the Solomon Islands, and from the Equator to Antarctica.
This survey mission will support the creation of updated nautical charts, helping make travel by sea safer for communities, government vessels and commercial operators across Papua New Guinea.
In 2022, Fugro completed a hydrographic survey led by NMSA and funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). That survey was to determine a safe channel through the Star Reef Passage. Through that 2022 survey under the Maritime and Waterways Safety Project, the goal was to improve the safety and efficiency of international and national shipping in coastal areas and waterways in PNG by improving maritime safety information infrastructure, practices, and capacity.
However, for this mission with the RAN, it reflects the practical cooperation envisaged under the PNG–Australia Pukpuk Treaty and demonstrates the close relationship between the two nations.
During the mission, HMAS Leeuwin is providing mentoring and practical training opportunities for embarked members of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), strengthening maritime capability and reinforcing the longstanding partnership between Australia and PNG.
While in Lae, the ship will have the opportunity to experience the hospitality and culture of Morobe Province and engage with members of the local community before returning to sea to continue survey operations around Umboi Island. HMAS Leeuwin is the lead ship of the RAN’s Leeuwin-class hydrographic survey vessels.
The deployment highlights the strong and enduring defence partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea and a shared commitment to maritime safety, security and regional cooperation.