A historic milestone was achieved last Friday May 15, 2026, as the people of Kandrian Gloucester District in West New Britain province, witnessed the official launching of MV Hiruoi, the first and largest vessel ever owned by a District Development Authority (DDA) in the country.

The launching ceremony brought together national leaders, provincial executives, district officials, community leaders, and thousands of people from across the five Local Level Governments (LLGs) of Kandrian Gloucester District, including Kaliai Kove, Gasmata, Gloucester, Kandrian Inland, and Kandrian Coastal.

The vessel was officially launched by Joseph Lelang, Minister for Rural and Economic Development, and Member for Kandrian Gloucester.

Minister Lelang described the acquisition of MV Hiruoi as a long-term vision aimed at transforming the district’s economic future and improving service delivery to its people.

Built in 2023 in Sibu, Malaysia, the MV Hiruoi is a 55-meter-long and 14-meter-wide vessel. Globally certified at 644 metric tons, it is capable of servicing international maritime routes, though its immediate priority remains a local development.

The ship boasts an impressive capacity to carry up to one million litres of fuel and 60 twenty-foot containers: a scale unmatched by any other DDA in the country.

“For too long, our people have struggled because of transportation and accessibility challenges,” said Minister Lelang.

“Kandrian Gloucester is not a landlocked district with easy road connections. We are a coastal district, and the solution to our development challenges was not simply building roads, we needed a ship to move development.”

The Minister revealed that the investment into securing the vessel took years of careful planning and sacrifice, especially during periods when funding support was limited while serving in Opposition.

“I had a vision and a dream that one day our district would own a vessel. It took years of saving and planning to secure K7.6 million to purchase this ship for our people.”

Although the vessel arrived in PNG from Malaysia in August last year, operations were delayed due to extensive compliance requirements from the National Maritime Safety Authority (NMSA).

Minister Lelang emphasized that while the vessel is internationally certified as a 644-metric-ton vessel capable of servicing international maritime routes, priority has been placed on serving the people of PNG, particularly the people of Kandrian Gloucester District.

The vessel’s maiden operations will focus on transporting copra and cocoa from Gasmata LLG through Kandoka to Kimbe, allowing local farmers and producers to access markets more efficiently.

He confirmed that no freight charges will be imposed on the people of Kandrian Gloucester during the initial voyages.

Upon its return, the vessel will transport machinery and heavy equipment to support the long-awaited Gasmata Ring Road Project and other major district infrastructure developments.

Meanwhile, Governor of West New Britain Sasindran Muthuvel, praised the initiative and described MV Hiruoi as a game-changing investment for both Kandrian Gloucester and the province.

“This vessel will strengthen the economy of Kandrian Gloucester and West New Britain by helping local farmers transport their cocoa and copra products to markets in Kimbe and beyond,” Governor Muthuvel said.

The Governor also acknowledged the presence of Beldan Namah, Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture and Member for Vanimo-Green, and noted that the launch could open doors for tourism development in the district.

“Kandrian Gloucester is blessed with beautiful coastlines, culture, and tourism potential. This vessel can help unlock tourism opportunities and attract visitors and investors into the district,” he added.

Minister Namah, who officially cut the ribbon, congratulated Minister Lelang for his foresight and determination.

“God has blessed Minister Lelang with wisdom, and that wisdom has guided him toward this achievement,” Minister Namah stated. “This vessel has huge potential not only for transportation and trade but also for tourism development.”

He urged local communities to maintain cleanliness, improve law and order, and work together to create a welcoming environment for future tourism investment.

“With this vessel, local produce can now be transported in bulk. Development in Kandrian Gloucester will no longer come slowly, it will come in waves.”

Minister Namah, accompanied by Minister Lelang, Governor Muthuvel, and invited delegates, were escorted onto the vessel where he was given the privilege of cutting the ribbon and officially launching MV Hiruoi.

People from all corners of Kandrian Gloucester District gathered to witness the historic occasion, marking what many described as one of the district’s greatest milestones since PNG’s Independence.

Also present was Chief Executive Officer of the Kandrian Gloucester District Development Authority (KGDDA) Dr. Steven Yennie, who described MV Hiruoi as a “beacon of change” for the district and the KGDDA administration.

“This vessel will make the work of the KGDDA much easier. With many planned and long-awaited projects ahead of us, we are now ready to move forward aggressively and ensure development reaches our people,” Dr. Yennie said.

He pledged to work closely with the presidents of the district’s five LLGs to address the concerns and development needs of local communities with urgency and efficiency.

“Our people deserve visible change, and with the support of this vessel, we are now in a stronger position to deliver that change.”

Dr. Yennie also extended his gratitude to former KGDDA board members, former CEOs, and past district leaders who contributed to the vision and eventual purchase of the vessel.

He expressed how humble he was to be part of the historic launching and assured the people of Kandrian Gloucester that the district administration would work tirelessly to ensure that projects and services are delivered effectively and without delay.