Pacific Towing (PacTow) has welcomed its newest and most powerful tug, PACIFIC RESPONDER, into Port Moresby following a 27-day delivery voyage from Zhenjiang, China. The arrival marks a major milestone in Steamships’ ongoing investment in Papua New Guinea’s maritime infrastructure.

The new-build Azimuth Stern Drive (ASD) tug arrived on Friday, 6 November 2026, after covering approximately 4,400 nautical miles across the region. Following customs clearance, PACIFIC RESPONDER proceeded to PacTow’s dedicated tug base and headquarters at Motukea, escorted by sister tugs KEERA and TAVURVUR.

The delivery voyage commenced on 11 October from Zhenjiang to Zhoushan in China, before heading south to the Philippines to take on essential supplies, fuel, and equipment, as well as complete a scheduled crew change. From the Philippines, PACIFIC RESPONDER navigated the waters north of Australia and transited the Torres Strait before arriving safely in Port Moresby.

Despite encountering challenging sea conditions—including heavy swells and strong winds during the passage from China to the Philippines—the vessel completed the journey safely. PACIFIC RESPONDER is scheduled to begin harbour towage duties in Port Moresby once final regulatory permits, compliance clearances, and comprehensive crew training are completed.

PACIFIC RESPONDER is the first of two new-build tugs commissioned by PacTow as part of a PGK70 million fleet expansion. Her sister tug, PACIFIC RESOLUTE, is currently en route to Papua New Guinea. With bollard pulls of 70 and 67 tonnes respectively, the two vessels become the most powerful tugs in PacTow’s fleet.

Steamships Marine Logistics General Manager, Alistair Skingley, said the investment underscores the company’s long-term commitment to elevating marine services and supporting the evolving demands of Papua New Guinea’s shipping sector.

“An investment of PGK70 million in these two harbour towage tugs is a significant commitment by Steamships to Pacific Towing, our customers, and the future of Papua New Guinea’s maritime industry,” Mr. Skingley said.

“PACIFIC RESPONDER and PACIFIC RESOLUTE will give PacTow greater capacity to support shipping companies operating in PNG, including those bringing larger vessels into our ports. They will also strengthen the reliability, safety, and range of towage services we can provide to our customers.

“The introduction of these vessels will also provide opportunities for ongoing training and capability development for our PNG maritime workforce. This investment ensures PacTow remains well positioned to support PNG’s ports and shipping industry as trade volumes and vessel sizes continue to grow.”