The story of Steamships, the company that started its operation in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in the early years of the 20th century, is one of commitment and trust in investing in a land and its people long before it became a country.

The Steamships Trading Company Limited, steamed into the pacific and set up shop in Port Moresby as World War One was ending in 1918. Starting with just one vessel, the company grow to one of the biggest employers and investor in Papua New Guinea 107 years on.

This is a snapshot of the history of the Steamships company that was displayed recently in Port Moresby city when premiering its documentary film- "Steamships and Papua New Guinea, Our Story", on the Friday 14th November.

The documentary film, with the skillful use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to produce it, showed the story of Steamships’ past, the present and the outlook of a company that has been part and parcel of many Papua New Guineans.

Steamships Managing Director Mr. Chris Daniels in his opening address said the 30-minute documentary film is part of a yearlong series of activities by Steamships to commemorate PNG’s 50th anniversary of independence.

“As PNG celebrates this great milestone, Steamships too marks 107 years of continued partnership and service to the people of this great nation,” he said.

“From the humble beginning in 1918 as a single vessel trading operation to today, as one of the largest private employers in the country.”

“Our company philosophy is to offer best service to all our customers, provide service and rewarding careers for our staff, and always maintaining the highest business ethics. These principles have guided us for more than a century.

Meanwhile, the Minister for Fisheries Jelta Wong who represented the prime minister at the premiering night, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the century long service Steamships has provided to the people of Papua New Guinea from shipping to residence and hotels.

“This is about collaboration, commitment, dedication. A company 107 years old,” Minister Wong expressed.

He further expressed that the connection made throughout PNG was done through Steamships linking the various ports and bringing the people together, way before independence came around.

“This is commitment and dedication. You don’t get that these days,” said the minister.