Cruises to Papua New Guinea 2023

Papua New Guinea is a unique and fascinating destination that offers an unforgettable experience for travellers who are looking for adventure, culture, and natural beauty. While Papua New Guinea is not a typical cruise destination, several cruise lines offer trips to this beautiful country. 

In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the cruise lines that visit Papua New Guinea, and what you should know before booking your trip.

(PNG is one of the best surfing hotspots in the Pacific. Check out this article for the Surfing Papua New Guinea)

Princess Cruises: A popular choice for Australian travellers

Princess Cruises is a well-known cruise line that offers a 14-day cruise to Papua New Guinea. Departing from Sydney, Australia, this cruise stops at several destinations in Papua New Guinea, including: 

• Alotau, 
• Kitava, 
• Rabaul, 
• Kiriwina Island, and 
• Conflict Islands. 

With its excellent onboard facilities and services, Princess Cruises is a great choice for travellers who are looking for comfort and convenience.

P&O Cruises: A variety of options to choose from

P&O Cruises is another popular cruise line that offers several trips to Papua New Guinea. 

Departing from Brisbane, Australia, these cruises range from 7 to 12 days in length and visit destinations such as Alotau, Kitava, Rabaul, and Kiriwina Island. 

P&O Cruises is a good choice for travellers who are looking for affordable options, as well as families with children.

Holland America Line: A premium experience

Holland America Line offers a 14-day cruise to Papua New Guinea, departing from Sydney, Australia. 

This cruise stops at 

• Alotau, 
• Kitava, 
• Rabaul, 
• Kiriwina Island, and 
• other destinations in Papua New Guinea. 

With its elegant and refined onboard atmosphere, Holland America Line is a great choice for travellers who are looking for a premium cruising experience.

Silversea Cruises: An Expedition to remote islands

Silversea Cruises offers a 12-day expedition cruise that explores the remote islands of Papua New Guinea. 

Departing from Cairns, Australia, this cruise visits the Louisiade Archipelago, Trobriand Islands, and other remote destinations in Papua New Guinea. 

With its focus on exploration and adventure, Silversea Cruises is a great choice for travellers who are looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience.

Here are some facts about Australia and Papua New Guinea that will blow your mind, find out.

Coral Expeditions: A cultural and natural exploration

Coral Expeditions offers a 14-day expedition cruise that explores the cultural and natural wonders of Papua New Guinea. 

Departing from Cairns, Australia, this cruise visits destinations such as Alotau, Tufi, the Sepik River, Madang, and other locations in Papua New Guinea. 

With its focus on cultural immersion and nature exploration, Coral Expeditions is a great choice for travelers who are looking for an authentic and unique experience.

What to know before booking a cruise to Papua New Guinea

Before booking your cruise to Papua New Guinea, there are a few things that you should know. 

First, Papua New Guinea is a developing country, and some parts of the country may not be as developed as you may expect. Be prepared for limited infrastructure and facilities, especially in more remote areas.

Second, Papua New Guinea has a rich and diverse culture, and it's important to be respectful and mindful of local customs and traditions. Be sure to read up on the culture and customs of Papua New Guinea before your trip.

Finally, keep in mind that Papua New Guinea is a tropical country, and it can be hot and humid throughout the year. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing and gear for the climate, and stay hydrated while exploring.

Conclusion

A cruise to Papua New Guinea offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travellers who are looking for adventure, culture, and natural beauty. With several cruise lines to choose from, there's a trip that's

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Information (scholarships for PNG students 2024)

The Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship is a prestigious scholarship offered to students from around the world who are interested in studying in New Zealand. The scholarship provides financial assistance to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other study-related costs.

Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship 2024

For Papua New Guinea (PNG) students who are interested in applying for the scholarship, the application process is simple and straightforward. 

The application portal for the 2024 tertiary Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships opens around February. For example, last year it opened on the 1st of February, 2023, and closed at midday on the 28th of February, 2023. 

How to Apply for Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship 2024

To apply for the scholarship as a first-time applicant, PNG students need to follow the following steps:

Step 1: Confirm your eligibility

The first step is to confirm your eligibility by completing the online eligibility test. This will help you determine if you are eligible to apply for the scholarship. 

If the test confirms that you are eligible, you will receive an eligibility code.

Step 2: Register for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship account

Once you have received your eligibility code, you can register for a Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship account. 

You will need to enter your email address, and the system will check to make sure that it is not already being used. You will then need to complete the rest of your account details and select ‘Register’.

Step 3: Set password for your Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship account

You will receive an email to set a password and complete the registration process. Remember to check your spam folder in case automated messages are filtered.

Step 4: Complete and submit your application before the closing date

Using your Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship Account, you can access the online application system anytime between the opening and closing dates for your country. 

Application Prerequisites

Before you apply, ensure you have all the necessary information and documents, including your academic transcripts, English language proficiency test scores, and a personal statement. 

Also, ensure your answers make sense, use correct English grammar, punctuation, and spelling, and keep your answers concise within the maximum character limit specified on the form. 

Importantly, do not cheat or plagiarize as the scholarship committee will reject your application.

It is also essential that you use a valid email address when submitting your application as the scholarship committee will communicate with applicants by email. Check your email regularly and reply promptly to any communication from the scholarship committee. 

Further information for PNG Applicants

In case you have any unanswered questions about the scholarship, you can visit the scholarship website to find answers to common questions. However, if you still have questions, you can use the contact form provided on the website to send an enquiry.

PNG students who are interested in studying in New Zealand can apply for the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarship by following the above steps. The scholarship provides an opportunity for students to access quality education in New Zealand and gain a competitive edge in their future careers.

Papua LNG project: Total Energies, ExxonMobil, and Santos the main benefactors

 Papua New Guinea is a country located in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, north of Australia. The country has abundant natural resources, including natural gas, which has been a major source of revenue for the country in recent years. 

The Papua LNG project is one of the largest gas projects in the country, and it is operated by a consortium of three major oil and gas companies: Total Energies, ExxonMobil, and Santos.

Production started in 2014.

Stakes: Total Energies, ExxonMobil, and Santos

According to the data provided, the Papua LNG project is valued at USD10b, and the three companies have varying stakes in the project. 

Total Energies has a 40.1% stake, ExxonMobil has a 37.1% stake, and Santos has a 22.8% stake. 

However, the state (PNG Government) has a back-in right of 22.5%, which means that if it exercises this right, the equity of the three companies will be diluted. 

In this scenario, Total Energies will have a 31.1% stake, ExxonMobil will have a 28.8% stake, and Santos will have a 17.7% stake.

Image: Supplied

Papua LNG Project Awareness

Despite the economic benefits of the Papua LNG project, many Papua New Guineans are not fully aware of the details of the project. For instance, since the project was announced in 2014, it has earned the country over USD10b in revenue. 

However, this figure pales in comparison to the USD30b earned by the country's other LNG gas project, PNG LNG Gas, which started production in 2014. This highlights the need for more public education on the Papua LNG project and its potential benefits.

Papua LNG Project Benefit Negotiation

The negotiation process for the Papua LNG project was not without its challenges. In 2019, the country's then-minister for mining, Johnson Tuke, announced that the government had reached an agreement with the project's stakeholders on the terms for the development of the project. 

However, the agreement was met with protests from landowners and civil society groups, who accused the government of not consulting them adequately. 

The country's current prime minister, James Marape, has promised to review the country's resource laws to ensure that the country gets a fair share of the revenue from its natural resources under his motto Take Back PNG.

Challenges of the Papua LNG project

In terms of the benefits and challenges of the Papua LNG project, there are several factors to consider. 

On the one hand, the project has the potential to generate significant revenue for the country, which can be used to fund social and economic development projects. Additionally, the project can create jobs and boost local businesses. 

On the other hand, the project may have negative environmental impacts, such as deforestation and pollution. Additionally, there may be concerns about the equitable distribution of revenue and benefits among all stakeholders, including landowners and local communities.

SWOT analysis

A SWOT analysis of the Papua LNG and PNG LNG projects reveals the following:

Strengths:

• Both projects have the potential to generate significant revenue for the country.
• The projects can create jobs and boost local businesses.

Weaknesses:

• The projects may have negative environmental impacts.
• There may be concerns about the equitable distribution of revenue and benefits among all stakeholders.

Opportunities:

• The country can use revenue generated from the projects to fund social and economic development projects.
• The government can review its resource laws to ensure that the country gets a fair share of the revenue from its natural resources.

Threats:

• Protests from landowners and civil society groups can delay or halt the development of the projects.
• Fluctuations in the global oil and gas markets can impact the viability of the projects.

Another potential threat to the projects is political instability in the country. Papua New Guinea has a history of political instability and corruption, which can affect the smooth running of the projects.

Papua LNG and PNG LNG projects' potential

Despite these challenges, both the Papua LNG and PNG LNG projects have the potential to benefit the country significantly. 

It is important, however, that the government and the project stakeholders take into account the concerns of all stakeholders and ensure that the projects are developed in a socially and environmentally responsible manner. 

This includes consulting with local communities and landowners, addressing any environmental concerns, and ensuring that revenue and benefits are distributed equitably among all stakeholders.

Conclusion

The Papua LNG project is a significant development in Papua New Guinea's natural gas sector. 

However, it is important that the government and the project stakeholders address concerns around environmental impacts, revenue distribution, and community consultation to ensure that the project benefits all stakeholders in the country. 

Additionally, the government should continue to review its resource laws to ensure that the country gets a fair share of the revenue from its natural resources.

Earthquake in PNG: What You Need to Know and How to Stay Informed

Papua New Guinea (PNG), a country located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, experiences frequent earthquakes due to its location on the boundary of two tectonic plates. 

Over the years, PNG has suffered several devastating earthquakes, causing destruction and loss of life. 

Here, we'll discuss two past earthquakes that shook PNG, what causes earthquakes in the country, and what you can do to stay safe.

Past Earthquakes in PNG and Disasters

The 1998 Aitape Earthquake

On July 17, 1998, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit the town of Aitape in PNG's Sandaun Province. 

It triggered a massive tsunami that killed over 2,000 people and left thousands more injured or homeless.

The 2018 Highlands Earthquake

On February 26, 2018, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake hit PNG's Highlands region, causing landslides, destroying homes, and leaving more than 100 people dead. 

The quake also damaged infrastructure, including roads and communication lines, making rescue efforts difficult.

Updates on Earthquakes in PNG just now

To stay updated on earthquakes in PNG, you can visit the website of the PNG Geological Survey and Mineral Resources Authority (www.gsr.gov.pg). You can also follow the authority's social media pages for real-time updates. 

In case of an earthquake in PNG just now, turn on the radio or TV and listen for emergency alerts.

Here are five ways to get the latest updates on earthquakes in PNG and the Pacific:

• Follow the social media pages of the PNG Geological Survey and Mineral Resources Authority for real-time updates.
• Download a reputable earthquake-tracking app such as MyShake, QuakeFeed, or Earthquake Alert.
• Sign up for email or text alerts from the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, which provides information on earthquakes and tsunami warnings.
• Check news websites such as Reuters, CNN, and BBC for breaking news and updates on earthquakes in PNG and the Pacific.
• Tune in to local radio or TV stations for emergency alerts and instructions during an earthquake or tsunami warning.

For detailed information on how to get the latest updates in Earthquakes in PNG today, check out this page.

Causes of Earthquakes in PNG

PNG is located on the boundary of the Pacific and Australian tectonic plates, which are constantly moving against each other. 

The movement of these plates generates stress that builds up over time and is eventually released as an earthquake. 

The frequency and intensity of earthquakes in PNG are due to its position in the Ring of Fire, an area of intense seismic and volcanic activity.

Effects of Earthquakes

Earthquakes can cause significant damage to infrastructure, including buildings, bridges, and roads, and disrupt essential services such as water and electricity. 

They can also trigger landslides, tsunamis, and other secondary hazards that can cause further damage and loss of life.

Staying Safe During Earthquakes

During an earthquake, drop to the ground, take cover under a sturdy piece of furniture, and hold on until the shaking stops. 

If you're outdoors, move to an open area away from buildings and power lines. 

If you're in a car, pull over to a safe location and stay inside until the shaking stops. 

Remember to listen for emergency alerts and follow the advice of local authorities.

Facts About Earthquakes in PNG

PNG experiences an average of 200 earthquakes per year, most of which are too small to be felt.

The largest earthquake ever recorded in PNG was a magnitude 8.0 quake near Rabaul in 1937.

PNG's frequent earthquakes make it a hub for earthquake research, with scientists worldwide studying the country's seismic activity.

What You Need to Know and How to Stay Informed

In conclusion, earthquakes are frequent in PNG, and it's essential to know how to stay safe during these natural disasters. 

By following the advice of local authorities and staying informed, you can minimize the impact of earthquakes on your life and property.