Port Moresby, NCD – Steamships Trading Company and Laba Holdings Limited have celebrated a significant milestone with the formal launch of Hebamo Transport Limited (HTL). This new venture is set to provide specialized landside logistics, particularly for project cargo and heavy transport, essential to the Papua LNG Project as it embarks on its critical construction phase.
The collaboration between Steamships and Laba began with a Memorandum of Understanding signed at the 2023 Sydney Investment Conference, and after 14 months of planning, they have finalized a Shareholders Agreement. This joint venture operates under a 51%-49% ownership structure, with Laba maintaining the majority stake.
Hebamo Transport Limited aims to deliver safe, efficient, and cost-effective logistics services essential for major resource projects. Given the growing demand for reliable logistics, Hebamo is strategically positioned by merging Steamships’ extensive industry experience with Laba’s strong local knowledge and landowner involvement.
Isikeli Taureka, CEO of Laba Holdings, emphasized the importance of this partnership for local communities, stating that it not only focuses on business growth but also aims to promote sustainable development, create employment opportunities, and enhance skills for project-impacted landowners.
Steamships’ General Manager of Corporate Affairs, Vele Rupa, reiterated the excitement around the new venture, highlighting that the partnership would enhance the company’s capacity to support large-scale infrastructure projects like the Papua LNG Project. Their shared goal includes efficiency, reliability, and developing local content within the project’s supply chain.
With the operational commencement of Hebamo Transport Limited, the company is poised to mobilize project cargo and heavy transport across Papua New Guinea, establishing a benchmark for collaboration between industry entities and local landowners. This initiative stands as a promising development, fostering long-term economic growth and stimulating local business initiatives while ensuring that the benefits reach the communities involved.
This venture reflects a hopeful future not only for those directly involved but also for the broader regional economy, combining large-scale resource development with community-focused strategies aimed at benefit-sharing.
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