Swire Shipping marks PNG’s 50th Independence Anniversary

Swire Shipping has launched a heartfelt 50-day community giving initiative to commemorate Papua New Guinea’s 50th Independence Anniversary, renewing its commitment to the country and its people.

The program started in Wewak with a clean up at Meni Beach. Local young people led the activity, with support from Swire’s regional team. It will take place in provinces where the company works

Steven Kagi, Branch Manager for Swire Shipping in Wewak, emphasized the company’s dedication to community engagement.

“This is part of our obligation to support local activities and give back to the communities that have supported our operations for decades,” he said.

As part of the program, Swire Shipping will donate basic school supplies to Wewak Hill Primary School and St Mary’s Primary School to help students in the area.

Swire Shipping’s relationship with Papua New Guinea dates back to 1938, when it first began operations in the country. By 1960, it had established the New Guinea Australia Line, offering regular shipping services between PNG and Australia. Over the decades, the company has grown into a vital logistics partner, connecting PNG to global markets through its extensive network of ocean services.

Today, Swire Shipping operates out of eight strategic offices across the country, including Wewak, and services 14 ports of call.

Its Pacific Weekly Express and North Asia Express routes help move cargo regularly between PNG, Asia, and Oceania. The company employs over 160 Papua New Guineans and supports training programs, including cadetships for women, showing its inclusive and forward thinking approach.

Swire’s parent company, John Swire & Sons Limited, celebrated 150 years of global operations in 2022, with 84 of those years rooted in PNG. Its subsidiary, Steamships Trading Company, remains one of PNG’s oldest and most influential conglomerates, involved in shipping, transport, property, and hospitality.

As PNG marks 50 years of independence, Swire Shipping’s 50-day giving program is more than just a business act. It shows their shared history, growth together, and hope for a better future. From caring for the environment to helping schools, the company stays connected to the lives of everyday Papua New Guineans.

For communities like Wewak, the initiative is a timely reminder that progress is best achieved when partnerships are built on trust, respect, and shared purpose.