New patrol boat to boost Vanimo policing capacity

Police in Vanimo, West Sepik Province, have received a new patrol boat from the Papua New Guinea–Australian Policing Partnership [APP], a major boost to routine policing and mobility across the province’s remote coastline.

The Yamaha 90-horsepower vessel, valued at K187,000 and purchased from Ela Motors Vanimo, will allow officers to reach coastal villages more effectively, respond faster to incidents, and support key operations such as prisoner transfers between Aitape and Vanimo, long considered a logistical challenge for the force.

APP representative Mathew Parson said the partnership is committed to improving policing infrastructure, training and logistics so that local officers are equipped to meet the demands of their terrain. “This support ensures police have the boats, vehicles and resources required to carry out their duties,” he said.

Assistant Commissioner of Police [ACP] Border Command, Steven Francis, thanked the PNG–Australia partnership for selecting Vanimo, saying the support strengthens the province’s law and order capacity. While the new boat is intended for general policing, ACP Francis noted that Vanimo’s position along the PNG–Indonesia border means his command is looking ahead to rebuilding the Water Police Division to improve maritime surveillance in the future.

“As a maritime province, it is important that we revive water policing so our seas are properly monitored,” he said. He emphasised that the boat belongs to the people of West Sepik, with police serving only as custodians.

West Sepik Provincial Police Commander Inspector Sailus Kuaino also welcomed the support, speaking of the province’s difficult geography, which often slows police response times. He said the new vessel will significantly enhance operations across hard-to-reach communities.