Reference Vessel
The vessel behind the plan
Images show the class of high-speed Ro-Pax vessel identified for acquisition — currently in commercial service and under technical inspection ahead of purchase. To be renamed Spirit of Papua.
Nesian Shipping Services Limited is seeking a lead investment banking partner to raise USD 45 Million (AUD 64.8M / SGD 58.1M) for the acquisition and launch of Papua New Guinea's first high-speed passenger and cargo ferry service. No competition. Deal-ready. First-mover market.
Investment Banking Mandate
NSSL is investment-ready and offering a lead or co-lead banking mandate to raise USD 45 Million (AUD 64.8M / SGD 58.1M) for vessel acquisition and operations. Engagement is offered on a success-fee basis — no upfront engagement fee required.
| Ro-Pax Vessel Acquisition & Outfitting | USD 28.0M |
| Port Infrastructure & Berth Fitout (POM & Lae) | USD 4.5M |
| Crew Recruitment, Training & Certification | USD 2.5M |
| Regulatory Approvals & Legal Structure | USD 1.5M |
| Marketing, Ticketing & Digital Platform | USD 2.0M |
| Working Capital Reserve — 2 Years | USD 5.0M |
| Phase 2 Preparatory Work (POM–Cairns) | USD 1.5M |
| Total | USD 45.0M |
Exchange rates (July 30, 2026): USD 1 = AUD 1.44 = SGD 1.29 | PGK 1 = AUD 0.327 = SGD 0.293
Full information memorandum, financial model, vessel survey, route analysis and management presentations available immediately — reducing banker workload and accelerating close.
DFIs (ADB, IFC, FMO), Pacific infrastructure funds, impact LPs, sustainable agriculture investors. NSSL has warm relationships and introductions ready to activate.
No upfront engagement fee. Banking partner earns on close of the USD 45M (AUD 64.8M / SGD 58.1M) raise — fully aligned incentives from day one.
Financial Projections
Modelled on one-third passenger capacity and half cargo capacity in Year 1 — with growth from there. Five-year projections show continued scaling toward full capacity.
AUD equivalents: Yr1 AUD 5.8M → Yr5 AUD 31.7M | SGD: Yr1 SGD 5.2M → Yr5 SGD
28.4M
Rates: USD 1 = AUD 1.44 = SGD 1.29 (July 30, 2026)
Conservative model: ⅓ passenger + ½ cargo capacity utilisation
| Line Item | PGK | AUD | SGD |
| Revenue | 191.1M | 62.5M | 56.0M |
| Operating Costs | 82.5M | 27.0M | 24.2M |
| Gross Profit | 108.6M | 35.5M | 31.8M |
| EBITDA | 63.8M | 20.9M | 18.7M |
PGK 1 = AUD 0.327 = SGD 0.293 (July 2026)
The Market Gap
Port Moresby and Lae are PNG's two largest commercial cities. There is currently no scheduled passenger ferry, no reliable cargo service and no organic export pathway between them — or onward to Australia.
Passengers / day
PNG has no scheduled high-speed passenger ferry between Port Moresby and Lae. Travellers fly or endure 5–7 day cargo vessel crossings.
Current sea transit
All domestic freight moves by road or expensive airfreight. No efficient, affordable sea cargo option exists on the POM–Lae corridor. Organic produce spoils before reaching buyers.
Surveyed — 100% in favour
Over 85% of PNG's population lacks reliable inter-city transport. A Ro-Pax ferry transforms economic and social connectivity across the nation.
MARKET OPPORTUNITY: ~2.5M annual passenger journeys + USD 800M+ (AUD 1.2B+ / SGD 1.03B+) addressable cargo value on the Port Moresby–Lae corridor alone
The Solution
900+ passengers and up to 260 vehicles per sailing — container trucks, regular trucks, mini buses and private vehicles — on a modern, internationally certified high-speed vessel.
Cafeteria, entertainment and internet access included.
For business travellers and families.
For corporate accounts on the POM–Lae corridor.
Reference Vessel
Images show the class of high-speed Ro-Pax vessel identified for acquisition — currently in commercial service and under technical inspection ahead of purchase. To be renamed Spirit of Papua.
The Routes
Phase 1 proves the model. Phase 2 connects PNG's organic produce to Australia's premium market in under 24 hours — the same journey that currently takes 5–7 days by sea.
2 return sailings per week · 18–22 hours each direction · 900+ passengers + 260 vehicles per sailing
Weekly Ro-Pax service connecting PNG's organic produce — coffee, cocoa, vanilla, spices, fresh seafood — to Queensland and Northern Territory premium markets in under 24 hours. Current sea transit: 5–7 days (produce spoils). NSSL eliminates that bottleneck entirely.
Safety Standards
PNG waters have seen overcrowded, under-maintained ferries in the past. Our approach is built to be the opposite of that history.
A high-speed hull already in service navigating Pacific and Mediterranean waters, built to international maritime standards under Spanish maritime regulation.
Checks conducted every day by dedicated crew and engineers, with a backup vessel targeted within 24 months of launch for uninterrupted service.
Vessel and crew insured through PNG insurance partners, with cover available for passengers and specific cargo.
In extreme weather, we prioritise safety over schedule — with refunds or accommodation provided for any voyage delayed more than six hours.
Expansion Plan
Phase 1 proves the model on POM–Lae. Phase 2 connects PNG's coastal communities — and then to Australia's organic market, where PNG's coffee, cocoa and seafood command premium prices.
Port Moresby ⇄ Lae: 2 weekly return sailings, 18–22 hours each way. 900+ passengers, 260 vehicles. Demonstrates demand, builds operational track record and activates Phase 2 financing.
A weekly Ro-Pax service to Queensland and Northern Territory, cutting the current 5–7 day sea transit to under 24 hours. PNG's organic coffee, cocoa, vanilla, spices and fresh seafood reach Australian premium buyers fresh — unlocking a high-margin export corridor that currently does not exist.
"Our future economic growth doesn't have to rely on overseas grants, loans and assistance. We can grow our economy domestically by providing infrastructure for our agriculture and fishing industry, opening access to bigger markets in Papua New Guinea and neighbouring countries." — Tomasi Raikivi, Founder & Commercial Director, Nesian Shipping Services Limited
Leadership
"100% PNG-Owned, 100% World-Class"
Partner With NSSL
We are looking for qualified investment banking firms to lead or co-lead our USD 45M capital raise. If your firm has experience in Pacific infrastructure, development finance or emerging market capital raising, we would like to speak with you.
PNG: +675 8382 0866
AUS: +61 438 851 552
Portion 2215, Millinch Granville, Fourmill
Napanapa Road, Port Moresby, NCD
Papua New Guinea