A 100% PNG owned company, South Sea Lines, has been operating out of Lae for almost 40 years, providing regular shipping services to Lihir, as well as barge and tug charters throughout PNG.
SSL became majority Lihirian owned in 2012 and in 2016, MRL Capital assumed 100% ownership, buying out Lae Builders shares and ensuring ownership remained solely with Lihir landowners .
With its Head Office in Lae, South Sea Lines currently offers reliable fortnightly services to Lihir and in particular, the Lihir mine as well as to Lae manufacturers and distributors.
Its figurehead vessel is the Lihir Destiny, a 59m Landing Craft with a service speed of 8 knots and a nominal capacity of 60 x 20’ Teu. The vessel name captures the spirit of Lihir Island and is also the name of the book ’Lihir Destiny’ published by acclaimed author James Sinclair
A fleet of 3 tugs and barges compliments the Lihir Destiny, allowing short or long-term charter options for project clients A 5,000 m2 hard stand yard and sizeable warehousing area ensures that customers cargo is handled efficiently and safely.
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Operating one Landing Craft and 3 Tug & Dumb Barge sets, South Sea Lines has capacity to handle regular Liner services as well as charter and project cargoes. Our signature vessel is the aptly named 'Lihir Destiny', launched in 2012.
Our Tug & DUmb Barge sets allow the flexibility to additional tonnage onto the Lihir route if needed, while also allowing carraige of bulk and project cargoes for various clients such as Cameron Construction and NKW
We operate a dedicated Lae - Lihir - Lae / container & breakbulk service on a 14 day frequency
No item is too big or too difficult to handle for our vessels and our 150t cranes
Our landing Craft and dumb barges are capable of moving any caroes anywhere within PNG waters
South Sea Lines employs upwards of 90 staff at any one time, and this includes two expat workers. Shipboard staff numbers 50, while 40 staff are involved in operations, accounts, HR and marine services.
South Sea Lines is an industry recognised equal opportunity employer, while significant resources are invested in training of seafarers throughout PNG.
SSL is a major supporter of the PNG Maritime College in Madang and groups of seafarers regularly attend the college in Madang to ensure their certifications are in line with Statutory requirements.
Operations Manager
kumed waen
In charge of all operational aspects of the company, Kumed (a former Ships Captain) has a wealth of industry experience and commenced at SSL in 2014.
Reporting directly to the General Manager, Kumed ensures a timely interface between vessel ops, client requirements and marine services.
General Manager
Graeme Hawkins
Graeme is a long-term resident of PNG and has a wealth of experience in ship management, logistics and shipping roles.
Graeme has overseen the significant growth of the company from 2012 until now and under his leadership SSL has grown significantly and is now a leading service provider to Lihir Island and Newmont Gold.
Designated PERSON ASHORE
Cptn Andy PROUD
A naturalised PNG Citizen, Cptn Andy Proud is responsible for the day to day running of the fleet and all aspects of marine safety and compliance.
Environmental protection and vessel maintenance are other key areas under the DPA’s control.
FINANCIA CONTROLLER
TONY GREEN
Tony is an experienced industry professional and long-term Papua New Guinea resident.
He has a great deal of experience of landowner operations and leads the finance / accounts and admin teams
dOCUMENTATION / BOOKINGS & CONTAINER CONTROL TEAM
l-R - Laine, lYNN, nEVILLE
Graeme is a long-term resident of PNG and has a wealth of experience in ship management, logistics and shipping roles.
Graeme has overseen the significant growth of the company from 2012 until now and under his leadership SSL has grown significantly and is now a leading service provider to Lihir Island and Newmont Gold.
R & D / OPS TEAM
The R & D and Operations provide the vital hands on contact with all cargo. R & D receives cargo and stacks according to vessel reuirements.
The Operations team loads the SSL vessels in the most efficient and safe manner