**Royal Australian Navy and Papua New Guinea Conduct Joint Hydrographic Survey**
A joint hydrographic survey carried out by the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) and the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF) has produced new navigational data for waters off Morobe Province that had not previously been formally charted. The operation, conducted by the RAN vessel HM AS Leeuwin, took place between 13 July and 16 August and covered coastal and offshore zones that were uncharted.
During the five‑week mission, the crew mapped beaches, recorded tidal patterns and collected data that will be used to produce updated nautical charts for the area. Officials say the new charts will improve safety for all vessels transiting PNG waters, from small ferries to larger commercial ships.
The survey also served as a training opportunity for the PNGDF Maritime Element. PNGDF personnel worked alongside the Australian crew, learning hydrographic survey techniques while sharing local knowledge that guided the operation. PNGDF Lieutenant Samuel Bayagau said the deployment was “an equal partnership in sharing our knowledge and our environment.”
Commander Danny Finn, who commands HM AS Leeuwin, highlighted the long history of cooperation between the two countries. “We’ve had a very long relationship with Papua New Guinea and about 50 years’ worth of history surveying Papua New Guinean waters,” he said. “Deployments like this deepen our partnerships with the PNG Defence Force and the local community. We are also working with our PNGDF partners to upskill them in survey work, while our PNGDF partners help our crew gain local insights.”
The exercise is part of PNG’s broader efforts to strengthen its maritime sovereignty as coastal shipping and trade continue to grow. The updated charts will support safer navigation and reinforce the longstanding bilateral partnership between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
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