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System1
Annual Report 2013

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FY2013 Annual Report · System1
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Contents

Brief Profile of Steamships Trading Company Limited    .   .   . 2

Financial Highlights   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . 4

Chairman’s Report   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . 6

Directors’ Economic Analysis    .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . 8

Directors’ Review    .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  12

Division Review

Review of Operations - Logistics   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  15

Steamships Shipping  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  16

Consort Express Lines Ltd   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  18

East West Transport    .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  20

Review of Operations - ProPerty and HoteLs  .   .   .   .  23

Pacific Palms Property   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  24

Coral Sea Hotels  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  26

Review of Operations - commerciaL    .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  28

Laga Industries  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  29

Datec   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  31

Review of Operations - Joint Ventures  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  33

Pacific Towing   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  34

Colgate Palmolive   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  35

sUstAinABiLitY

A Message from the Board of Directors  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  37

Selected Group Performance Highlights   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  39

Steamships’ Sustainability Focus Areas  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  40

Our People    .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  40

Our Environment    .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  47 

Our Community  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  50

CoRPoRAte GoveRnAnCe

Corporate Governance Statement    .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  53

FinAnCiAL seCtion

Statements of Comprehensive Income   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  60

Statement of Changes in Equity  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  61

Balance Sheets  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  62

Statements of Cash Flows    .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  63

Notes to the Financial Statements    .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  64

Independent Auditor’s Report    .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  98

Directors’ Report  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .100

Stock Exchange Information   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .104

Company Directory    .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . IBC

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PioneeRinG sUstAinABLe PRoGRess

Steamships Trading Company has a 
95-year tradition of investing in Papua 
New Guinea’s growth, development 
and progress.  Its transition from 
pioneer coastal trader to a diversified 
leader in shipping, transport, property, 
manufacturing, hotels and information 
technology has been integral to, and part 
of, Papua New Guinea’s development 
into a modern and formative leader 
within the Asia Pacific region. 

That tradition continues today.  

Committed to our people, the 
sustainability of our operations, and the 
future of Papua New Guinea, Steamships 
Trading Company is pioneering 
sustainable progress in PNG into the 
twenty-first century.

Steamships Annual Report 2013       1

BRieF PRoFiLe oF steAmshiPs tRADinG ComPAnY LtD

Steamships Trading Company (Steamships) has a long history 
in Papua New Guinea and is one of the country’s leading 
businesses. Today Steamships is a well-established business 
conglomerate with diverse commercial interests and listings on 
both the Australian and Port Moresby Stock Exchanges. 

Steamships has a vision to build a valuable and profitable 
business that is widely respected as being the best company to 
work for and with which to do business.

Integral to this vision are the following 
business strategies:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 The long-term development of a 
diversified range of businesses in 
which shareholder value can be 
created;

 Employment of staff who we believe 
will further our strategic objectives 
and will be committed to the Group 
for the long term and providing 
them with rewarding careers;

 Operational excellence in the way 
we conduct our business;

 Doing business in a sustainable 
manner; and

 Commitment to the highest 
standards of corporate governance.

The Group employs close to 4,000 
PNG citizens and non-citizens in seven 
diverse Divisions grouped under the 
three operating categories of Logistics, 
Property and Hotels, and Commercial. 

Steamships has redefined its values to 
include the following:

• 

 Integrity – Taking the more ethical 
and honest path; honouring our 
commitments and delivering on 
our promises;  creating a bond 
of trust that sustains relationships 
with our staff, customers, 
shareholders, business partners and 
the communities in which we do 
business.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Excellence – Our customers and 
colleagues expect us to deliver 
high quality goods and services. 
If something is to be done, we 
believe it should be done in the best 
possible way.

 Humility – We believe in the need 
to respect and to learn from others. 
To do this we must be aware of 
our own limitations and to seek 
to understand other perspectives. 
Humility guides our approach to 
colleagues, customers and partners. 
This does not mean that we lack 
self-confidence but that we act with 
humble pride.

 Continuity – We take a long term 
view. We grow our business 
sustainably and create enduring 
value that earns the respect of 
our customers, our staff, our 
communities and our shareholders.

 Customer Focus – Our customers 
are the final judges of our success or 
failure. We understand and respond 
to the needs of our customers. 

 Safety – We prioritise safety 
awareness and compliance to 
ensure our business operations are 
conducted safely.

 People Development – We value a 
working environment that fosters 
innovation and encourages personal 
development and learning.

2       Steamships Annual Report 2013

Brief Profile of Steamships Trading Company Ltd

Steamships is aware of its pre-eminent position in the 
community and its responsibility to serve that community. 
The Group continues to be one of PNG’s largest private 
sector employers and one of the largest supporters of 
community initiatives in education, health, environment 
and social welfare. Steamships ensures that core 
sustainability concepts are embedded in its business 
models and systems. The Group is wholly aware that its 
business goals cannot be achieved unless this is the case. 

Steamships cannot succeed without the engagement 
and support of the people it employs, the loyalty of and 
satisfaction of its customers, the local communities and the 
environment in which it operates. 

With ninety-five years of service to the PNG community, 
Steamships is still showing it has the resources and 
capacity, vision and capability to meet the dynamic needs 
of a growing country.

steAmshiPs’ oRGAnisAtionAL stRUCtURe

steamsHiPs Head oFFice

Logistics 
diVision 

ProPerty 
diVision 

commerciaL 
diVision 

Key Joint 
Ventures

Steamships 
Shipping 

Coral Sea 
Hotels 

Datec 

Colgate- 
Palmolive (PNG)

  Stevedoring 
  Companies 

Pacific Palms 
Property 

Laga 
Industries 

Pacific 
Towing*

Coastal 
Shipping

Consort Express  
Lines 

East West 
Transport

* The remaining interest in Pacific Towing was acquired by 
Steamships on the 21st November 2013.

Steamships Annual Report 2013       3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FinAnCiAL hiGhLiGhts

2013 FinanCial HigHligHts

Revenue 

Operating profit 
Profit attributable to shareholders 
Cash generated from operations 
Net cash inflow/(outflow) before financing 
Shareholders’ funds 
External Borrowings 

Earnings per share 
Dividends per share 
Shareholders’ funds per share 

2013 
K’000 

969,652 

114,868 
117,050 
236,608 
(73,984) 
717,016 
640,284 

377 
185 
2,312 

2012 
K’000 

1,038,195 

296,509 
177,700 
266,866 
28,452 
677,178 
491,700 

573 
285 
2,184 

Underlying profit attributable to shareholders (see page 12) 
Underlying earnings per share 

128,367 
414 

156,213 
504 

Gearing ratio 
Interest cover 
Dividend cover 

46.4% 
 7.5  
 2.0  

39.2% 
 14.2  
 2.0  

Change
%

-7%

-61%
-34%
-11%
-360%
6%
30%

-34%
-35%
6%

-18%
-18%

18%
-47%
0%

4       Steamships Annual Report 2013

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
summary oF Past PeFormanCe 

2004 
K’000 

2005 
K’000 

2006 
K’000 

2007 
K’000 

2008 
K’000 

2009 
K’000 

2010 
K’000 

2011 
K’000 

2012 
K’000 

2013
K’000

Financial Highlights

inCome statement 
Revenue 
Operating profit before tax 
Share of associates profit 
Income tax expense 
Minority interests 
Net profit attributable to shareholders 
Depreciation transfer 
Equity adjustment 
Dividends paid or provided 
Earnings retained this year 

328,880  370,037  336,302 
53,502 
45,434 
13,590 
15,115 
13,389 
11,118 
(18,357) 
(16,589) 
(6,969) 
(2,781) 
(2,026) 
(3,036) 
47,479 
40,208 
14,703 
1,467 
1,467 
1,467 
0 
0 
0 
(31,008) 
(20,157) 
(5,583) 
17,938 
21,518  
10,587 

406,757  465,750  499,415  800,333  934,717  1,038,195  969,652
80,674
91,208  111,615  120,602  180,834  233,967 
265,574 
14,188 
11,416 
16,732 
15,029 
9,697
13,859 
16,837 
(81,414)  (11,930)
(53,935)  (67,727) 
(34,637) 
(27,869)  (32,808) 
(6,137) 
(5,418) 
(4,211) 
(20,648)  38,609
(21,870)  (21,838) 
96,560  116,445  158,261  177,700  117,050
90,226 
74,157 
0
(1,061) 
159 
1,467 
(8,994)
0 
0 
0 
(88,373)  (57,365)
(31,008)  (58,916) 
(38,760)  (45,272) 
50,691
89,327 
98,284 
85,437 
45,113 
36,864 

0 
0 
(45,272) 
51,288 

0 
0 

0 
0 

Underlying profit attributable to shareholders 
(adjusted for significant items) 

13,848 

28,696 

35,067 

49,926 

67,770 

85,120  113,597  153,566  156,213  128,367

BalanCe sHeet 
shARe CAPitAL & ReseRves 
Issued Capital 
Retained Earnings 
Shareholders’ funds 
Minority Shareholder’s Interest 
eQuity 

Fixed Assets 
Investments in Associated Companies 
Future Income Tax Benefit 
Goodwill 
Current assets 
total assets 

24,200 
24,200 
24,200 
254,230  302,595  353,883  428,157  554,349 

24,200
24,200 
24,200 
24,200 
24,200 
162,157  196,161  218,833 
652,978  692,816
186,357  220,361  243,033  278,430  326,795  378,083  452,357  578,549  677,178  717,016
22,907
192,788  230,417  254,127  292,114  345,131  421,937  515,208  653,914  761,500  739,923

10,056 

75,365 

62,851 

84,322 

24,200 

24,200 

43,854 

13,684 

18,336 

11,094 

6,431 

173,858  193,639  227,773 
16,839 
10,572 
11,181 
12,944 
24,207 
9,885 
3,568 
3,068 
0 
98,006 
98,588 
95,308 

263,276  353,261  664,196  786,510  938,709  1,023,861  1,066,393
31,471
15,416 
22,225 
38,687 
0
9,282 
5,358 
0 
17,183 
93,514
17,183 
3,568 
411,920  353,916
290,232  330,074  359,130  432,050  552,834  910,103  1,122,595 1,283,971  1,491,651 1,545,294

28,445 
17,939 
0 
7,305 
17,183 
17,183 
137,623  154,508  203,480  294,203  299,634 

33,337 
4,150 
7,578 

Current Liabilities  
Non-Current Liabilities 
total liaBilities 

90,786 
6,658 
97,444 

90,867 
8,790 

98,517 
6,486 

370,396  230,727
359,755  574,644
99,657  105,003  139,936  207,703  488,166  607,386  630,057  730,151  805,371

134,941  122,562  236,847  273,055  283,445 
85,141  251,319  334,331  346,612 

4,995 

net assets 

192,788  230,417  254,127  292,114  345,131  421,937  515,208  653,914  761,500  739,923

ratios 
Current assets to current liabilities 
Borrowings to shareholders funds 
Gearing  
Tangible net asset backing per share (toea) 
Net profit to revenue % 
Net profit to shareholders’ funds % 
Underlying profit to shareholders’ funds % 
Dividends per share (toea)  
Earnings per share (toea) 
Underlying earnings per share (toea) 
Earnings retained % 

 1.05  
15.5% 
13.0% 
6.22 
4.5% 
7.9% 
7.4% 
 18  
 47  
 45  
72.0% 

 1.08  
13.7% 
11.6% 
7.33 
10.9% 
18.2% 
13.0% 
 65  
 130  
 93  
53.5% 

 0.99  
10.6% 
9.2% 
8.08 
14.1% 
19.5% 
14.4% 
 100  
 153  
 113  
37.8% 

 1.02  
13.6% 
11.5% 
9.31 
18.2% 
26.6% 
17.9% 
 125  
 239  
 161  
49.7% 

 1.26  
34.8% 
24.8% 
10.89 
19.4% 
27.6% 
20.7% 
 146  
 291  
 219  
50.0% 

 0.86  
89.1% 
44.4% 
13.05 
19.3% 
25.5% 
22.5% 
 146  
 311  
 275  
53.1% 

 1.08  
89.7% 
44.0% 
16.06 
14.5% 
25.7% 
25.1% 
 100  
 376  
 366  
73.4% 

 1.06  
70.1% 
38.3% 
20.53 
16.9% 
27.4% 
26.5% 
 190  
 510  
 495  
62.1% 

 1.11  
72.6% 
39.2% 
24.00 
17.1% 
26.2% 
23.1% 
 285  
 573  
 504  
50.3% 

 1.53 
89.3%
46.4%
20.85
12.1%
16.3%
17.9%
 185 
 377 
 414 
43.3%

Notes 
Earnings per share = profit attributable to shareholders / average shares in issue 
Gearing = debt / debt plus equity 
Interest cover = earnings before interest and tax / net finance charge 
Dividend cover = profit attributable to shareholders / total dividend paid and provided  

Steamships Annual Report 2013       5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
ChAiRmAn’s RePoRt 

2013 was a challenging year for PNG. The wind down in 
the construction phase of the PNG LNG project and slowing 
investment in the country’s mining sector, a weakening Kina, 
declining exports, lower commodity prices and falling domestic 
consumption all led to a weaker-than-expected year for 
Steamships. However, the return to political stability following 
the 2012 election has sustained business confidence in PNG.  
Similarly, improving budget management and increases in 
government spending offset to a limited extent other negative 
impacts. Steamships remain committed to investment in PNG 
having spent K435 million in capital expenditure in 2012 and 
2013, with a further K222 million expected for 2014.

Steamships’ trading revenue (excluding 
other income) for the year declined 
by 5.6 per cent to K931 million, with 
profit after tax attributed to shareholders 
declining by 34.1 per cent to K117 
million. Excluding the impact of 
significant items profit after tax attributed 
to shareholders declined by 17.8 per 
cent. 

The performance of Steamships’ logistics 
businesses was weaker in 2013 as PNG’s 
economy slowed, domestic consumption 
flagged and the resource and commodity 
sectors slowed.   Unscheduled out-of-
service periods for vessels and lower 
than anticipated growth in the Highlands 
and Islands also had adverse effects. In 
November 2013 Steamships acquired its 
joint venture partner’s interest in Pacific 
Towing. The Division continued to 
invest in fleet capacity with the notable 
addition of the Kiwai Chief, a 70 meter 
double skinned landing craft, with 
another on order, and 90 trucks and 61 
trailers (inclusive  of the acquisition of 
the fleet of Kimbe Shipping & Transport). 
During the year the Steamships Board 
approved an impairment of Consort 
Express Lines vessels with a net non-
cash negative impact to shareholders of 
K32 million.    

The Property and Hotels Division had 
a mixed year. Pacific Palms Property 
recorded solid year on year revenue 
growth and successfully navigated a 
downturn in the rental property market 
to maintain an average occupancy rate 
of 98 per cent across existing properties. 

6       Steamships Annual Report 2013

Significant property developments 
continued with eight ‘Captain Fitch’ 
town houses commissioned in Port 
Moresby early in the year, twelve 
‘Blaikie Apartments’ commissioned in 
Lae in November and forty ‘Windward 
East’ apartments commissioned in Port 
Moresby in December. There are a 
number of other industrial, retail and 
commercial developments nearing 
completion. Coral Sea Hotels fared less 
well; slowing economic activity coupled 
with an increase in hotel room supply 
saw the Hotel group’s room occupancy 
and rates fall below expectation for the 
year. 

Steamships’ manufacturing business, 
Laga Industries, transformed its 
business model to focus on ice 
cream and vegetable oil production 
and distribution. In September 2013 
Steamships acquired the remaining 
minority interest in the business.  
Revenues for the IT Division remained 
largely static however margin was lower 
as increased competition and exchange 
rate movements reduced margins.

Steamships’ broader performance 
was built upon a Group-wide focus 
on operational efficiencies, improved 
cost management and strategies for 
new business development. Improved 
customer service, and a sharper focus on 
training, health, safety and community 
relations across the year all contributed 
to the maintenance of a strong company 
culture. 

Chairman’s Report

The PNG economy expanded again in 2013, but this 
fact belies the significant challenges it faces. Growth was 
slower, as the construction phase of the PNG LNG project 
wound down, prices for PNG commodity exports declined 
and investment in the country’s mining sector slowed. PNG 
is entering a transition period in which its main source of 
growth will shift from construction and related activities to 
resource export earnings from LNG. However, with LNG 
production not set to start until late 2014, the Government 
faces a challenge to encourage economic vibrancy. 

The O’Neill Government’s commitment to fund national 
infrastructure projects and other development enablers 
such as education and health initiatives in the 2013 and 
2014 budgets targets sustained growth.  This will be a 
challenge. Responsibility will fall on PNG’s national and 
provincial Governments to prudently manage public 
revenues and invest appropriately to generate long term, 
broad-based economic growth. The challenges this 
environment presents for companies operating in PNG 
are examined in the economic analysis elsewhere in this 
annual report.

Steamships strongly supports Government measures in 
priority development sectors - infrastructure, education, 
health and law and order. In 2013 the Group again 
supported staff and community initiatives on health, safety 
and security, training and development, environmental 
education and sustainability reporting. We remain 
committed to working with Government and non-
governmental organisations to improve the skills and living 
conditions of our employees and local communities and 

to conducting business in a manner which minimises any 
adverse impacts on the environment.

The 2013 Annual Report demonstrates an important 
commitment by Steamships to operate its businesses 
in PNG sustainably. This year the Group will report to 
shareholders and stakeholders its performance against 
selected sustainability indicators for the first time. 

In 2011, Steamships trialled a framework to demonstrate 
performance against some representative indicators 
developed by the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI), the 
world’s leading sustainability benchmark. Baseline data 
was collected in 2012 against eleven indicators relating 
to our economic contribution to society, environmental 
stewardship and the development of our employees. In 
2013, data collection was expanded, bringing the total 
number of chosen indicators to twelve.

The presentation of this aggregated data this year enables 
Steamships to demonstrate its commitment to providing 
accurate and relevant data from across the Group. Our 
systems for doing this will improve and mature over time.

On behalf of the Board I would like to acknowledge the 
efforts and commitment in 2013 of the 4,000 employees 
in Steamships’ many divisions and diverse locations. Their 
contribution ensured the Group is well placed to meet the 
challenges that lie ahead. 

WL rothery
Chairman

February 2014

Steamships Annual Report 2013       7

DiReCtoRs’ eConomiC AnALYsis

Papua New Guinea’s economy expanded for the 11th consecutive 
year in 2013; a product of several years of political stability, 
improved economic management and growth in the Asia Pacific 
region. The projected GDP growth rate of 5.2 per cent though 
reveals the economy has slowed from the stellar 8 per cent 
growth recorded in 2012.

The winding down of the PNG LNG 
Project construction, retreating prices for 
PNG commodity exports and shrinking 
foreign direct investment in the mineral 
sector all adversely impacted on PNG’s 
economic activity during 20131 .

World Bank representatives in PNG 
estimate that the level of construction 
activity value added in PNG tripled 
between 2009 and 2013. The PNG 
LNG project was the key driver. Now 
that it is 90 per cent complete the PNG 
Department of Treasury estimates PNG’s 
non-extractive GDP growth will halve 
from 2012 levels, falling to 4.7 per cent. 

The nearing completion of the PNG 
LNG facility marks the beginning of an 
important transition period for the PNG 
economy; one in which the underlying 
driver of PNG’s economic growth will 
shift from construction of the project 
to resource export earnings from its 
LNG. Sustaining economic activity 
and domestic demand throughout 
this period, while maintaining fiscal 
discipline, looms as a key challenge. 

LNG exports are on track to begin in the 
second half of 2014 and are expected 
to raise the level of GDP by one-third 
or more by 2015. However, in the near 

1  Source material related to the content of this report is available upon request from Steamships’ 

Public Relations unit.

8       Steamships Annual Report 2013

Directors’ Economic Analysis

As a result, PNG’s trade surplus narrowed to K382 million 
in 2013 from K1,621 million in 2012. This led the Bank of 
PNG to dramatically revise its current account forecast for 
2013 from a deficit of K2.7 billion (7.7% of GDP) to K6.9 
billion (19.9 % of GDP) in September. 

International prices for PNG’s mineral commodity exports 
retreated considerably in 2013. The Asian Development 
Bank estimates the international price of gold fell 20 
per cent, while copper and oil fell by 12 and 6 per cent 
respectively.  International agricultural commodity prices 
were also flat or weaker with benchmark coffee prices 
falling by 25 per cent, and palm oil and rubber prices by 
15 per cent, while copra and cocoa prices remained flat.

Weaker prices, poor extension services, aging coffee, copra 
and cocoa trees, poor harvests and high logistical and 
processing costs have translated into lower returns for PNG 
farmers. They have responded by cutting back production, 
further reducing export receipts and income flows to rural 
communities.

Annual export volumes of coffee to the June quarter 
2013 were down 50 per cent on the previous year; 
cocoa exports were 30 per cent lower. Export receipts for 
coffee and cocoa were the lowest since 2007 and 2002 
respectively. Palm oil export volumes have weakened since 
2011, but are still 10 per cent above long term averages. 

In 2013, this impacted strongly on Steamships’ logistics 
businesses. Transport services between Lae and the 
Highlands region were reduced because of low coffee 
volumes for a second consecutive year; tonnages across 
the Group’s coastal shipping operations were down again 
on 2012 figures. 

Lower international prices and slower economic growth 
in PNG’s major trading partner, Australia, contributed to a 
14.4 per cent drop in the value of PNG’s exports (mainly 
gold, petroleum, silver and platinum and coffee) in 2013. 
This was in line with a general fall in Pacific region exports 
to Australia during the year. 

With import prices remaining high on the back of mineral 
fuels, PNG’s terms of trade continue to decline.  The ANZ 
Bank warns that the current account deficit is likely to 
persist into 2014, placing pressure on the Kina, until export 
receipts improve as LNG shipments begin late in the year. 

term the impact on gross national income, the current 
account and government revenues is expected to be far 
more modest due to the need to service international 
debts, which funded 75 per cent of the project’s 
construction costs. One short term challenge presented by 
slow economic activity is finding employment for the large 
skilled workforce to be discharged from the PNG LNG 
Project.

The PNG Government’s 2013 and 2014 budgets seek to 
address these challenges through greater public spending 
on development projects. The aim is to boost domestic 
activity in non-mining sectors, especially the construction 
sector, and provide alternative employment streams for 
former PNG LNG workers. The Bank of PNG estimates 
that fiscal stimulus may add as much as 2 per cent to real 
output growth in 2013 if these projects can be effectively 
implemented.

Beyond PNG, the worst of the global economic crisis 
appears to be over although global growth remains slow. 
Subdued demand has impacted on the Pacific region, 
largely through lower commodity prices which have 
reduced agriculture, mineral and forestry export earnings 
in some Pacific economies. 

In PNG the depreciation of the Kina, which dropped 25 
per cent in nominal terms against the US Dollar over 2013, 
cushioned the economy from weaker export prices to some 
extent by supporting incomes for farmers and exporters 
and improving PNG’s competiveness. This depreciation 
reflected a general strengthening of the US Dollar and was 
in line with the weakening of other currencies. Inflation 
remained subdued with the headline rate expected to 
average 5.5 per cent in 2013. 

trade

Steamships’ performance directly reflects fluctuations in 
PNG trade and business as dictated by developments in the 
macroeconomic environment. Its considerable interests in 
shipping, transport, logistics, retail and manufacturing are 
directly affected. 

In 2013, lower international commodity prices lowered 
export earnings for PNG. A fall in export values of 9.1 per 
cent through the first six months of the year was reported 
in the Bank of PNG’s June Economic Bulletin.  In the same 
period, despite easing economic growth, robust domestic 
demand saw import prices climb some 13.4 per cent.

Steamships Annual Report 2013       9

Directors’ Economic Analysis

PROSPECTS AND CHALLENGES FOR 2014

While LNG production is expected to boost economic growth 
after 2015, the country’s economic outlook for 2014 remains soft.

To stimulate growth in 2014, the Government plans fiscal 
stimulus. 
45 per cent of the 2014 budget is allocated to spending on 
infrastructure, education, health and law and order. Most 
expenditure will focus on major projects to enhance road, 
civil aviation, shipping and port infrastructure networks.  
When implemented, these will increase domestic demand. 

The IMF has forecast economic growth of 6.3 per cent in 
2014. Year on year GDP growth is forecast to surge to 21.5 
per cent of GDP in 2015 as LNG production peaks, before 
slowing to around 3.5 per cent over the medium term to 
converge with growth in the non-mineral sector and as 
output growth in mature mines continues to slow. 

Despite the large increase in GDP, World Bank officials in 
PNG warn the impact of LNG exports on the broader PNG 
economy will be limited in the near term. They note that 
only a fraction of receipts will be retained in the domestic 
economy and the need to service international debts will 
adversely impact on gross national income. They also point 
to forecasts that employment on the PNG LNG project will 
be less than 10 per cent of the level during construction. 

To generate longer term growth, the World Bank advises 
that PNG’s national and provincial Governments will 
need to implement development projects and ensure 
public revenue streams are carefully managed and funds 
strategically reinvested across the economy.

Fiscal challenges

Fiscal challenges lie ahead for the PNG Government. 
Growth in Government expenditure of nearly 25 per 
cent combined with lower global commodity prices, a 
mixed Government revenue performance and a significant 
slowdown in non-mining growth will widen the fiscal 
deficit in the 2013 budget to a projected 7.2 per cent of 
GDP from 4.3 per cent in 2012. 

The PNG Government has forecast increased revenue 
collections will reduce the budget deficit to 5.9 per cent 
of GDP in 2014.  Total revenue collections are forecast 
to grow by a record 23 per cent in 2014 and to outpace 
planned expenditure in following years, allowing the 
Government to project a declining budget deficit of 2.5 
per cent of GDP in 2015, 2.2 per cent of GDP in 2016 and 
below 2 per cent of GDP from 2017.  

A return to modest fiscal deficits will assist the Government 
in managing its debt burden. Financing recent budget 
deficits has already seen central Government debt rise from 
22 per cent of GDP in 2011, to 31 per cent in 2013 and an 
expected 35 per cent in 2014. 

These liabilities are in line with PNG’s medium term debt 
strategy. However there are significant risks that ratios 
could be exceeded unless fiscal management is prudent. 
In particular, expenditure plans will have to be carefully 
managed.

improving quality of life

Despite strong growth in recent years average living 
standards for Papua New Guineans have changed very 
little between 1996 and 2010. Ensuring that economic 
growth translates into tangible benefits for the people of 
Papua New Guinea remains a great challenge.

According to recently released 2009-10 PNG Household 
Income Expenditure Survey (HIES) data, 40 per cent of 
Papua New Guineans consumed less than a minimum 
basket of food and other goods and services in 2010.  Life 
expectancy at birth is 63 years, considerably below the 
Pacific Islands average of 70 years and the infant mortality 
rate is 48 per thousand compared to a regional average of 
26.5. PNG’s composite Human Development Index (HDI) 
was 0.462 in 2011, placing it 153 out of 187 countries. 

PNG still lags behind many of its peers in the region in 
the provision of infrastructure and basic education and 
health services. Despite a significant growth in funding for 
these sectors, the capacity to implement projects remains 
a key challenge for public agencies. This is particularly 
so for national infrastructure projects, which the Asian 
Development Bank claims are often funded before 
feasibility and preparatory design studies are completed 
and often suffer from weak oversight.

The PNG Government has put in place a number of 
measures to improve the effectiveness of government 
spending in the 2014 Budget. These include an enhanced 
project screening and review process; continuation of the 
move toward a multiyear budgeting process; integration 
of the previously separate “recurrent” and “development 
budgets” into a single national budget; further rollout of 
the integrated financial management system; and some 
strengthened accountability measures for public servants.

10       Steamships Annual Report 2013

supporting growth in Png’s agriculture 
sector

Steamships commends Government plans to improve 
agricultural extension services and market access (both 
domestic and international) and provide education, 
training and logistics services such as distribution and 
storage. 

Boosting non-resource economic activity, particularly in 
PNG’s large agriculture sector, is a key objective of the 
O’Neill Government’s 2014 Budget strategy. The 2014 
Budget commits K313 million in 2014 and around K1.4 
billion over four years to initiatives focused on developing 
the economic potential of the agriculture sector and better 
integrating it with the wider economy.

Agriculture is the key source of income for some 80 per 
cent of PNG’s population. World Bank representatives 
in PNG estimate there are around 270,000 households 
in which the main activity is growing coffee, 140,000 
growing cocoa and roughly 18,500 households mainly 
involved in smallholder production of oil palm. Income 
from tree crops typically comprises a significant share of 
total income for these households. 

Further development of PNG’s agricultural industries will 
bring many PNG farmers into the formal economy, provide 
productive employment and income to the rural majority, 
and help counteract “Dutch Disease” phenomena.   

In September 2013, the Bank of PNG Governor Loi Bakani, 
called for greater effort to put structures in place which 
support the development of agriculture export industries 
in oil palm, cocoa, coffee, rubber, tea and coconut.  
Mr Bakani argued for the introduction of an incentive 
framework which encourages investment in the agriculture 
sector and noted the importance of the Government’s 
tuition free education program as a means to improve 
technical skills and ensure the development of more 
sophisticated agricultural industries. 

Promoting the private sector and inclusive 
growth

Steamships supports the Government’s efforts to develop 
an environment conducive to private sector growth. A 
competitive and dynamic private sector promotes inclusive 
growth, delivering benefits to all Papua New Guineans in 
the form of more jobs and better goods and services.

The World Bank’s 2013 Doing Business survey found that 
it was more difficult for entrepreneurs to set-up, invest, 
employ and operate in PNG than most other countries. 
PNG’s overall ranking slipped five places compared with 
2012, to 113 out of 189 countries surveyed. 

Directors’ Economic Analysis

Difficulty enforcing contracts was highlighted as a 
particular challenge, while businesses regularly cite law 
and order, corruption, internet access, telecommunications 
and electricity and transport infrastructure as key 
impediments to operating, investing and expanding 
employment in the country. 

International experience shows that sustainable investment 
and development is only possible where the integrity of 
property rights and contractual obligations are strong 
and regulatory actions are consistent, transparent and 
predictable. Improving access to market entry and 
establishing a robust regulatory framework is also 
important. 

The PNG Government has successfully addressed some 
impediments to investment in recent times through 
relatively low-cost adjustments in market conditions and 
regulatory reforms.  Liberalisation of PNG’s mobile phone 
market allowed the country’s ICT sector to experience 
significant growth in the last decade, providing numerous 
social benefits to Papua New Guineans. Recent reforms to 
the wholesale broadband internet market have already led 
to price decreases and service improvements. 

In late November 2013, PNG’s Investment Promotion 
Authority launched an online business registry which 
allows users to register and maintain details of companies 
online. The registry has greatly sped up the processing of 
new business registrations and will help to attract new 
investment.

Recent efforts to reduce the costs of business and 
encourage greater competition should be commended. 
Further opportunity for reform exists in sectors including 
telecommunications, power generation, aviation and 
petroleum products.

Steamships Annual Report 2013       11

DiReCtoRs’ Review

2013 was not without its challenges as slowing economic activity 
and lower trade volumes across PNG affected the individual 
performances of Steamships’ Divisions to varying degrees. 

The following significant items have impacted the results in the year:

Net profit attributable to shareholders 

117,050 

177,700 

-34.1%

2013 
K’000s 

2012 
K’000s

Change

Add back/(less) impact of significant items (post tax & minority interest) 

Property sales 
Inventory impairment (Laga) 
Asset impairments (Laga, East West Transport, Consort) 
Steamships Agency closure 
Pacific Towing equity gain on gaining control 
Bemobile investment write off 
Net other 
Total impact of significant items 

0 
3,500 
42,795 
0 
(35,467) 
0 
490 
11,318 

(48,387) 
0 
0 
2,100 
0 
24,800 
0 
(21,487) 

Underlying profit attributable to shareholders 

128,368 

156,213 

-17.8%

Due to weaker trading conditions and 
a falling Kina, the Directors performed 
an impairment review of inventory and 
assets across all divisions which resulted 
in write downs in Laga Industries 
(K5.2m), East West Transport (K8.1m) 
and Consort Express Lines (K33m). 
In late November 2013 Steamships 
acquired the remaining interest in Pacific 
Towing for PGK 51.1 million. Fair value 
accounting on the business acquisition 
resulted in a gain on the previous equity 
accounted portion.  

In the Logistics category, Steamships 
Shipping had a difficult year. Both 
project cargo and liner trade volumes 
were impacted by reduced activity 
in PNG’s key commodity and 
resource industries. Charter activity 
was an exception, performing above 
expectations throughout the year.  The 
Division did however expand activities, 
with the development of two new liner 
trades, and added a new vessel to its 
fleet. 2014 will see the addition of a 
third new 70 metre Landing Craft (LCT) 
sister and two new 45 metre LCT’s.

12       Steamships Annual Report 2013

Steamships’ JV Stevedoring businesses 
were also affected by the general 
slowdown of the PNG economy in 
2013. Throughput was lower across 
all operations, including those at 
the major ports of Port Moresby and 
Lae. Businesses at the smaller ports 
were strongly affected by the lower 
levels of activity. In addition to cost 
reductions, Steamships JV Stevedoring 
will explore expansion opportunities 
in 2014 in an effort to counter slower 
economic activity, beginning with the 
establishment of new operations in 
Alotau, Milne Bay Province.

Despite the best efforts of management 
and staff the Division’s ship repair 
facility, Steamships Marine Engineering 
Services (MES), was an unfortunate 
casualty of the economic slowdown with 
Steamships’ Board of Directors deciding 
it would cease operations on  
1 November 2013. 

Consort Express Lines also experienced 
another challenging year. The tighter 
management of costs and strong 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Steamships Annual Report 2013       13

in corporate activity resulted in falling 
demand for hotel rooms and food and 
beverage services. This, coupled with an 
increase in hotel room supply, especially 
in Port Moresby and Lae, put significant 
pressure on CSH to maintain market 
share. Hotel room occupancy and rates 
fell below expectation for the year. The 
apartments portfolio however exceeded 
expectations. 

In the Commercial category, 2013 was a 
year of transformation for Laga Industries 
with the Division implementing a series 
of strategic changes it expects will 
set a platform for positive growth and 
development in the coming years. Laga 
Industries changed its business model 
during the year to focus primarily on 
increased ice cream and vegetable oil 
production and distribution. The strategic 
shift towards ice cream production is 
designed to capitalise on latent demand 
in PNG. On the 30 September 2013, 
Steamships acquired the remaining 
shareholding in Laga.  

Datec performed satisfactorily in 2013 
with revenues for the year matching 
those from 2012. However contribution 
was lower as increased competition and 
a fluctuating exchange rate put pressure 
on product margins. Datec was pleased 
to report the corporate sales division 
recorded double digit revenue growth in 
2013 . 

Steamships’ remaining major joint 
venture Colgate-Palmolive (PNG), a 
manufacturer of personal and home 
care products, saw revenue and margin 
figures fall below expectations in 2013, 
with the slowing economic conditions 
weighing heavily on demand for 
consumer goods in PNG for much of the 
year. 

Directors’ Review

performances from Riback Stevedoring 
as well as Consort’s depot services made 
solid contributions to Consort’s 2013 
result. There are plans to introduce two 
replacement vessels in 2014 as part of 
a fleet replacement program to lower 
operational costs and improve reliability. 

East West Transport (EWT) performed 
below expectations for the financial 
year. Downward pressure on rates from 
increased competition, the loss of a 
key haulage and materials handling 
contract in Lae and a lack of anticipated 
business growth in the Highlands region 
contributed significantly to this result. 
A medium term economic rebound is 
anticipated when LNG royalties begin 
to flow and as the agricultural sector 
recovers. EWT is well positioned with 
facilities, equipment and knowledge to 
accommodate this renewed growth. 
The development of the Highlands 
Highway business will be a key focus. 
During the year EWT acquired the 
trade and assets of Kimbe Shipping & 
Transport for K18.0 million.

Pacific Towing suffered from a downturn 
in job numbers at the main ports in 2013 
as project traffic supporting mineral, 
oil and gas projects eased. However, 
this was offset to a degree by the arrival 
of larger vessels, both tanker and dry 
cargo types, providing uplift to towage 
revenues on a per movement basis.

The Property & Hotels category had a 
mixed performance in 2013. Pacific 
Palms Property recorded solid year on 
year revenue growth in 2013 due to 
increased residential and warehousing 
rental capacity. However, falling demand 
and increased supply put pressure on 
occupancy and rates.

2013 was a challenging year for Coral 
Sea Hotels (CSH). The general slump 

14       Steamships Annual Report 2013

Review of Operations

LoGistiCs

Steamships Annual Report 2013       15

steAmshiPs shiPPinG 

Steamships has been a leader in coastal shipping in PNG since 
1919. Through its Steamships Shipping Division, the Group today 
operates a fleet of 16 coastal vessels focused on the Papuan coast. 
Designed for shallow water and river passage, their safety and 
technical specifications are maintained to international standards. 
The fleet includes landing craft, bulk carriers, tankers, tugs and 
barges. While the Division specialises in river shipping, it also 
has vessels fully certified for international trading, which regularly 
operate charters to Australia. 

Steamships Shipping provides short and 
long term vessel charters, as well as 
reliable scheduled cargo liner services 
to the shores and rivers of the Gulf of 
Papua. It also develops, implements and 
supports intermodal logistics solutions 
linked to land based services such as 
road transport, cargo handling, storage, 
customs clearance, lay down areas and 
warehousing. 

In addition to owning vessels, 
Steamships JV Stevedoring businesses 
offer a full range of stevedoring and 
handling facilities. They operate in 
the ports of Port Moresby, Lae, Oro, 
Madang, Kimbe, Kavieng and Kiunga. 
With a fleet of specialist equipment the 
businesses handle all types of containers, 
as well as project cargo, break-bulk, RO-
RO, LO-LO and grains. Local trucking 
businesses are also operated at several 

16       Steamships Annual Report 2013

locations. The stevedoring companies 
are joint ventures between Steamships 
Shipping and local landowner groups 
at the respective ports. Each joint 
venture employs a local workforce 
and is structured in a manner so that 
earnings are able to filter back into the 
community. 

Performance in 2013 

Steamships Shipping had a challenging 
year. Both project cargo and liner trade 
volumes were impacted by reduced 
activity in PNG’s key commodity and 
resource industries. Charter activity 
was an exception, performing above 
expectations throughout the year.  

The liner trade to Kiunga was affected by 
the continuous silting of the town wharf, 
which blocked vessels from docking 

until river levels had increased. This was identified as 
a priority issue and by the end of November a 200 ton 
crawler crane was in place to dredge the wharf and 
assist loading and discharging of cargo. Steamships 
Shipping expects improved turnaround times 
throughout 2014. 

Steamships Shipping expanded activities during 2013 
with the development of two new liner trades: one to 
Balimo in Western Province and another, operated via 
a joint arrangement by Consort Express Lines, on the 
North coast between Lae and Manus. 

The Kiwai Chief, Steamships’ newest vessel, joined 
the fleet in October 2013. The vessel is a fully 
double-skinned landing craft identical to the Kopi 
Chief, which was delivered at a similar time last 
year. Both vessels comply with the highest safety, 
accommodation and environmental standards.

Steamships Marine Engineering Services (MES), the 
Division’s ship repair facility has been an important 
business unit for many years. Unfortunately in recent 
times and despite the best efforts of management 
and staff, MES has been making losses. The current 
economic slowdown in PNG has added to these losses 
and it is with great sadness that the Board of Directors 
of Steamships Trading Company decided to close MES 
on the 1 November 2013. 

Steamships’ JV Stevedoring businesses experienced 
a particularly challenging year in 2013 due in large 
part to the general slowdown of the PNG economy. 
Throughput was lower across all operations, including 
those at the major ports of Port Moresby and Lae. 
Businesses at the smaller ports were strongly affected 
by the lower levels of activity.

A robust training program and the ongoing 
implementation of strategies to improve the 
management of Steamships JV Stevedoring businesses 
have led to significant advances in productivity. The 
adoption of IT software “CargoPro” has improved 
accuracy, efficiency and debtor settlement. 

A new stevedoring award was signed with the PNG 
Maritime Union in October 2013. This represents 
a significant development for waterfront activities. 
Amongst other changes, the stevedoring award 
reduces the number of hours per shift increases the 
maternity allowance, and includes a new category of 
permanent worker.  

Health and Safety were again a major focus for 
Steamships Shipping throughout 2013. All business 
units observed major improvements in staff awareness, 
attitude and the reporting of safety matters. Steamships 
Shipping is proud of these efforts and is aware that 
continuous training is required to ensure high health, 
safety, security and environmental (HSSE) standards 
are maintained.  

Steamships Shipping

Future aims

growth 

Steamships Shipping has in place a fleet renewal and 
replacement program which will see a number of new 
vessels added to the coastal shipping operations in 
2014. A new Tug boat, the OK Tarim, will be delivered 
in February and the Kerema Chief, a sister vessel to 
the Kopi Chief and Kiwai Chief, will be delivered in 
October.

Two new 45 metre Landing Craft (LCTs) will be 
delivered at the end of 2014. These vessels have been 
designed for use on oil and gas projects (especially 
for initial exploratory work), but can also be used to 
establish new liner trades.

With these continuing investments Steamships 
Shipping is well positioned to capitalise on both 
renewed resource activity as a logistics supplier of 
choice, and general liner growth in PNG expanding 
upon the Division’s strong service offerings in coastal 
shipping and stevedoring. 

Steamships JV Stevedoring will establish new 
operations in Alotau, Milne Bay Province in early 
January 2014. The new business, Palm Stevedores, is 
a joint venture between Steamships Shipping, Consort 
Express Lines and local landowners. Steamships JV 
Stevedoring will continue to explore new expansion 
opportunities in 2014.

Process improvements 

Steamships Shipping aims to be at the forefront of 
industry progress in PNG over the coming years.  To 
achieve this, the Division must ensure it has processes 
in place which enable it to operate efficiently and 
effectively and which prepare it for future growth.

A major review of all systems and processes will 
be conducted in 2014 with a view to streamlining 
operations. New technological solutions will be 
explored and adopted.

Health and safety initiatives 

A number of health and safety initiatives launched in 
2013 will continue in 2014, including “Monthly Safety 
Themes” and “Safety Awareness Days”. These activities 
allow all office based staff to take part in tasks which 
improve their awareness of the environment at the 
waterfront and in vessels, and provide them with the 
tools to assess and evaluate all types of potential risks.

Steamships Shipping actively participates in the 
Coastal Ship Owner’s Association and at the National 
Maritime Safety Authority, seeking to lead by example. 

Steamships Annual Report 2013       17

ConsoRt eXPRess Lines LtD

As a complementary business to Steamships Shipping, Consort 
Express Lines Limited (Consort), established in 1978, provides the 
most comprehensive network of scheduled liner shipping services 
in PNG focused on the New Guinea coast. Operating from its 
hub in Lae, Consort connects 15 ports in PNG and provides an 
international service to Townsville, Australia. 

The Division has scheduled services to 
the North Coast (Madang, Basamuk, 
Wewak, Vanimo), South Coast (Port 
Moresby, Oro Bay, Alotau), New Guinea 
Islands (Kimbe, Rabaul, Kavieng), 
Bougainville (Buka, Kieta), Australia 
(Townsville) and Western Province 
(Daru, Kiunga). Consort proudly serves 
the people of PNG by providing the sole 
supply link to many of the communities 
on its routes. 

Consort owns nine geared, multi-
purpose vessels (PNG flagged and 
manned) with all safety and technical 
specifications maintained according to 
international standards. The Division 
can carry a range of cargoes including 

containerised, break-bulk, reefer, LCL 
and project cargo. Consort transports 
cargo for a diverse customer base 
from domestic manufacturers and 
wholesalers to international liner carriers 
transhipping cargoes to outports. 

In addition to owning and operating 
ships, Consort provides complementary 
depot services to customers at its Lae 
hub (including bond yard, container 
storage and wash bay facilities) and is a 
shareholder and manager of stevedoring 
operations at five PNG ports (Riback 
Stevedoring, Lae; United Stevedoring 
Limited, Lae; United Stevedoring 
Limited, Port Moresby; Makerio 
Stevedoring, Buka; Nikana Stevedoring, 

18       Steamships Annual Report 2013

Consort Express Lines Ltd

Kieta). These stevedoring companies are partnerships 
between Consort and local landowner companies and 
provide significant employment opportunities for the 
nearby communities. 

Performance in 2013 

Consort’s shipping services experienced another difficult 
year in 2013. 

Two vessels endured unscheduled out of service periods 
linked to their dry-docking in 2012, which required the 
charter of a third party vessel for an additional two months 
this year. The planned disposal of one of the smaller vessels 
in the fleet, Morobe Coast, following the purchase of 
Nakanai Coast, was delayed by twelve months. The vessel 
was eventually disposed of in October 2013 reducing the 
fleet to eight.  

Tonnage volumes were negatively affected by agricultural 
commodity prices, which remained depressed throughout 
the year, reducing disposable income and suppressing 
demand for consumer goods in the New Guinea Islands 
and Bougainville.  However volumes improved in the 
second half of 2013 due to increased Kina returns as a 
consequence of the currency’s depreciation against the US 
dollar. 

The impact of a reduction in the Gold price was also felt, 
as mining operations in PNG reduced staffing levels and 
initiated severe cost cutting. Meanwhile, the Townsville 
Service was particularly hard hit by floods in Queensland 
in the early months of 2013 and ran reduced services 
throughout the year in an effort to support schedule 
integrity on the coast. 

Despite these challenges, the tighter management of costs 
resulted in a 2013 contribution that was similar to that of 
the 2012 result. 

Consort’s depot services and JV Stevedoring Associates 
performed well and made a solid contribution to Consort’s 
final 2013 result. Riback Stevedoring continued to benefit 
from favourable cargo volumes to Lae associated with the 
PNG LNG project. 

Consort offered nine scholarships for the Consort Express 
Lines PNG Officer Cadetship Program in 2013. These 
scholarships offer high performing PNG nationals a 
structured, four-year training and development program. 

Twenty-seven Consort officers and crew attended programs 
at the Madang Centre of Excellence during the year. 

Future aims

Improving Efficiencies 

Given the current economic climate, Consort will 
dedicate significant time and effort to improving 
efficiencies and reducing the cost of operations in 
2014 . 

Consort expects to achieve improved fleet efficiencies 
by continuing to prioritise services on competitive 
trades. The Division will reduce port calls on the 
North Coast through the introduction of a larger vessel 
to this service, while it anticipates the renovation of 
the Kimbe Coastal Wharf in West New Britain will aid 
turnaround times. 

Consort’s land transport service in Port Moresby 
will be fully operational in 2014, while the planned 
upgrade of the Division’s Lae depot will provide better 
efficiencies and new opportunities for growth. 

Business development 

Business development plans for 2014 include 
commencement of Landing Craft Operations from Lae 
and the launch of a joint venture to operate terminal 
facilities in Lae and Madang. 

Consort also plans to strengthen its joint venture 
agency and stevedoring operations at the ports of Buka 
and Kieta in Bougainville and will expand agency 
services to two additional ports, Kimbe and Alotau, 
during the year.

Consort will continue to pursue strategic partnerships 
with resource companies in an effort to sustain the 
Australia service. Depot operations will be expanded 
and upgraded as necessary throughout the year.  

capital investment 

Capital investment will be in line with approved fleet 
renewal plans for 2013-2015. These aim to reduce 
structural and operating costs, provide additional 
capacity and ensure the reliability of services to 
customers. 

Consort will continue with the expansion and upgrade 
of the container fleet in 2014 through the purchase of 
1,000 new 20ft dry containers, 100 new 20ft reefer 
containers and 240 units of 9m3 and 4m3 containers. 

Consort also plans to replace its heavy container 
handling equipment for ongoing stevedoring 
operations and will make new purchases for joint 
venture operations as necessary.

Steamships Annual Report 2013       19

eAst west tRAnsPoRt

East West Transport (EWT) is one of Papua New Guinea’s largest 
multifaceted transport and logistics companies. Based in Lae, 
it also has a significant presence in Port Moresby, Kimbe, Mt 
Hagen, Goroka, Rabaul, Madang, Wewak and Kavieng. With 720 
employees, the Division has a growing fleet of 150 prime movers, 
46 heavy trucks, 10 light trucks and 53 forklifts and reachstackers 
ranging from 2.5 to 45 tons in capacity. All equipment is 
supported by localised workshop facilities, safety and emergency 
vehicles and in house training programs. 

EWT operates across a wide spectrum of 
transport-related activities including bulk 
fuel, containerised cargoes, bulk grain, 
sawdust and coffee along with break-
bulk cargoes and depot services such 
as equipment hire, warehousing and 
yard storage. EWT also offers a licensed 
customs cargo clearance service in Lae 
and Port Moresby and operates a large 
export coffee processing facility in Lae. 
The Division capitalises on its close 
relationships with sister companies in 
shipping and stevedoring by offering 
specialised project solutions for the 
mining, oil and gas sectors.

Performance in 2013

EWT performed below expectations 
for the financial year. The slowing of 
the PNG economy, lower commodity 

20       Steamships Annual Report 2013

prices, downward pressure on rates from 
increased competition and the loss of 
a key haulage and materials handling 
contract in Lae contributed significantly 
to this result. Contribution was also 
affected by a lack of anticipated business 
growth in the Highlands region.

Haulage of reagents to the Hidden Valley 
mine site continued in steady volumes 
for the majority of the year. However the 
significant reduction in the gold price 
impacted heavily on activity levels in the 
fourth quarter of 2013. 

Additionally, the 2013 coffee harvest 
was the smallest in many years. This 
along with a return to traditional 
price levels saw a large reduction in 
eastbound freight from the Highlands 
and a reduction in coffee bulking at the 
Lae facility. 

East West Transport

The general transport business in Port 
Moresby and Lae has been impacted by 
increased competition and lower import 
volumes. Low hard and soft commodity 
prices, together with an expected 
weakening in the exchange rate, will 
continue to influence imports and place 
additional pressure on rates.  

The new Port Moresby warehouse 
facility at Baruni has attracted 
encouraging initial interest and is 
strategically positioned for future growth, 
close to the expected new port location 
at Motukea. 

The empty container depot in Port 
Moresby experienced lower throughput 
in the earlier part of the year, but 
showed signs of recovery as 2013 
closed. Space is available at the facility 
to accommodate third parties and a 
range of services can be tailored to 
customer’s requirements.

Fuel delivery volumes remained strong 
in Port Moresby but were lower in 
Lae and most outer ports. The InterOil 

Momase contract, covering operations in 
Lae, Madang and Wewak, was renewed 
for a period of two years. Exxon Mobil 
fuel haulage continued successfully in 
Port Moresby, Lae and Madang. 

A new joint venture partnership in West 
New Britain, branded EWT Kimbe, 
commenced in March under parent 
company New Britain Shipping Ltd, 
offering integrated logistics solutions. 

The EWT fleet grew with the arrival of 
additional equipment, predominantly 
from China. The Shacman brand of 
highway trucks has been a successful 
addition to the fleet, servicing all 
highway destinations including Bulolo 
and the Hidden Valley mine site. 

Carrier audits for dangerous goods 
handling and haulage in Port Moresby 
and Lae were conducted in the fourth 
quarter of 2013 for which positive results 
were attained. The process contributes 
to the Division’s strategic objective of 
achieving full ISO compliance in the 
coming years.

Steamships Annual Report 2013       21

Future aims 

growth on the Highlands Highway

EWT anticipates a number of challenges 
in 2014. Rates will continue to be 
squeezed as surplus truck capacity, 
decommissioned from construction of 
the LNG plant, enters the open market. 
This will primarily impact the highway 
sector of the business, but local cartage 
services are also expected to be affected.

Additionally, low investment in coffee 
replanting coupled with the damage 
resulting from an abnormally wet 2013 
season suggests another poor crop could 
be anticipated for 2014. 

Road conditions remain very poor. 
Landslides and security incidents are 
regular occurrences. Government plans 
have been announced to upgrade the 
Highlands Highway, but competing 
priorities for government funding and 
capacity limitations for delivery may 
hinder progress in the short to medium 
term. 

However, a medium term economic 
rebound is anticipated when LNG 
royalties begin to flow and as 
the agricultural sector recovers. 
Infrastructure spending should also 
improve road conditions over the longer 
term, reducing costs and allowing more 
frequent use of B Double combination 
trailers.

Despite the current challenging 
environment, EWT is well positioned 
with facilities, equipment and 
experience to accommodate growth 
and any change in demand in the major 
commercial centres. The development of 
the Highlands Highway business will be 
a key focus next year and beyond. 

Improving Efficiencies

Improving the efficiency of operations 
will again be a priority in 2014 with an 

emphasis on innovative thinking and 
the adoption of emerging sustainable 
technologies.

EWT will continue to develop an end 
to end supply chain service which 
is fully supported by management 
systems, providing visibility and tracking 
capabilities for all products and services.

Driver simulator technology will be 
operational in Lae in early 2014. This 
technology will support the in house 
training program and allow EWT to test 
and train drivers in a range of equipment 
and a variety of environmental 
conditions. 

Business development

Bulk fuel haulage will continue to be 
a very important specialised service 
within the Division.  Growth in this 
area will be supported by the innovative 
development of new equipment and the 
turnover of existing equipment. This has 
commenced and will continue in 2014.

The waste management business will 
be grown in Port Moresby and Lae in 
2014 along with the commencement 
of passenger bus services for corporate 
clients in those cities. 

EWT will continue to add value to its 
key service offerings, particularly for 
high volume clients and project related 
activities. Continuing focus remains on 
cargo traceability, on time performance 
and loss or damage mitigation as EWT 
presents value added premium door to 
door (including customs) and complex 
handling (dangerous goods) services.

These efforts will be supported 
by improved technology and 
communications, in-house staff training 
and development, the use of external 
security services and equipment tracking 
as required.

22       Steamships Annual Report 2013

Review of Operations

PRoPeRtY 
AnD hoteLs

Steamships Annual Report 2013       23

PACiFiC PALms PRoPeRtY 

Pacific Palms Property is one of the largest and most dynamic 
property developers in PNG. The Division provides residential, 
commercial, retail and industrial property throughout  
the country. 

Pacific Palms Property has two 
separate streams of business activity. 
The development team manages land 
acquisition, investment assessment and 
construction management, while the 
lettings team manages marketing, tenant 
placements, rental collections and 
property maintenance. 

Building and land assets are located in 
Port Moresby, Lae, Madang, Wewak, 
Goroka, Mt Hagen, Popondetta and 
Rabaul. The Division currently holds 
a total lettable space of 13,745m2 of 
commercial property, 180,479m2 of 
industrial property, 21,942m2 of retail 
property and 160 residential townhouses 
and apartments.

Performance in 2013

Pacific Palms Property recorded solid 
year on year growth in 2013, capping off 
another successful year. 

2013 was not without its difficulties 
however as a down turn in the rental 
property market increased the pressure 
to maintain occupancy. This was 
especially the case in the residential 
portfolio where the market experienced 
weaker demand as contractors were 
decommissioned from construction of 
the PNG LNG project. Through vigorous 
marketing efforts Pacific Palms Property 
was able to successfully maintain an 
average occupancy rate of 98 per cent 
across existing properties.

24       Steamships Annual Report 2013

Pacific Palms Property had a range of 
developments ongoing during 2013.

In the Residential category, construction 
of the prestigious Windward Apartments 
East was completed in December 2013. 
Construction also finished on the 12-unit 
Blaikie Apartment complex located 
in Lae at the end of October with 
occupancy commencing in November. 

In the Retail category, construction 
of the 5,300m2 SVS supermarket and 
commercial complex in Lae and the 
9,300m2 Waigani Central Development 
incorporating the new Stop n Shop 
supermarket and Paradise Cinema 
complex in Port Moresby both neared 
completion at the end of 2013.

In the Commercial category, 
construction continued on the 18,864m2 
Harbourside Office Complex, which is 
to be the first Green Star rated building 
of its kind in Papua New Guinea. Pre-
leasing of the high quality waterfront 
property will commence in 2014 with 
construction due for completion in 
January 2015.

In the Industrial category, development 
work continues at Baruni stage 3, a 3.3 
hectare subdivision, while construction 
of a new estate in Madang, incorporating 
12 mixed-use tenancies, is expected to 
be completed in March 2014. Elsewhere, 
the construction of eight warehouses at 
Six Mile in Port Moresby is expected to 
be completed in March 2014.

Future aims 

new developments

2014 will see the completion 
of many ongoing projects, 
while the property development 
team will review various future 
development options including 
support for Coral Sea Hotels’ 
expansion. At this stage no new 
projects have been formally 
endorsed by the Steamships 
Board.

customer service & risk 
management

Pacific Palms Property has 
committed to a shift from re-
active to pro-active customer 
service in order to be a 
rental provider of choice in a 
compressed market. Various 
initiatives are underway to lift 
performance. The Division has 
budgeted for an investment 
in external audits to ensure a 
continuing and enhanced focus 
on property risk management. 

Land acquisition

Historically-high property 
prices coupled with capacity 
constraints brought on by PNG’s 
land tenure system continue to 
restrict the Division’s ability to 
acquire strategic properties to 
add to its significant land banks.

Pacific Palms Property is 
however committed to further 
land acquisition for property 
development and, to this end, 
has employed an officer to liaise 
with statutory bodies that deal 
with land matters to improve 
relations, participate in town 
planning lobbying and enhance 
opportunities for  strategic land 
and property acquisitions.

Pacific Palms Property

Steamships Annual Report 2013       25

CoRAL seA hoteLs 

Coral Sea Hotels (CSH) operates nine properties offering full hotel 
facilities and serviced apartments as well as extensive meeting, 
conference and banqueting facilities. 

CSH remains the largest hotel group 
in PNG, offering 646 hotel rooms and 
136 apartments. The Group comprises 
the Grand Papua Hotel, the Gateway 
Hotel and Apartments, the Ela Beach 
Hotel and Whittaker Apartments in Port 
Moresby; the Huon Gulf Hotel and 
Apartments and Melanesian Hotel and 
Apartments in Lae; the Highlander Hotel 
and Apartments in Mount Hagen; the 
Bird of Paradise Hotel and Apartments in 
Goroka, and the Coastwatchers Hotel in 
Madang. 

Performance in 2013

2013 was a challenging but satisfactory 
year for CSH. The completion of 
construction activities at the PNG LNG 
project, tighter controls on Government 
spending and a general decline in 
corporate activity resulted in falling 
demand for hotel rooms, apartments, 
conferences and food and beverage 
services. This, coupled with an increase 
in hotel room supply, especially in 
Port Moresby and Lae, put significant 
pressure on CSH to maintain market 
share. Both hotel room occupancy and 
rates fell below budget for the year. The 
apartments portfolio however exceeded 
budget expectations. 

26       Steamships Annual Report 2013

CSH put in place a number of initiatives 
during the year to maintain market 
share and drive margin. All expenditure 
(including capital expenditure) and 
existing contracts were reviewed to 
reduce costs. Rates in all properties 
were reduced in response to increased 
competitive pressure. The sales team was 
expanded and electronic marketing and 
social media efforts were improved.

A new corporate website was launched 
with an updated online booking system 
allowing for real time direct bookings 
at all CSH hotels. The reservation 
department was centralised for Port 
Moresby hotels to improve efficiencies 
in yield management and allow cross 
selling. 

CSH became a member of the Qantas 
Frequent Flyer program during the year 
and remains the only hotel partner for 
the Air Niugini Destinations rewards 
program. 

Opened in 2012, the Grand Papua 
Hotel further established itself as PNG’s 
Premier “Five Star Hotel” in 2013 and 
continues to improve service standards 
and product offerings to maintain its 
position as a market leader.

Coral Sea Hotels

training and development

CSH expects that pressure to retain experienced staff 
will increase in 2014 due to the increased supply of 
hotel rooms in the market. To uphold its reputation as 
an employer of choice, CSH will launch a number of 
staff initiatives to improve benefits. 

Training and career development will continue to be 
a high priority. An arrangement has been entered into 
with The Australian Pacific Training College to train 
and provide Australian certification for Food Service 
Graduates. This will be expanded in 2014 to include 
cookery and apprenticeship development and the 
Division is exploring the establishment of a hospitality 
school in Mt Hagen. 

CSH will employ a Group Training Chef to monitor 
the development of all kitchen staff; to introduce new 
innovative food and beverage options; and to ensure 
all proper food handling practices are being followed.

Future aims 

maintaining market share

CSH expects 2014 to be another challenging year. 
To meet these challenges, the Division is committed 
to ongoing internal and external reviews aimed at 
improving operational standards and ensuring that 
product offerings capitalise on CSH’s considerable 
“points of difference” in the market. Brand standards 
are being reviewed and a phased rollout of these 
will begin in January 2014 together with the 
commencement of a three year program, “Project 
Cambridge,” to upgrade and standardise all hotel 
rooms across the Group. 

Maintaining business levels in an increasingly 
competitive market will be a difficult task. Flexible 
rate structures, new sales and marketing initiatives, 
improvements in product and service offerings and 
the continued training and development of all staff 
will continue to position CSH as a quality, preferred 
supplier of all accommodation needs.

growth opportunities

New opportunities for business growth will be pursued 
in 2014. Plans include the development of new bar 
and gaming facilities for the Gateway Hotel in Port 
Moresby. 

Steamships Annual Report 2013       27

Review of Operations

CommeRCiAL

28       Steamships Annual Report 2013

LAGA inDUstRies

Headquartered in Lae, Laga Industries is PNG’s premier consumer 
goods business and the country’s leading manufacturer of ice 
creams, vegetable oils, drink powders, condiments and spirits. 
The Division is also a distributor for international consumer goods 
companies including Diageo and Constellation Wines. 

Performance in 2013

Laga Industries experienced a tough year 
in 2013. The reduced PNG LNG activity, 
coupled with falling commodity prices, 
low agricultural output and a weakening 
Kina have led to falling disposable 
incomes and consequently suppressed 
retail demand generally for PNG. This 
has prompted a transformation with 

the Division implementing a series of 
strategic changes it expects will set 
a platform for positive growth and 
development in the coming years.

Laga Industries changed its business 
model during the year to focus primarily 
on increased ice cream and vegetable 
oil production and distribution. 

The strategic focus on ice cream 
production is designed to capitalise 
on latent demand in PNG where the 
average annual consumption of ice 
cream is one litre per person compared 
to Fiji, where it is five litres per person. 
Laga Industries is confident the proposed 
strategic changes will be of significant 
benefit to the Division as a whole.

In September, Steamships purchased 
Laga Industries’ remaining interests from 
a minority party. Just prior to this, a new 
General Manager was appointed to the 
Division. 

In October, Laga Industries had its 
HACCP accreditation renewed, 
reinforcing the Division’s high standards 
and commitment to food safety.

Steamships Annual Report 2013       29

Laga Industries

30       Steamships Annual Report 2013

Future aims  

Business innovation 

Targeting opportunities for rapid growth in PNG and 
developing the systems and infrastructure required 
to support this growth will be key aims for Laga 
Industries in 2014. Specific areas of focus will be 
product development, maintenance improvements and 
increased investment in ice cream sales, distribution 
and marketing.

increased investment in sales and marketing

Laga Industries plans to expand its sales and marketing 
team to provide significantly increased coverage in the 
PNG market. Forty new sales staff will be recruited in 
2014, representing a 45 per cent increase in numbers 
on previous years. 

expanding and upgrading ice cream production and 
freezer facilities

In early 2014 Laga Industries will install a new ice 
cream molding machine - a Rollo R 29 - which will 
significantly increase capacity and the quality of 
products. The Division will also expand its ice cream 
freezer facilities in Lae by 50 per cent and increase 
its production and mixing capacity by 60 per cent to 
support increased sales and distribution of ice cream.

DAteC

Datec (PNG) Limited (Datec) has operated in PNG since 1985 
and is the country’s premier information and communications 
technology (ICT) solutions provider and internet service provider 
(ISP). 

The Division provides a suite of ICT 
solutions to assist companies, from 
network consultancy and remote 
server management to application 
development and training. Datec NGN 
(Next Generation Network), which 
predominantly services the corporate 
sector, offers the fastest internet service 
of any ISP in PNG. 

Datec operates a data centre in 
Port Moresby, the largest computer 
retail store in the country (the Datec 
Megastore) as well as corporate and 
degree-level training and education 
through Datec Learning Centres (an 
accredited academic certificate and 
diploma IT program). 

Datec has established partnerships with 
international companies including IBM, 
HP, Apple, Microsoft, Oracle, Sony, 
Canon, Cisco, Lenovo and Eaton. In 
addition, the Division has developed 
a closed-circuit TV (CCTV) and 
cabling business that designs, installs 
and services CCTV and electronic 
surveillance systems, as well as full 
service project management capability. 

Performance in 2013

Datec performed satisfactorily in 2013 
with revenues for the year matching 
those from 2012, however, increased 
competition and a falling exchange rate 
brought margin compression. 

Key objectives for 2013 were an 
increase in corporate market share and 
an expansion into regional Highland 
areas through new agency partnerships. 

The corporate sales division recorded 
double digit revenue growth in 2013. 
However, regional expansion plans were 
less successful, due in large part to the 
challenging economic conditions. 

Poor net results led Datec to focus in the 
second quarter of 2013 on consolidating 
operating costs to ensure business 
sustainability. As part of these changes 
Datec Learning Centre’s academic 
training rooms were relocated to the 
education hub at the Jubilee University 
campus.

Datec NGN continued to establish itself 
as the leading ISP in PNG and led the 
market when wholesale prices changes 
were announced by Telikom during the 
year. Datec NGN also introduced fixed 
price internet service plans to customers 
and saw data usage increase by more 
than 100 per cent.

The Datec Megastore recorded lower 
revenues in 2013, affected, as many 
retailers were, by a downturn in 
consumer demand. 

A number of key senior positions were 
localised during the year in line with 
Datec’s strategic objectives for human 
resources.

Steamships Annual Report 2013       31

Datec

Future aims  

growth in internet services

The rollout of value-added data products 
and services for internet customers 
will be a major focus in 2014. Datec 
expects that downward pressure on the 
cost of data, driven by Vsat and O3B 
service offerings, will allow Datec NGN 
to deliver internet services at more 
competitive pricing than ever before.

with the launch of its New Horizons 
Learning Centre franchise partnership. 
New Horizons are a leading global 
training solutions provider specialising 
in the development of IT technical, 
graphics, desktop applications and 
business skills. 

Datec Learning Centres will also 
establish two provincial centres in 2014 
in the Eastern Highlands and Southern 
Highlands.

sales and marketing

Improved efficiencies

Datec’s corporate sales and service 
division will focus on improving 
efficiencies through cost reduction, 
improved margins and the continued 
training and development of staff to 
ensure the effective delivery of ICT 
solutions. 

Datec will further embed sales and 
marketing resources for all products 
and services in 2014. Informed sales 
strategies and accurate target market 
analysis will drive revenue growth and 
ensure Datec’s leading market position 
is retained. 

expansion of datec Learning centres

Datec Learning Centres will pioneer a 
new era of education services in PNG 

32       Steamships Annual Report 2013

Review of Operations

Joint 
ventURes

Steamships Annual Report 2013       33

PACiFiC towinG

Pacific Towing became a wholly owned Steamships subsidiary at 
the end of November 2013.  The Division is the leading provider 
of harbour towage and mooring services in PNG and offers 
coastal and ocean towage services.  It also retains a fast responder 
salvage capability complimented by a comprehensive range of 
commercial dive services. 

Pacific Towing is headquartered 
in Port Moresby and operates 22 
vessels, including tugs and line 
boats, in five ports across PNG 
(Port Moresby, Lae, Rabaul, Kimbe 
and Madang). Dedicated harbour 
towage services were extended to 
the Solomon Islands in 2013 through 
a newly formed subsidiary company 
operating in Honiara.

Performance in 2013

There was a downturn in job 
numbers at the main ports in 2013 
as project traffic supporting mineral, 
oil and gas projects eased. This 
was offset to a degree by the arrival 
of larger vessels, both tanker and 
dry cargo types, providing uplift to 
towage revenues on a per movement 
basis. 

Two new mooring boats were 
introduced at Lae in September 
to upgrade service levels, lower 
operating costs and increase 
reliability at the port. Accordingly 
revenues in harbour exceeded the 

34       Steamships Annual Report 2013

prior year. Tug charter activity was 
significantly higher than forecast and 
provided strong cash flows. 

Two major salvage operations were 
successfully completed in 2013. The 
stranded refrigerated carrier ASIAN 
LILY was safely refloated in January 
in association with SVITZER Salvage. 
In March extensive unconventional 
underwater repairs were carried out 
on the POAVOSA WISDOM VIII in 
association with Nippon Salvage.  

Two 50tbp ASD tugs were purchased 
from Australia during the year in 
accordance with fleet renewal plans. 
They will increase service capacity 
and enable manning reductions to be 
introduced. 

Training was a focus in 2013. 
Experienced overseas officers were 
engaged to mentor PNG counterparts 
at a senior level. This initiative is 
designed to ensure that command, 
technical and environmental 
awareness skills do not fall behind 
the operational requirements of a 
modernising fleet. 

Future aims  

Improving crewing standards 
will continue to be a priority 
in 2014. The development of 
effective on-board leadership 
skills will be addressed through a 
comprehensive crewing strategy 
including the recruitment of high 
calibre cadet officers. 

This is combined with a continued 
fleet renewal program which seeks 
to reduce the average age of tugs 
over five years.

Pacific Towing plans to upgrade 
services at the Port of Lae in 2014 
to coincide with the completion of 
the Lae Basin project.

CoLGAte PALmoLive

Steamships holds a 50 per cent beneficial interest in Colgate-
Palmolive (PNG) Ltd (Colgate), a company that markets and 
distributes oral, personal, home, and fabric care products in 
PNG. Joint control is exercised by the board however day to day 
management is performed by Colgate-Palmolive Australia. 

Performance in 2013

Colgate had a challenging year in 
2013 with revenue and margin figures 
falling below the prior year. The slowing 
economic conditions weighed heavily 
on demand for consumer goods in PNG 
for much of the year. 

Despite the challenging economic 
environment, progress was made on 
Colgate’s key educational programs 
with increased participation during the 
year in the Oral care program, Colgate 

“Bright Smiles, Bright Futures,” and the 
hand hygiene program, Protex “Clean 
Hands, Good Health.” 

Both programs were buoyed by 
the increased cooperation of Non-
Government Organisations (NGOs). 
Colgate expects participation to expand 
further in 2014 and beyond.

A strategic focus on in-store execution 
in 2013 saw significant improvement in 
on-shelf and display presentations in key 
retail outlets.

Future aims  

Business simplification will 
be a key focus for Colgate in 
2014. Plans and strategies to 
increase the efficiency and 
effectiveness of the PNG 
operation will be developed 
and implemented throughout 
the year.  

Colgate will continue to 
leverage relationships with 
other emerging market 
operations, particularly in 
Fiji and other Pacific Island 
countries, to ensure best 
practice in all areas.

Steamships Annual Report 2013       35

sUstAinABiLitY

36       Steamships Annual Report 2013

sUstAinABiLitY:  A Message from the Board of Directors

“Sustainability to Steamships represents a meaningful investment 
in our people’s future, a fundamental commitment to the highest 
standards of health and safety at work, practical efforts to improve 
the lives of the communities in which we operate and genuine 
measures to ensure we minimise any negative environmental 
impacts from our diverse activities. Only by focusing on these 
areas will Steamships be able to ensure that our long term growth, 
along with the economic and social development of Papua New 
Guinea, is truly sustainable.”  

Steamships continues to strengthen and 
expand its commitment to sustainability 
through the implementation of strategic 
initiatives in three broad areas: Our 
People, Our Environment and Our 
Community. 

The establishment of a strong corporate 
governance policy framework, to act as a 
foundation for the Group’s sustainability 

efforts and initiatives, was a major 
strategic goal in 2013.  In October, the 
Steamships Board adopted a formal 
Sustainable Development Policy. The 
policy outlines the Group’s commitment 
to sustainable business practices and 
establishes the conduct expected of all 
Steamships employees, contractors and 
customers. A Sustainability Committee 
was established to provide strategic 

Steamships Annual Report 2013       37

Sustainability: A Message from the Board of Directors

direction and governance on key 
sustainability issues and initiatives. The 
committee is comprised of Steamships 
Executive management and includes a 
representative from the John Swire and 
Sons Group of Australia. 

There was progress on sustainability 
issues across the Group in 2013. Further 
adjustments were made to improve the 
reliability of the Group’s sustainability 
data.  Data sources were regularly 
audited and information capturing 
processes were improved at the Division 
level. The rollout of the Health, Safety, 
Security and Environment (HSSE) 
Portal in 2013 further improved HSSE 
management systems, which contribute 
to the sustainability reporting process. As 
a consequence of these improvements,  
Steamships will for the first time report 
sustainability data related to its chosen 
GRI indicators in 2013.

Staff continued to embrace a wide 
variety of awareness programs on issues 
including women’s health, malaria, 
cancer, HIV/AIDS, domestic violence 

and general wellbeing. In a major 
development for staff health, Steamships 
launched a Group Medical Insurance 
Scheme for all permanent employees 
during the year.  Staff training and 
development was again a major focus, 
with the Group investing over K5 million 
to deliver 138,336 hours of staff training 
in 2013. The launch of the Graduate 
Management Development Program 
and a highly successful Leadership Skills 
workshop initiative were highlights. In 
the community, Steamships contributed 
close to K2 million to initiatives and 
projects covering health and social 
welfare, education, the environment and 
sports.  

Steamships commits considerable time, 
effort and resources to the development 
of its Sustainability Strategy and the 
strengthening of key initiatives. It 
does this because it understands that 
its long term business goals can only 
be achieved if its business operations 
are imbued with the principles of 
sustainable development. 

Steamships Trading Company and

The Global Reporting Initiative

Steamships utilises the Global Reporting 
Initiative’s (GRI) G3.1 Guidelines 
as a framework for its sustainability 
monitoring and reporting. Steamships 
has based its reporting on a C level of 
application of the GRI indicators.  

This year Steamships has presented 
sustainability data and disclosed 
the Group’s performance on select 
GRI indicators to shareholders and 
stakeholders for the first time.  The 
primary sustainability data disclosed for 
2013 was collected by all Steamships 
Divisions and reported to the Steamships 
Board on a quarterly basis throughout 
the year. Year on year comparisons are 
made with baseline data collected in 
2012 .

The Group has adopted a multi-
format approach to reporting this 

performance, which more effectively 
targets communication to the needs of 
different stakeholders. In addition to 
the sustainability information published 
in this Annual Report and on our 
website, Steamships publishes an annual 
Sustainable Development Statistics 
Report and a GRI Content Index to 
help stakeholders better understand our 
performance and compliance with the 
GRI 3.1 Guidelines.

This information is available at http://
www.steamships.com.pg/sustainability/
sustainability-reporting.

Steamships is committed to providing 
an accurate and relevant set of data 
from across the Group and improving 
this as its systems mature over time. 
The achievement of a C+ level of GRI 
reporting remains a strategic goal.

38       Steamships Annual Report 2013

Selected Group Performance Highlights

2012 

% Change

Total employees 

Citizens in senior roles 

Female employees as a proportion of total workforce % 

Staff turnover % 

Staff representation on health & safety committees 

LTIIR (number of injuries per 100 full-time equivalent employees) 

LTISR (average number of days off per injury) 

Employee attendance at health programs 

Average hours of training per employee 

Direct Energy consumed (GJ) 

Indirect Energy consumed (GJ) 

Water withdrawl (KL) 

Energy consumed (CO2 tons) 

Expenditure on community programs (k’000) 

2013 

4,000  

47.0% 

24.1% 

37.1% 

9.4% 

 0.93  

 11.0  

 1,488  

34.6 

4,166  

51.6% 

26.8% 

41.1% 

9.8% 

 0.70  

 7.4  

 1,008  

23.9 

1,052,091  

915,116  

93,441  

84,705  

576,028  

475,095  

93,098  

1,941  

81,499  

1,608  

-4%

-9%

-10%

-10%

-4%

33%

49%

48%

45%

15%

10%

21%

14%

21%

Further details can be found in Steamships’ annual Sustainable Development Statistics Report 
at http://www.steamships.com.pg/sustainability/sustainability-reporting

Steamships Annual Report 2013       39

 
 
steAmshiPs sUstAinABiLitY FoCUs AReAs

oUR PeoPLe

As one of the largest and most diverse 
private employers in PNG, Steamships 
recognises the importance of its people 
and the significant contribution they 
make to the success of the Group. 
‘People’ are one of the three major 
pillars of the Group’s Sustainability 
Strategy and a key focus of its corporate 
governance policies.

In 2013 Steamships formally adopted 
corporate governance policies which 
outline the Group’s commitment 
to, and expectations of, its people. 
Steamships’ Sustainable Development 
Policy commits the Group to being an 
employer of choice and to providing 
an environment in which all employees 
are treated fairly and encouraged to 
realise their full potential. Its Diversity 
Policy commits Steamships to fostering 
an inclusive culture, improving talent 
management, enhancing recruitment 
practices and aspiring to pay equity. 
The Group’s Code of Conduct calls for 
its people to operate with the highest 
standards of business ethics and to 
conduct all business with integrity and 
fairness. 

Steamships understands that an effective, 
engaged and diverse workforce will 
contribute to improved operating 
performance, the achievement of 
strategic objectives and the delivery 
of continued value to customers and 
shareholders. 

steamships’ People strategy

Steamships’ ‘People’ strategy focuses 
heavily on implementing staff initiatives 
in occupational health and safety, 
security, diversity and training and 
development. Through these, it aims to 
create an environment that promotes an 
engaged, safe and diverse workforce, 
encourages ongoing skill development 
and facilitates an emerging generation 
of leaders. In doing so, the Group 
understands that it can help employees 
succeed while generating continued 
value to customers and shareholders. 
The provision of clear performance 

40       Steamships Annual Report 2013

objectives and regular feedback are 
crucial components in the process.

In 2013 Steamships’ main hub for 
human resources administration, the 
People and Culture (P&C) Portal, was 
fully implemented and rolled out to 
the wider Group. An administrative 
database accessible to all staff, the P&C 
Portal encourages transparency and 
accountability and houses the Human 
Resources (HR) and HSSE Portals. In 
2014, Steamships will launch and 
implement its Performance Management 
System and use the P&C Portal as the 
administration tool for the compilation 
of personal objectives and performance 
appraisals.

Steamships successfully carried out its 
second consecutive “People Compass 
Survey”. The survey is an essential tool 
in engaging staff. Two initiatives were 
implemented in 2013 as a direct result 
of feedback to the 2012 survey: a Group 
Staff Medical Insurance Scheme for all 
permanent employees was launched 
in July, while the Steamships minimum 
wage for entry level operational staff 
was also raised during the year taking 
it to 26% more than the governments 
legislated minimum wage level. Other 
initiatives including minor alterations to 
company policy and the implementation 
of additional training and development 
initiatives continue to be pursued as a 
result of staff feedback. 

1,430 employees responded to the 2013 
survey. It was encouraging to see that 
the company culture remains strong, 
with 94 per cent of employees claiming 
they were proud to work for Steamships. 
There was also a positive response 
to the 2013 implementation of the 
medical insurance scheme. Key focus 
areas identified include a competitive 
benefits review, further development 
of leadership skills and more variety of 
personal development training including 
safety. Corporate Human Resources has 
plans in place to address these areas in 
2014 .

Steamships Sustainability Focus Areas - OUR PEOPLE

oUR PeoPLe: Review of Activities and Objectives

Highlights

Future aims

Introduced a number of corporate governance policies 
including a Steamships Corporate Code of Conduct, 
Sustainable Development Policy, Diversity Policy, 
Remuneration Policy and a Performance Evaluation 
process.

Review the HR function within Steamships Divisions and 
ensure appropriate resources are in place to deliver required 
outcomes.

Standardise the HR function across the Group through 
the introduction of relevant new policies and Board and 
Management Committees.

Minimum wage for entry level operational staff increased 
and Medical Insurance Scheme for all permanent 
employees launched as a direct result of feedback from the 
2012 Survey.

Survey will be conducted for a third consecutive year.

Results and feedback from the 2013 ‘People Compass’ 
Survey will be addressed and recommendations considered. 

2013 ‘People Compass’ survey conducted. 

Launched inaugural Graduate Management Development 
Program (GMDP) in 2013 with the intake of two graduates, 
together with another three candidates for the ongoing 
Graduate Accountant Program. 

Launched the Steamships “Leadership Skills” program.

Saw improved reporting for accidents/incidents, hazards 
and near misses and a heightened awareness of proactive 
safety measures.

Continue to roll out the “Leadership Skills” program to 
supervisory and management staff, together with the re-
launch of a GRID program for senior management.

HSSE audits will be conducted to ensure effectiveness of 
action tracking and reporting. 

Gaps in HSSE Management system documentation will be 
identified and addressed through the HSSE Portal.

Commenced job mapping and job evaluation as part of a 
total job grading exercise to be completed in 2014.

Continue with job mapping and job evaluation to complete a 
fully functional job grading model in 2014.

HSSE Portal rolled out, providing a centralised depository 
for all reporting data and documentation.

Established a formal Occupational Health and Safety 
(OH&S) Committee with clear reporting lines to 
Sustainability Committee. 

Fully engage the HSSE Portal for all HR administration work.

Continue staff training on Portal use and review systems to 
optimise functionality.

Implement plans and programs initiated through 
Sustainability & OH&S Committees. 

Implement Division management training and awareness 
programs. 

Worked with external partners to provide health services to 
Steamships employees including dental services, eye care, 
reproductive health, first aid training and PAP smear tests.

Organise and provide more basic health checks for Staff 
in partnership with respective Government and non-
Government organisations.

External provider completed a partial employee 
and business asset security review. Implemented 
recommendations as appropriate.

Continuation of external review and conduct focused audit 
of OH&S systems and activities. Ongoing implementation of 
key recommendations from external security audit.

Implemented Group-wide training and health awareness 
programs aimed at fostering a health and safety culture 

Increase health awareness training programs in all business 
units (especially outside Port Moresby). 

Steamships Annual Report 2013       41

Steamships Sustainability Focus Areas - OUR PEOPLE

HeaLtH

Steamships’ approach to health 
focuses on the provision of general 
medical services for all staff and the 
implementation of education programs 
to improve staff awareness of health 
issues. These initiatives were extremely 
well supported in 2013. There was a 
marked increase in staff participation 
levels in awareness programs with 
attendance up 47 per cent on 2012 
levels. The number of programs held 
also increased to meet growing interest. 
For instance, a new initiative to educate 
staff on the impacts of depression was 
successfully added to existing programs 
for HIV/AIDs, Malaria, Alcohol and Drug 
Abuse, TB and Cancer. 

In October, Steamships held a week-long 
cancer awareness program for staff at 
Head Office and the Shipping and Hotel 
Divisions to coincide with international 
Cancer Awareness month. The initiative 
was a first of its kind for Steamships, 
featuring presentations from those living 
with cancer or affected by it.  

Steamships staff were given the 
opportunity to undergo medical tests 
for various conditions during the year. A 
highlight for a number of Port Moresby-
based staff was a visit to the ‘floating 
surgery’ of Steamships’ community 
engagement partner, Youth with a 
Mission Medical Ships Australia (YWAM 
MSA), for dental and optical treatment. 
YWAM MSA was one of a number of 
individual and organisational health 
service providers engaged by Steamships 
in 2013. 

saFety

Steamships’ approach to safety focuses 
on the development of a “Wok 
Seif” culture and the adoption of a 
“Zero Harm” mandate at all levels 
of operation. The Group strives to 
be an incident-free organisation by 
implementing robust safety management 
systems and improving staff awareness of 
safety issues.

Steamships’ safety management systems 
require that all safety incidents are 
recorded, reported and analysed. 
This allows for the identification 
and implementation of corrective 
actions and the reduction of repeat 

42       Steamships Annual Report 2013

occurrences. Safety Committees at the 
Division and Group level regularly 
scrutinise workplace behavior and safety 
performance to ensure reporting is 
robust and accurate. 

Steamships continued to update and 
refine these systems during 2013. The 
HSSE Portal will serve as a centralised 
depository for all reporting data and 
documentation. The portal is expected 
to be fully implemented in 2014. 
During 2013 an increased number 
of internal and external audits were 

carried out along with risk assessments 
on all Group-owned buildings. Fire 
and electrical exposures were a key 
focus. The HSSE scorecard was revised 
to include new measurables, while a 
number of HSSE risk assessment tools, 
including job safety analysis tools, 
were identified and rolled out for 
implementation.

Steamships Sustainability Focus Areas - OUR PEOPLE

The establishment of a Group Occupational Health and 
Safety (OH&S) Committee was a particular highlight. 
The Committee supports Steamships management in 
pursuing major safety objectives and reports directly to the 
Sustainability Committee on health and safety performance 
across the Group. Members of the committee include the 
Managing Director, the General Manager for Corporate 
Affairs, the Group HSSE Manager, and two Divisional HSSE 
Managers. 

Safety data collected for 2013 shows an increase in the 
number of reportable safety incidents, lost time injuries 
and lost days over 2012 levels. Steamships’ Lost Time 
Injury Incidence Rate was down 7 per cent to 0.92 
(number of LTI’s per 100 employees) in 2013, while the 
Lost Time Injuries Severity rate was up 48.6 per cent to 11 
days. 

Statistical increases in 2013 can be attributed to two 
factors:  (i) the successful implementation of new safety 
management and reporting systems has improved safety 
awareness across the Group and (ii) the unfortunate 
occurrence of several serious Lost Time Injuries in which 
employees were hospitalised for more than a month. The 
health and safety of staff is paramount and Steamships has 
ensured these incidents were investigated and that best 
practice back-to-work programs are implemented for all 
staff.

2014 will be Steamships’ “Year of Safety”. Various plans 
are in place to build on existing initiatives and ensure “best 
in class” safety behavior across the Group. These include:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 A safety poster competition for Steamships employees’ 
children will be run every six months to build safety 
awareness.

 The new HSSE Portal will be fully implemented and is 
expected to drive an improvement in health and safety 
management systems. 

 Steamships will partner with businesses in PNG to 
share OH&S best practices.

 Management will drive commitment across the Group 
to close audit action items.  

 General safety awareness will be promoted through 
newsletters, staff meetings and community safety 
awareness programs.

 Greater emphasis on OH&S training across the Group.  
Competent trainers will be sought to deliver training 
and build capacity.

 Risk assessments at respective locations and worksites 
will be carried out to reduce and/or eliminate OH&S 
exposures.

security

Security is a fundamental area of concern for all businesses 
operating in PNG. Steamships has established policies 
and processes to ensure that risks to the security of the 
Group’s people and assets are minimised. Staff training and 
education programs have increased awareness of security 
issues.

In 2013 Steamships implemented a comprehensive 
system for reporting, recording and monitoring security-
related incidents across the Group’s operations. The 
reporting system has successfully increased awareness 
of security incidents and allowed the Group to better 
address operational weaknesses. Steamships’ data shows 
the number of incidents recorded each quarter remained 
relatively stable across 2013. The most prevalent security 
issues were theft and alcohol-related incidents. 

Steamships commissioned an external security audit by a 
leading security firm during the year. This exposed several 
operational weaknesses requiring further attention. In 
response, Steamships implemented new staff security 
initiatives and consulted all external service providers to 
ensure appropriate levels of vigilance and protection are 
maintained. Security enhancements to Group property and 
vehicles were implemented inclusive of panic response 
systems. 

The Employee Assistance Program (EAP), which assists 
employees affected by increased levels of theft, robbery 
and public violence, was successfully implemented in 
2013. Steamships will review the EAP in 2014, including a 
proposal to extend pick up/drop off transport arrangements 
to a wider staff audience. 

Steamships Annual Report 2013       43

Steamships Sustainability Focus Areas - OUR PEOPLE

training and 
deVeLoPment

Steamships is committed to implementing 
training and development programs which 
assist in the development of a strong pool 
of skilled and experienced Board and 
executive management candidates. In 
particular, Steamships aims to provide its 
PNG citizen employees with the necessary 
skills and experience to assume leadership 
positions across the Group.

Steamships continues to invest significant 
time and resources into staff educational 
initiatives. In 2013, the Group invested 
over K5 million to deliver 138,336 hours 
of staff training, roughly 35 hours of 
training per employee. This is an additional 
eight hours of training per employee than 
was provided in 2012 and an investment 
of an additional K1 million in training and 
development initiatives.

The Group launched its Graduate 
Management Development Program 
(GMDP) in 2013 with the intake of two 
graduates. The GMDP is a three year 
program during which graduates will rotate 
through Divisions every six months. The 
program is designed to give candidates 
operational training while developing skills 
in sales and marketing, human resource 
management, finance and ICT.  

The Graduate Accountant Program 
continued in 2013. Graduates attended 
phase one of an external personal 
development course and received support 
to undertake professional accountancy 
certification courses through the chartered 
accountants body. 

Steamships also piloted a Leadership 
Skills training program and workshop for 
Division supervisors and management 
staff.  The program had 15 participants 
from two Divisions and the Head Office. 
The overwhelmingly positive response to 
this initiative by participants will see a 
more extensive rollout of the program in 
2014 .

Mandatory seafarer training, heavy 
equipment operations training and 
the cadetship program continued 
for employees in logistics Divisions. 
Steamships also invested in technical skills 
upgrading courses for support systems 
related to the Group’s products and 
services. 

44       Steamships Annual Report 2013

Steamships is proud of the role it plays 
in assisting promising young Papua New 
Guineans to further their education. 
Steamships and Swire fund an annual 
Chevening Scholarship which provides 
candidates with the opportunity to 
undertake postgraduate study in the UK. 

The 2013/2014 Chevening scholarship 
recipient is Karen Hiawalyer, an 
employee of the Department of Planning 
and Monitoring. She will be studying 
a Master’s degree in Climate Change 
and Environmental Development at the 
University of East Anglia. 2012/2013 
Scholarship recipient, Misika Rea, is 
studying for an MSc Applied Management 
and Sustainability at the Bradford School of 
Management and returns to PNG in early 
2014 .

Steamships remains committed to training 
and development initiatives and plans 
to implement the following programs in 
2014: 

• 

 Graduate Accountant and Graduate 
Management Development Programs – 
Personal Development Courses

•  Leaderships Skills Training
•  GRID Senior Management Training
•  Soft Skills Training 
•  HSSE Training
•  Frontline Management Courses
 Customer Service and Business 
• 
Etiquette Workshops
 Information Technology Applications 
Training

• 

•  Technical Upgrading Courses

 
Steamships Sustainability Focus Areas - OUR PEOPLE

diVersity

Steamships is committed to fostering diversity at all 
levels of the organisation. The Group strives to create a 
work environment inclusive of all people regardless of 
gender, age, race, disability, sexual orientation, cultural 
background, religion, family responsibilities or any other 
area of potential difference. 

In 2013, the Steamships Board approved a Diversity 
Policy for the Group that commits it to being an 
employer of choice; complying with all applicable equal 
opportunity and anti-discrimination laws; facilitating 
equal employment opportunities; adopting and applying 
best practice human resource processes; building and 
maintaining a safe work environment; training and 
development; and continuous disclosure regarding gender 
diversity.

Steamships also formalised a Group Anti-Violence 
Policy during the year. The Group seeks to provide an 
environment that is free from violence or threats of 
violence against individuals or groups of employees or 
threats against Steamships property, including partner 
violence, which may occur on any of its properties. The 
policy requires that all individuals on Steamships’ premises 
or while representing Steamships, conduct themselves 
in a professional manner consistent with good business 
practice and in conformity with non-violent principles and 
standards. 

In a bid to further strengthen its ties with employees, 
Steamships began to establish Worker Welfare Committees 
in 2013. These committees provide a regular forum for 
employees, through nominated department representatives, 
to discuss with management issues affecting them in the 
work place. The committees represent a mature, open and 

transparent approach to recognising, discussing and acting 
on employee concerns.  They are intended to build trust, 
eliminate status differentials and reinforce management’s 
belief in the involvement of employees. 

Committee members are elected from each Division 
department. One representative is elected to oversee 
issues of seasonal, casual and disadvantaged groups of 
employees. The committees are chaired by an employee 
representative. Agenda items typically include listening to 
grievances from all workers without bias or discrimination 
for improving employees’ conditions of service.

Steamships’ workforce continued to grow in 2013. 
There was a slight increase in PNG citizens in senior 
management roles from 116 in 2012 to 126 in 2013 
despite the overall percentage declining from 52% to 47%.  
Steamships aims to continue to implement training and 
development programs to ensure positions are filled from 
within the Group.

The number of female employees at Steamships decreased 
in 2013, constituting 24 per cent of the total workforce. 
This was due to an increase in male hires at Laga 
Industries and EWT which corresponded to the operational 
requirements of those Divisions. The Group is committed 
to addressing this decrease in 2014 through diversity 
initiatives and specialised hiring strategies.

Employee turnover increased again in 2013. The impact 
of PNG LNG construction on the PNG workforce and 
Steamships’ tighter controls and higher expectations of 
employee performance were key influences. Steamships 
will continue to analyse employment data to determine the 
reasons for employees leaving by age group and gender 
and customise retention programs accordingly. 

case study 1: Png Passes Family Protection Legislation

In September 2013, PNG’s Family Protection Bill was 
tabled and passed on the floor of Parliament having 
been endorsed by the National Executive Council some 
months earlier. The event was a landmark day for PNG 
as the Bill made domestic violence an offence under 
PNG law.

Steamships is proud to have played a part in this 
historic process through its relationship with the 
Coalition for Change PNG Inc. (CFC PNG), a 
community-based not for profit advocacy group 
launched in 2008 to address the issue of gender based 
violence, particularly in the home. 

Chaired by Lady Winifred Kamit CBE, a non-executive 
director on the Steamships board, CFC PNG has been 
the lead advocate for legislative reform of PNG’s pre 

independence Family legislation. The Group engaged 
international consultants to review measures against 
domestic violence and found there was widespread 
support for revised Family Protection legislation.

CFC PNG was responsible for commissioning the 
drafting of new legislation for the Protection of 
Families. It was supported in its work by PNG’s 
Secretary to the Attorney General in a working group 
comprising private and public stakeholders. 

Steamships is proud to continue to support CFC PNG 
through funding and staff participation in building 
awareness for White Ribbon Day, which promotes the 
elimination of violence against women and girls.

Steamships Annual Report 2013       45

Steamships Sustainability Focus Areas - OUR PEOPLE

case study 2: graduate management development trainees

sebastian negints: 
“I am currently at Coral Sea Hotels having 
rotated from East West Transport. I have 
been going through the operations and 
administration departments, learning about 
the products and services offered and 
observing under senior management. I also 
took part in Steamships’ organised sporting 
events and enjoyed bonding with work 
mates during training and the build up to 
the games. It made me feel truly part of the 
team. I knew the staff and management 
better and it made my learning experience 
more effective and enjoyable.

“It is a challenge to learn and understand 
everything about these Divisions’ operations 
in very competitive industries, but from 
what I have learnt so far I anticipate the next 
few years in Steamships will be a highly 
rewarding experience.”

danmon Pangali: 
“The Steamships Graduate Management 
Program provides a career development 
opportunity in management which very 
few companies can compare with in PNG. 
Having the opportunity to be exposed to the 
different commercial activities Steamships 
is involved in through its various Divisions 
is a privilege and continues to be one of the 
greatest draw cards for me.

“My first attachment with the Hotels Division 
under the mentorship of the General 
Manager, Mr Glen Murphy has been a 
positive experience. I found myself involved 
in a number of activities that required me 
to further develop skills in communication, 
team work, problem solving, and to be more 
self-directed. The close contact with senior 
management has been the highlight of the program 
for me. It has allowed great insight into the nature of 
the business and also exposed me to different styles 
of coordinating the efforts of people to accomplish 
goals and objectives using available resources.

“I am currently attached with East West Transport 
and I look forward to new experiences and 
continued growth in my career under the 
Steamships Graduate Management Development 
Program.”

46       Steamships Annual Report 2013

steAmshiPs sUstAinABiLitY FoCUs AReAs

oUR enviRonment

Steamships appreciates Papua New Guinea’s remarkably 
diverse environment and strives to be a good steward of 
the natural resources under its influence. Environmental 
sustainability is a pillar of Steamships’ Sustainability 
Strategy and a high priority Key Performance Indicator at 
every operational level across the Group.  

Steamships is committed to conducting business in a 
manner which fosters the sustainable use of the earth’s 
resources and minimises any adverse impacts on the 
environment. 

approach to environmental sustainability

Steamships firmly believes that environmental education is 
one of the most effective ways to ensure the principles of 
environmental sustainability are understood and adopted. 
Steamships’ ‘Environment’ strategy aims to increase 
environmental awareness within the Group and the 
community, through environmental education workshops 
and community engagement initiatives. 

Steamships continues to develop comprehensive systems 
and procedures to ensure that all environmental impacts 
of operations are identified, monitored and appropriately 
managed. The consolidation of these systems and 
continued staff education were key sustainability goals in 
2013 .

Environmental Aspects and Impacts Registries (EAIR) were 
rolled out to a selection of Steamships’ Divisions during 
the year.  These registries support the identification of 
specific and potential environmental impacts from business 
operations and assist in the development of measures to 
eliminate or minimise these. All Divisions are expected to 
have EAIR’s in place during 2014. 

A comprehensive Waste Management Plan was developed 
in 2013.  The plan aims to identify the different waste 
streams generated at Steamships facilities and potential 
environmental impacts and develop methods to avoid, 
reduce, capture and store waste where practical. The plan 
also builds staff awareness on the impacts of different 
waste types. Work will continue with Divisions in 2014 to 
ensure implementation across the Group. 

Steamships engages extensively with the community 
in the area of environmental sustainability.  The Group 
successfully celebrated the 2013 World Environment Day 
in the National Capital District (NCD) by supporting a 
series of competitions for school children from seventeen 

local schools. This was complemented by a ‘mangrove 
planting’ exercise in which Steamships staff and the 
community planted 500 seedlings at Pari Village outside 
Port Moresby. Steamships plans to introduce similar 
initiatives to additional schools and communities in 2014.

Steamships continued support for the Swire Papua 
New Guinea Rainforest Study (SPRS) in the Wanang 
Conservation Area during the year. Funding was provided 
for conservation activities and the Wanang elementary and 
primary school, which serves six local villages.

The inaugural recipient of the Swire Conservation 
Scholarship in Forest Science and Conservation took up 
post graduate studies in Forest Science at the University 
of Minnesota in the United States of America in 2013. The 
scholarship, funded by the Swire Educational Trust, aims to 
support individuals of exceptional promise in developing 
leadership roles in forest science and management in PNG. 

Steamships Annual Report 2013       47

Steamships Sustainability Focus Areas - OUR ENVIRONMENT

oUR enviRonment: Review of Activities and Objectives

Highlights

Future aims

Implemented an initial rollout of Environmental Aspects 
and Impacts Registries (EAIR) to some Divisions. 

EAIR’s to be rolled out to remaining Divisions and reporting 
systems to be implemented.

HSSE Portal was rolled out, providing a centralised 
depository for all reporting data and documentation.

Steamships will conduct reviews and focused audits on 
individual Divisional EAIR’s throughout the year.

Ensure HSSE Portal is used as a one stop shop for 
environmental data and continue to train portal users as and 
when required.

Sponsored a post graduate scholarship for a student to 
study forest science in the United States of America.

A further scholarship will be offered in 2014 to assist citizens 
wishing to pursue a Master course.

Environmental Awareness training and education programs 
held internally and in local communities.

Continue support for staff and community level 
environmental awareness education programs.

Supported World Environment Day activities in Port 
Moresby by sponsoring Schools competition and mangrove 
planting initiative. Providing funding of K50,000.

Expand World Environment Day school contest to schools in 
Morobe Province. Increase budget for support to K100,000.

Continue mangrove planting project.

Waste Management Plan developed and implementation 
begun. Initiated training to increase awareness of different 
waste streams.

Implement Waste Management plan across the Group. 
Review Division plans and continue awareness training for 
Division staff.

Consolidated system for collection of data for energy 
consumption, CO2 emissions and water use.

Ongoing consolidation of reporting systems. Pronto to be 
used to extract all energy consumption and water use data.

Continued support for the Swire PNG Rainforest Study 
(SPRS) including funds for conservation activities and the 
educational facilities in local communities.

Continue to provide funding and support for the SPRS.

energy use, Water use and environmental 
emissions

Steamships is strongly committed to reducing energy 
use, water use and environmental emissions at every 
operational level. Environmental training and education 
programs held in 2013 focused on the planning and 
implementation of sustainable workplace practices and the 
adoption of processes aimed at reducing energy and water 
use and lowering emissions. Continued staff education on 
Steamships’ systems for monitoring and reporting usage 
and emissions data was also carried out throughout the 
year with the aim of improving data quality.

Steamships has been collecting and internally reporting 
data on direct and indirect energy consumption by 
primary source, greenhouse gas emissions and water usage 
since 2012. Reporting efforts and data quality improved 
significantly in 2013.

Diesel and electricity consumption were the primary 
sources of CO2 emissions during 2013.  Overall emissions 
rose by around 14 per cent over 2012 levels. Data shows 
that water usage rose 21 per cent on 2012 levels. At this 

48       Steamships Annual Report 2013

stage the increases are primarily attributed to better data 
capture discipline in 2013 as overall activity levels in the 
group were static if not slightly down.  

Steamships continues to prioritise efforts to improve the 
accuracy of data and efficiency of reporting across the 
Group. The continued rollout of Division EAIR’s provides 
significant support to this process by helping Steamships 
staff to identify, monitor and address action items to lower 
resource usage and emissions. Steamships believes this 
comprehensive system of reporting and monitoring will 
manage and improve long term environmental impacts 
from operations.

The Group will regularly review EAIR’s and reporting 
systems to ensure accurate data is consistently reported 
and housed on Steamships’ HSSE Portal.  In 2014 the 
Group will also explore opportunities to expand the use 
of the Pronto IT management system to collect data on 
energy and water usage and associated costs. Steamships 
anticipates this will improve reporting efficiencies by 
reducing the time and effort required by Divisions to 
collect data. 

Steamships Sustainability Focus Areas - OUR ENVIRONMENT

case study 3: improving the understanding of Png’s tropical Forests

• 

 An International Course of Ecology was held at 
Swire Station for three weeks in July. Participants 
included ten European and twenty PNG students 
(including Wanang community members and BRC 
staff, as well as students and researchers from 
several PNG universities, NARI, FRI, NAQUIA).

• 

 PNG Department of Environment and 
Conservation visited and continued work on 
establishing the Wanang Conservation Area.

Steamships has a long standing commitment to 
support scientific research on PNG’s tropical forests, 
the third-largest tract of rainforest in the world. 

Since 2008 Steamships’ majority shareholder, John 
Swire & Sons Limited, has committed USD6000,000 
(USD100,000 in 2013) to the Swire PNG Rainforest 
Study (SPRS). In 2010 the Swire Research Centre at 
Wanang in Madang Province was officially launched. 

The project has made good progress since its launch 
and a number of important community and research 
activities took place in 2013. These included:  

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Continuing work on 50-ha forest survey: tagging 
of approximately 300,000 trees completed, 
identification and data basing of some 400 species 
nearing completion.

 Conducting research of forest canopy using a hot 
air balloon. Funded with a EUR40,000 grant from 
the Belgium Lottery Fund.

 Developing a seed project, butterfly monitoring, 
and bird study. A PhD student was supported to 
work in Wanang Conservation Area with five well 
trained assistants. Funded by the Czech Science 
Foundation.

 MSc student project on soil chemistry and an 
Honours project on ethnobiology were carried out 
in Wanang, along with part of an MSc project on 
ant ecology from the University of PNG.

 Seacology primary school classroom built and 
opened.

 Continued construction of the EUR 50,000 project 
for solar equipment at Swire Station, funded by 
the Prince of Monaco Foundation (who visited 
in December 2012). This project will also supply 
lights to Wanang School.

 Established the Darwin Initiative project to 
estimate carbon stock in Wanang Conservation 
Area. A UK expert, Dr Mika Peck, started training 
at the site in late 2013.  The project aims to gain 
Verified Carbon Standards and Carbon Community 
Biodiversity Standards accreditation.

• 

 Swire funds continued to support the Wanang 
elementary and primary school, which serves six 
villages.

Steamships Annual Report 2013       49

steAmshiPs sUstAinABiLitY FoCUs AReAs

oUR CommUnitY

Community is the third and final pillar 
of Steamships’ Sustainability Strategy. 
The Group has a considerable footprint 
in PNG and considers it essential to 
have a positive impact on the various 
communities in which it operates. 

Steamships’ Sustainable Development 
Policy commits the Group to playing an 
active role as a responsible corporate 
citizen; to being involved in community 
engagement programs; and to 
encouraging staff to participate in these 
initiatives. These commitments guide 
the Group’s approach to community 
engagement and development activities.

approach to community 
development
Steamships adds value to the 
communities in which the Group 
operates, over and above the economic 
benefits derived from employment, taxes 
and levies and associated businesses. 

The Group’s community program 
prioritises four key areas: health and 
social welfare, education, sports and 
culture. Funding to these areas was 
over K1.94 million in 2013, an increase 
of some 20 per cent on 2012. The 
Group expects to increase funding for 
community development activities by an 
additional 15 per cent in 2014.

Steamships’ community strategy 
focuses financial support on a select 
group of larger, high impact activities 
to ensure funds are most effectively 
utilised. Steamships Divisions continue 
to provide additional support to 
local initiatives related directly to the 
communities in which they operate. 

50       Steamships Annual Report 2013

Highlights

Future aims

Assisted the Coalition for Change 
PNG Inc. (CFC PNG) to create 
awareness about violence against 
women and children.

Continue to promote efforts to reduce 
gender based inequality and violence 
by supporting groups such as the 
CFC PNG and the newly constituted 
Business Coalition for Women (BCW).

Worked with the CFC PNG and 
government agencies to promote the 
Family Protection Act.

Provided support to Youth with a 
Mission (YWAM), which contributed 
to YWAM receiving Government 
funding for a new vessel. 

Increase support to K50, 000.

Continue to assist YWAM to expand 
operations to Milne Bay, Morobe and 
Central Province.

Staff visited both the Port Moresby 
Children’s Hospital and the Tembari 
Child Care Orphanage to present 
gifts.

Increase staff involvement in 
community-based projects and 
activities and complement with 
funding where appropriate.

Donated prime land to the 2015 
Pacific Games Commission for the 
construction of facilities for the 
Games.

Appointed a General Manager 
Corporate Affairs.

Assist in the purchase of vital 
equipment for Cancer Facility at the 
Port Moresby General Hospital

Establish a committee to manage 
community investment program and 
identify communities and charities to 
assist.

Invested K1.94 million in 
community initiatives, an increase of 
20% from 2012.

Increase funding for community 
initiatives by 15% to K2.25 million.

area 

2013 spending (Kina) 

2014 Budget (Kina)

Health & Social Welfare 

1,210,153 

Education & Environment 

Sports & Culture 

TOTAL 

497,190 

234,000 

1,941,343 

1,270,480

462,919 

130,000 

1,863,399

Steamships Sustainability Focus Areas - OUR COMMUNITY

major recipients of steamships community engagement Funds in 2013:

yWam medical ship

salvation army 

World environment day

Purpose

Helps people in rural areas and 
urban settlement areas improve 
living conditions, raise skill levels, 
increase productivity and instill self-
confidence.

steamships 2013 contribution:

K220,000

Purpose

Buk Bilong Pikinini

Purpose

Delivers medical services into the 
remote rural areas of the Gulf and 
Western provinces.

steamships 2013 contribution:

K400,000

BaHa

Encourages school children to 
understand the importance of taking 
care of the environment.

steamships 2013 contribution:

K50,000

susu mama inc

Purpose

Helps to reduce maternal and infant 
morbidity and mortality in PNG.

steamships 2013 contribution:

K120,000

Purpose

Assists the private & public sector 
to develop workplace policies on 
HIV/AIDS and provides training & 
awareness on the disease.

Purpose

Provides young children access 
to books and reading materials to 
develop their basic literacy and 
numeracy skills before entering the 
school system.

steamships 2013 contribution:

steamships 2013 contribution:

K50,000

K196,000

steamships also supported the following charitable organisations in 2013:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 coalition for change Png: Creates awareness about 
violence against women and children.

 Png Paralympics: Gives people with disability the 
opportunity to achieve their dreams and aspirations.

 operation open Heart: Flies in doctors from Australia 
to carry out open heart surgery on patients where 
procedures are not possible due to a lack of necessary 
technical or financial means.

 cheshire disability services: The only organisation in 
PNG that takes care of, and trains, people living with 
disabilities.

 Halfway House and tembari children care: Gives 
women and children who are victims of violence and 
abuse a place to take shelter.

 steamships make a child smile Project:    
 Steamships’ staff visit hospitals and other institutions 
over Christmas Season to donate gifts to children.

• 

• 

• 

 Kone Kanu Klub:  A rowing club based in Port Moresby 
which represents the country and participates in 
competitions in Australia.

 crocodile Prize/Literary sponsorship: PNG’s only 
National Literature Contest. Steamships sponsor the 
Short Story Prize.

 international course of ecology was held at Swire 
Station for three weeks in July. Participants included ten 
European and twenty PNG students (including Wanang 
community members and BRC staff, as well as students 
and researchers from several PNG universities, NARI, 
FRI, NAQUIA).

• 

 Png department of environment and conservation 
visited and continued work on establishing the Wanang 
Conservation Area.

Steamships Annual Report 2013       51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Steamships Sustainability Focus Areas - OUR COMMUNITY

case study 4: supporting the development of Literacy and numeracy skills

Steamships is proud to support Buk Bilong Pikinini 
(BBP), an independent not-for-profit organisation which 
aims to establish children’s libraries and encourage 
reading and learning in PNG. 

In addition to financial support for BBP, Steamships 
provides rent-free space at its Bird of Paradise Hotel to 
house BBP’s Goroka library, along with providing toilet 
facilities for children and staff.

There are few functioning libraries outside the school 
system in PNG and most children do not have access 
to books. Only half of school age children go to school 
and in many places the literacy rate is well under the 
official rate of 50 per cent; in some it is as low as five 
per cent. 

BBP libraries give young children access to books 
and reading materials to develop basic literacy and 
numeracy skills, before entering the school system. 
These libraries are a very important resource, 
deliberately built in community-based localities such 
as settlements, clinics and market places.

Steamships is a platinum founder and sponsor of BBP 
and currently supports three BBP libraries. Steamships 
will be providing financial support to the Lawes Road 
(Port Moresby), Lae and Goroka Libraries until at least 
2017 . 

case study 5: steamships expands support for World environment day

Steamships is a major sponsor of PNG’s activities to 
celebrate ‘World Environment Day’ on the 5 June each 
year. 

In 2013 the Group was the sole private sector sponsor 
of the World Environment Day School contest, in 
partnership with the Department of Environment and 
Conservation (DEC). Three activities were organised 
- the Clean School contest (Best Environmentally 
Friendly School Award), an Essay competition and 
a Debate contest – and all were based on the 2013 
theme “Think, Eat, Save”. 

The day was regarded as a great success with a total of 
seventeen schools participating in organised activities. 
Steamships’ involvement was the first time a company 
had partnered with the DEC to organise and host a 
program on World Environment Day. 

Complementing the schools initiative was a ‘mangrove 
planting’ exercise involving Steamships staff and the 
community from Pari Village outside Port Moresby. 
Staff and their families planted a total of 500 seedlings 
along the shoreline to stop erosion. Steamships is 
considering proposals to expand these activities for the 
2014 World Environment Day.

52       Steamships Annual Report 2013

CoRPoRAte GoveRnAnCe stAtement

CoRPoRAte GoveRnAnCe stRUCtURe

Steamships formalised the above 
governance structure in 2013. During 
the year an independent Internal Audit 
department was established to report to 
the Audit & Risk Committee, together 
with the following executive committees 
to support the Executive Directors in 
their duties: Sustainability, ICT, Property 

Development and Legal. The formation 
of these additional committees adds 
further integrity to the Group’s risk 
management processes.  

Director’s attendance at the relevant 
Board and Board Committee meetings is 
outlined below.

Board and committee attendance

Board 
meeting 

audit and risk 
committee 

remuneration 
and nomination 
committee 

strategic
Planning
committee

W.L. Rothery 

G. Aopi, CBE 

T. Blackburn 

Sir M. Bromley, KBE 

D. Cox, OL 

G. Cundle 

G.J. Dunlop 

J. Hughes Hallett, CMG 

Lady W. Kamit, CBE 

S. Pelling 

3/4 

4/4

4/4

4/4 

4/4

4/4 

4/4 

2/4

4/4 

4/4 

4/4 

4/4 

4/4

2/2 

2/2 

2/2 

1/1

1/1

1/1

1/1

1/1

Steamships Annual Report 2013       53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CoRPoRAte GoveRnAnCe stAtement

a commitment to good governance

Steamships and its Board are committed to achieving 
and demonstrating the highest standards of corporate 
governance and ethical behaviour, and they expect these 
standards from all employees. The Group believes that the 
maximisation of long term returns to shareholders is best 
achieved by acting in a socially responsible manner that 
recognises the interests of community stakeholders.

Steamships is committed to:

• 

• 

• 

  Providing high-quality products and services to meet 
customers’ needs;

 Maintaining high standards of business ethics and 
corporate governance;

 Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of employees and 
others with whom the Group has contact; and 

•  Promoting sustainable business practice.

Steamships believes it complied with the 2010 Australian 
Stock Exchange Corporate Governance Principles and 
Recommendations with 2010 amendments during the 
twelve months ended 31 December 2013, except where 
noted in the following pages.

Steamships reports against the Australian Stock Exchange 
(ASX) recommendations by addressing each key principle 
in the order it is listed in the ASX guidelines. Each section 
addressing a key principle includes references to relevant 
information that appears elsewhere in the 2013 Annual 
Report or on Steamships’ website.

Lay solid foundations for management and 
oversight

Steamships focuses on the long-term development and 
growth of business where it can add value through 
its industry-specific expertise, its partnerships and its 
knowledge of Papua New Guinea, gained through its long 
history in the country. In order to achieve this, the Group 
combines the efforts of dedicated management teams in 
the individual Divisions, supported by a small Corporate 
Office management team, to provide services such as 
strategic direction, investment and performance review, 
treasury, legal support, health & safety development, 
human resources management and people development 
services.

Steamships’ Board of Directors, together with Divisional 
advisory boards, has the responsibility to set the strategic 
direction of the Group; to review the operational and 
financial performance of the Group’s activities; to monitor 
the achievements of the Group against its objectives; to 
review the management of business risk; and to report to 
the shareholders. Steamships has formalised and defined 
the functions reserved for the Board and those delegated 

54       Steamships Annual Report 2013

to management in a formal Board Charter. This Charter 
defines Board duties to facilitate accountability to the 
Group and its shareholders.

Steamships has adopted a structured approach to strategic 
business planning across all Divisions. The Group has 
implemented a key performance indicator monitoring 
system to ensure it remains focused on core strategies and 
the action plans outlined to achieve them. Progress against 
the strategies and indicators are measured on a quarterly 
basis.

The Board has formed a Strategic Planning Committee 
that meets annually and provides a detailed review of 
the annual budget and the three-year planning process 
in discussion with the Division General Managers. This 
review in no way diminishes the responsibility of the full 
Board to review and approve the Group’s strategy at a 
more macro level.

Core strategies are implemented by means of programs, 
budgets and procedures. Implementation involves the 
organisation of the Group’s resources and motivation of the 
staff to achieve objectives.

The Managing Director reviews the performance of 
senior Executives regularly and at least annually. These 
reviews address individual and corporate key performance 
indicators and compliance with the Group code of 
conduct and ethics. A written report on the annual reviews 
is prepared and sent to the Remuneration and Nomination 
Committee which provides feedback to the Board and 
Managing Director on senior management succession 
plans. 

The Board assesses the performance of the Managing 
Director, and other Executive Directors, according to the 
formal performance evaluation process. Performance 
evaluations for all senior Executives were carried out 
during 2013 in accordance with this process.

The Group is committed to the development of its 
employees by ensuring its succession program is 
appropriate and monitored. Although the expertise and 
skills of expatriate staff are still required, an active program 
of training and skills transfer seeks to enable the Group 
to promote citizen staff and to build a strong, long-term 
workforce for the future.

Copies of the Board Charter, Board Committee Charters 
and Terms of Reference and the formal process for Senior 
Management Performance Evaluation can be found on 
Steamships’ website in the corporate governance section.

structure the Board to add value

The Steamships Board currently comprises two Executive 
Directors, two independent Non-Executive Directors 
(Lady Winifred Kamit and Mr Gerea Aopi), and six Non-
Executive Directors, of whom three are also Directors of 

other John Swire & Sons’ subsidiary companies. The roles 
of Chairman and Managing Director are performed by 
separate individuals.

Steamships notes the ASX recommendations and 
comments concerning Director independence and advises 
that the Group departs from these recommendations due to 
the nature of its shareholdings and its location. Steamships 
currently has 98 per cent of its shares held by three major 
shareholders, one of which holds 72 per cent of the 
shares. The pool of available independent representatives 
in Papua New Guinea is small, and it would be very 
difficult to find an adequate number of truly independent 
Directors qualified to serve on the Board. To disqualify 
existing Directors on the grounds of lack of independence 
would deprive the Group of valuable experience in 
the management of its affairs. While recognising the 
importance of the ASX recommendations, the Board feels 
that, under current circumstances, the recommendations 
are not practicable, and would not serve the interest of the 
Group or its shareholders.

All Non-Executive Directors retire on a rotational basis at 
least every three years. Retiring Directors are eligible for 
re-election.

The Board has a Remuneration and Nomination 
Committee comprising three Directors. The members of 
the Remuneration and Nomination Committee and their 
attendance at meetings of the Committee during 2013 are 
detailed above and in the Directors’ Report.

The responsibilities of the Remuneration and Nomination 
Committee include reviewing, monitoring and making 
recommendations to the Board regarding the composition 
of the Board, Board Committees and senior management 
team.

Steamships believes that its Board should consist 
of Directors with an appropriate mix of skills and 
experience to understand, critique and contribute to the 
Group’s financial performance, strategic direction, risk 
management, operations, sustainability, values and culture.  
The skills, expertise, experience of each Director and 
term of office at the date of this report are detailed in the 
Directors’ Report.

The Steamships Board has adopted a formal performance 
evaluation process which reviews the performance of the 
Board, Board Committees and individual Directors on an 
annual basis.

The process is conducted by the Chairman of the Board, 
who meets with each Non-Executive Director and 
specifically addresses key performance indicators and 
compliance with the Group Code of Conduct and ethics. 

In reviewing the performance of Board Committees, the 
Chairman conducts meetings with the Chairperson of each 
Board Committee addressing key performance criteria 
and compliance with Committee charters and terms of 
reference.

CoRPoRAte GoveRnAnCe stAtement

Both formal review processes were completed in 2013.

A more detailed explanation of Steamships’ formal 
performance evaluation processes for the Board, Board 
Committees and individual Directors is available on 
Steamships’ website in the corporate governance section.

In exercising their duties as Directors, the Board, 
and individual members of it, can seek independent 
professional advice at the Group’s expense. Requests for 
the provision of such advice are directed to the Chairman.

Steamships’ Board Charter and the Remuneration 
and Nomination Committee Charter are available on 
Steamships’ website in the corporate governance section. 

Promote ethical and responsible decision 
making

Steamships promotes ethical and responsible decision-
making in all its Divisions. This commitment falls within 
the Group’s strong focus on ensuring the sustainability 
of its business operations, described separately in this 
Annual Report. The Group’s evolving sustainability strategy 
promotes ethical and responsible behaviour in three key 
focus areas: People, Environment and Community. 

In early 2013, Steamships adopted a formal Group Code of 
Conduct. The Code embodies previously informal practice 
and is supported by a training module and periodic 
monitoring of compliance. Among matters addressed, 
the Code of Conduct details Steamships’ requirements 
regarding monetary payments and gifts offered by third 
parties to Steamships’ personnel.

The following Board committees assist the Board in 
promoting ethical and responsible decision making:

•  Strategic Planning Committee

•  Audit and Risk Committee

•  Remuneration and Nomination Committee

Steamship began to consider some key benchmarks from 
the global standard on sustainability reporting – the Global 
Reporting Initiative (GRI) - in its 2011 Annual Report for 
the first time. By establishing systems to collect relevant 
data and monitor progress against these benchmarks, 
Steamships continues to promote ethical and responsible 
decision making, improve operations and increase 
transparency.

Commentary on Group performance in health and safety, 
security, training and development, labour relations, 
diversity, in addition to environmental measures on energy, 
water, effluent and waste emissions and the Group’s 
approach to community development can be found in 
the sustainability section of this Annual Report and on the 
Steamships website.

Steamships Annual Report 2013       55

CoRPoRAte GoveRnAnCe stAtement

diversity

ASX recommendations focus heavily on gender diversity. 
While Steamships is committed to fostering diversity at 
all levels, gender diversity has been and continues to be 
a priority for the Group. Its approach to gender diversity 
is based on fostering an inclusive culture, improving 
talent management, enhancing recruitment practices and 
ensuring pay equity. 

Notwithstanding ASX recommendations, Steamships 
believes that for a Group operating entirely in Papua New 
Guinea, diversity must go further and incorporate culture. 
This country of just over seven million people is widely 
reported as having around 800 unique languages. The 
challenges of its mountainous and island terrain contribute 
to its highly traditional tribal and rural societies (less than 
20 per cent of PNG citizens live in urban centres). 

Steamships operates in 12 of PNG’s 20 provinces, 
consistent with its broad range of business interests. Having 
operated successfully in PNG since 1919, Steamships 
recognises the social and commercial value of diversity 
and strives to create a work environment which is inclusive 
of all people regardless of gender, age, race disability, 
sexual orientation, cultural background, religion, family 
responsibilities or any other area of potential difference.

In 2013, the Board approved a Diversity Policy for the 
Group that reflects this commitment and includes the 
requirement for reviewing and providing recommendations 
to the Board on the Group’s performance development 
initiatives aimed at promoting diversity. Commentary on 
adopted measures is included in the sustainability section 
of the 2013 Annual Report and on the Steamships’ website.

Steamships’ Code of Conduct and Diversity Policy are 
available on the Steamships website in the corporate 
governance section.

Safeguard integrity in financial reporting

While the Board maintains overall responsibility for the 
systems of internal control and monitors their effectiveness, 
it is assisted in discharging its responsibilities by the 
Audit and Risk Committee, which is composed of an 
independent Non-Executive Chairman and two Non-
Executive Directors who are representatives of major 
shareholders.

The Audit and Risk Committee recommends the 
appointment and remuneration of the external auditors, 
reviews the Group’s financial statements and the adequacy 
and effectiveness of existing internal and external audit 
arrangements. It also considers management of the Group’s 
risk. The findings and recommendations of the Committee 
are reported to the Board. The Committee meets quarterly, 
at which time it receives and discusses reports from senior 

56       Steamships Annual Report 2013

management and from external auditors. The Audit and 
Risk Committee has formal terms of reference which detail 
its role and responsibilities, composition, structure and 
membership requirements. 

The members of the Audit and Risk Committee, their 
qualifications and their attendance at meetings of the 
Committee held during 2013 are shown above and in the 
Directors’ Report.

Divisions within the Group have established their own 
internal audit and monitoring functions. Regular reviews of 
monthly accounts and balance sheets conducted by senior 
management seek to ensure that internal control is properly 
managed throughout the Group. In the opinion of the 
Board, this has been the most efficient and cost-effective 
means of managing internal control, given the diversity 
of the business and the nature of the risk. However, to 
enhance the internal system of control and business risk, 
the Board approved the establishment of a standardised 
corporate office internal audit process in 2013.

The Audit and Risk Committee Terms of Reference 
is available on Steamships’ website in the corporate 
governance section.

make timely and balanced disclosure

Steamships promotes timely and balanced disclosure of all 
material matters concerning the Group. The Board seeks to 
inform shareholders of issues affecting the Group through 
comprehensive Annual Reports, the Steamships website 
and the release of reports to the Port Moresby Exchange, 
the Australian Securities Exchange and appropriate 
media. These detail the Group’s financial and operating 
performance.

Steamships has written policies designed to ensure 
compliance with the continuous public disclosure and 
external communications requirements of the Port Moresby 
Stock Exchange and Australian Securities Exchange, and 
the Board will ensure these are met at all times.

Steamships has explored methods to more effectively 
inform shareholders.  While many local smallholders still 
rely solely on the postal system, an increasing number 
have access to the internet. By relaunching its corporate 
website in early 2013, Steamships has further developed 
the mechanisms designed to ensure compliance with the 
ASX listing rule requirements, such that:

• 

• 

 All investors have equal and timely access to material 
information concerning the Group, including its 
financial position, performance, ownership and 
governance.

 Group announcements are factual and presented in a 
clear and balanced way, including disclosure of both 
positive and negative information.

respect the rights of shareholders

As mentioned earlier, some 98 per cent of Steamships 
shares are held by three major shareholders, two of which 
are represented on the Board. Steamships is nonetheless 
very aware that it has smaller shareholders and seeks to 
ensure they are fully empowered. 

The Steamships website is regularly updated to give 
all shareholders ready access to balanced and easy to 
understand information about the Group and its business 
activities.

Steamships is incorporated in Papua New Guinea and 
accordingly holds its Annual General Meeting in Port 
Moresby, with shareholders encouraged to attend and 
participate.

Steamships’ Public Disclosure and External 
Communications Policy is available on Steamships’ website 
in the corporate governance section. Steamships’ website 
details how investors may contact the Group’s investor 
relations team. In addition, the website contains contact 
details for the Group’s external share registry, including a 
general enquiry line, fax number and email details.

recognise and manage risk

Steamships has identified its material business risks and 
actively manages those risks. The Group is committed 
to the management of risks throughout its operations to 
protect its employees, the environment, Group assets, 
earnings and reputation.

Certain risks occur in the normal course of Steamships’ 
business and include foreign exchange and interest rate 
risks. Steamships has policies and standards in place 
covering the oversight and management of these inherent 
material business risks. 

The Group has adopted an Enterprise Risk Management 
process that enables it to identify, assess and manage 
factors that threaten the Group’s ability to achieve its long 
term strategic objectives.

Under this system all material business risks that arise in 
the course of the Group’s activities have clearly defined 
management ownership and accountability for reporting to 
the Board. 

The Board requires management to continually and at 
least annually assess, prioritise, mitigate and manage its 
existing risks and the emerging risks it faces. The General 
Manager of each Division draws up and manages each 
organisation’s corporate risk register and mitigation plans 
and is required to present these to the Board on an annual 
basis. 

During 2013, management reported to the Board on 
the effectiveness of its risk management systems and 

CoRPoRAte GoveRnAnCe stAtement

performance in managing material business risks. 
Steamships’ Strategic Planning Committee formally reviews 
Divisional risks as part of its annual strategic review.

Steamships’ Risk Management program utilises a risk 
management tool and database to assist in monitoring 
and enforcement of compliance with the Group’s risk 
management procedures and policies. The Group also uses 
other risk management techniques, including insurance, 
to reduce the financial impact of any uncontrollable or 
catastrophic losses.

The Board is responsible for reviewing the Group’s 
policies on risk oversight and management. In doing so, 
the Board satisfies itself that management has developed 
and implemented a sound system of risk management and 
internal control.

Steamships has an Audit and Risk Committee responsible 
for monitoring and reviewing the risk management system. 
While the Audit and Risk Committee assists the Board to 
fulfil its risk oversight obligations, ultimate responsibility 
for risk oversight and risk management rests with the full 
Board.

Minutes of all Board committee meetings are made 
available to all Directors. The members of the Audit and 
Risk Committee, their qualifications and attendance at 
meetings of the Committee during 2013 are detailed above 
and in the Directors report.

Steamships is incorporated in Papua New Guinea and is 
not generally subject to the Australian Corporations Act, 
hence the Board does not require the Managing Director 
and the Finance Director to provide a declaration that is 
consistent with section 295A of the Australian Corporations 
Act 2001.

A summary of Steamships’ policies on risk oversight and 
management is available on Steamships’ website in the 
corporate governance section.

remunerate fairly and responsibly

Steamships’ policy is to ensure that the level and 
composition of remuneration for all employees is 
competitive and reasonable and that the relationship 
between remuneration and performance is clearly defined.

Steamships’ Board has established a Remuneration and 
Nomination Committee comprising the Steamships 
Chairman, the Managing Director and a Non-
Executive Director. Steamships acknowledges the ASX 
recommendations that suggest this committee be chaired 
by an independent Director, however the Board considers 
this committee structure appropriate given Steamships’ 
shareholder structure. 

The Remuneration and Nomination Committee meets 
annually to review, monitor and make recommendations 

Steamships Annual Report 2013       57

CoRPoRAte GoveRnAnCe stAtement

to the Board regarding the remuneration and incentive 
framework for non-executive Directors, the Managing 
Director and other executive Directors, and senior 
executives at the General Manager level.

Steamships’ remuneration policy is designed to attract and 
retain the talent necessary to create value for shareholders; 
to motivate senior executives to pursue long term growth 
and success for the Group; to reward key management 
personnel and other employees fairly and responsibly; and 
to comply with all relevant legal and regulatory provisions.

Steamships’ executive remuneration policy, which applies 
to the Managing Director, other executive Directors, and 
senior executives at the general manager level, comprises 
three components: Fixed remuneration, incentives and 
salary packaging and other benefits. Incentive-based 
remuneration is aligned with individual and corporate 
objectives with performance against these evaluated 
annually. 

Non-executive Directors are remunerated by way of fees 
and do not receive options, bonus payments or retirement 
benefits. 

Further details of Steamships’ approach to remuneration 
can be found in the Groups’ Remuneration Policy, which 
is available on Steamships’ website in the corporate 
governance section.

The members of the Remuneration and Nomination 
Committee, their qualifications and attendance at meetings 
of the Committee during 2013 are detailed above and in 
the Director’s Report. The Remuneration and Nomination 
Committee’s charter is available on Steamships’ website in 
the corporate governance section.

Steamships is incorporated in Papua New Guinea and 
is not generally subject to the Australian Corporations 
Act, hence section 300A the Australian Corporations Act 
2001 concerning remuneration disclosure does not apply. 
Steamships reports company remuneration details in 
accordance with the Papua New Guinea Companies Act 
1997 . 

58       Steamships Annual Report 2013

Steamships Annual Report

FinAnCiAL
Contents 

Statements of Comprehensive Income   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  60

Statement of Changes in Equity  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  61

Balance Sheets  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  62

Statements of Cash Flows    .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  63

Notes to the Financial Statements    .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  64

Independent Auditor’s Report    .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .  98

Directors’ Report  .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .100

Stock Exchange Information   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .104

Company Directory    .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   . IBC

Steamships Annual Report 2013       59

stAtements oF ComPRehensive inCome
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

note 

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

Continuing Operations 

Revenue 

Other income 

Operating expenses 

oPeRAtinG PRoFit 

Finance costs – net 

Share of profit of associates and joint ventures 

PRoFit BeFoRe inCome tAX 

3(a) 

3(a) 

3(b) 

3(e) 

4(b) 

930,934 

38,718 

986,310 

51,885 

56,971 

6,103 

(871,288) 

(751,111) 

(6,001) 

98,364 

287,084 

57,073 

78,346

7,441

(5,581)

80,206

72

(17,690) 

(21,510) 

14,188 

9,697 

90,371 

72 

- -

279,762 

57,145 

80,278

Income tax expense 

5(a) 

(11,930) 

(81,414) 

(572) 

(59)

PRoFit FRom ContinUinG oPeRAtions 

78,441 

198,348 

56,573 

80,219

Other comprehensive income 

- 

- 

- -

totAL ComPRehensive inCome FoR the YeAR 

78,441 

198,348 

56,573 

80,219

Attributable to: 

Non-controlling interests 

Shareholders 

(38,609) 

117,050 

78,441 

20,648 

177,700 

198,348 

- -

56,573 

56,573 

80,219

80,219

Basic and Diluted Earnings per share continuing (toea) 

3(f) 

377t 

573t 

- -

These statements of comprehensive income are to be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

60       Steamships Annual Report 2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
stAtement oF ChAnGes in eqUitY
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

Share 
Capital 

Retained 
Earnings 

Other 

Total Capital  Controlling  

Reserves  & Reserves 

Interest 

Total 
Equity

non-

BALANCE AT 1 JANUARY 2012 

24,200 

554,349 

Profit from continuing operations 

Other comprehensive income 

Dividends paid 2012 

- 

- 

- 

177,700 

- 

(79,071) 

BALANCE AT 31 DECEMBER 2012 

24,200 

652,978 

Profit from continuing operations 

Other comprehensive income 

Dividends paid 2013 

Change in ownership interests not resulting 
  in a change in control (note 22b) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

117,050 

- 

(68,218) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

578,549 

75,365 

653,914

177,700 

20,648 

198,348

- 

- 

-

(79,071) 

(11,691) 

(90,762)

677,178 

84,322 

761,500 

117,050 

(38,609) 

78,441

- 

- 

-

(68,218) 

(5,702) 

(73,920)

- 

(8,994) 

(8,994) 

(17,104) 

(26,098)

BALAnCe At 31 DeCemBeR 2013 

24,200 

701,810 

(8,994) 

717,016 

22,907 

739,923

This statement of changes in equity is to be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

No statement of changes in equity is presented for the Parent Entity as the only movement in equity is represented by the retained 
earnings as shown in the statement of comprehensive income and dividend movements as reflected above for the Group.

Steamships Annual Report 2013       61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BALAnCe sheets
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

Current assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 
Inventories 
Non-current assets classified as held for sale 
Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss 
Loans to related companies 

Non-current assets 
Property, plant and equipment 
Investment properties 
Investments in related companies 
Loans to related companies 
Intangible assets 
Deferred tax asset 

total assets 
Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Provisions for other liabilities and charges 
Loans from related company 
Loan from shareholder 
Borrowings 
Income tax payable 

Non-current liabilities 
Deferred tax liability 
Provisions for other liabilities and charges 
Borrowings 

total liaBilities 
net assets 

eQuity 
Issued capital 
Retained earnings 
Capital and reserves attributable to the
  Company’s shareholders 
Non-controlling interests 
total eQuity 

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

note 

2013 

2012 

2013 

6 
7(a) 
8 
9 
10 
11 

12 
13 
4(a) 
11 
14 
5(c) 

15 
16 
11 
17 
17 

5(c) 

16 
17 

18 

11,640 
178,996 
59,878 
- 
- 
337 
250,851 

722,735 
343,658 
31,471 
103,065 
93,514 
21,081 
1,315,524 
1,566,375 

130,662 
10,176 
16,335 
15,160 
50,681 
7,713 
230,727 

25,598 
12,019 
558,108 
595,725 
826,452 
739,923 

24,200 
692,816 

717,016 
22,907 
739,923 

21,508 
242,553 
68,381 
8,426 
20,307 
2,455 
363,630 

755, 349 
268,512 
38,687 
48,290 
17,183 
- 
1,128,021 
1,491,651 

149,007 
12,658 
14,314 
16,133 
144,381 
33,903 
370,396 

32,898 
9,985 
316,872 
359,755 
730,151 
761,500 

24,200 
652,978 

677,178 
84,322 
761,500 

643 
1,056 
- -
- -
- -
- -
1,699 

28,944 
- -
146,395 
5,712 
- -
771 
181,822 
183,521 

213 
- -
155,234 
- -
- -
(604) 
154,843 

- -
- -
- -
- -
154,843 
28,678 

24,200 
4,478 

28,678 
- -
28,678 

2012

3,225
4,680

7,905

32,478

68,676
5,715

905
107,774
115,679

150

76,248

(1,042)
75,356

75,356
40,323

24,200
16,123

40,323

40,323

These statements of balance sheets are to be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

For and on behalf of the Board:

28 March 2014 

W. L. Rothery 
Chairman 

G.L. Cundle
Managing Director

62       Steamships Annual Report 2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
stAtements oF CAsh FLows
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

note 

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

CasH FloWs From oPerating aCtiVities 

Receipts from customers 

962,288 

990,355 

1,206 

Payments to suppliers and employees 

(643,060) 

(626,171) 

(1,177) 

Interest received 

Interest and other finance costs paid 

Income tax paid 

106 

(17,796) 

(64,930) 

135 

(21,645) 

(75,808) 

72 

- -

- 

Net cash provided by operating activities 

20 

236,608 

266,866 

101 

CAsh FLows FRom investinG ACtivities 

Purchase of property, plant & equipment 

(224,734) 

(202,646) 

Proceeds from sales of property, plant & equipment 

52,463 

4,917 

Loans made (to)/repaid by associated companies 

(51,609) 

(44,620) 

Dividends received 

5,921 

3,935 

(497) 

- -

86,780 

56,971 

Acquisition of subsidiaries and non-controlling interests(net of cash acquired)  (92,633) 

- 

(77,719) 

1,885

(1,435)

72

(219)

303

(510)

4,157

78,346

-

Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities 

(310,592) 

(238,414) 

65,535 

81,993

220,000 

145,000 

(51,319) 

- -

- -

CAsh FLows FRom FinAnCinG ACtivities 

Proceeds from borrowings 

Repayments of borrowings 

Dividends paid 

Net cash provided by/(used in) financing activities 

NET INCREASE/(DECREASE) IN CASH HELD 

CAsh At BeGinninG oF the YeAR 

CAsh At enD oF the YeAR 

CAsh ComPRises: 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Bank overdrafts 

6 

17 

(86,401) 

(73,920) 

59,679 

(14,305) 

(15,673) 

(29,978) 

11,640 

(41,618) 

(29,978) 

(90,762) 

(68,218) 

(79,071)

2,919 

(68,218) 

(79,071)

31,371 

(2,582) 

3,225

(47,044) 

(15,673) 

3,225 

643 

21,508 

(37,181) 

(15,673) 

643 

- -

643 

-

3,225

3,225

3,225

Steamships Annual Report 2013       63

These statements of cash flows are to be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

1. 

 Summary of significant accounting policies 

 The Company is a company limited by shares and is 
incorporated and domiciled in Papua New Guinea. 

 These group consolidated financial statements were 
authorised for issue by the Board of Directors on 28 
March 2014.

 The Board of Directors has the power to amend the 
financial statements after their issue.

 The financial statements have been prepared in 
accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (“IFRS”).

changes in accounting policy and disclosures

i. 

 Standards, amendment and interpretations 
effective in the year ended 31 December 2013

 The following new standards and amendments were 
applicable for the first time during the accounting 
period beginning 1 January 2013:

• 

• 

• 

 Amendment to IAS 1, ‘Financial statement 
presentation’ (effective 1 July 2012) regarding 
other comprehensive income requires entities to 
separate items presented in other comprehensive 
income into two groups, based on whether they 
may be recycled to profit or loss in the future. 
This does not effect the measurement of any 
items recognised in the balance sheet or profit 
and loss in the current period.

 Amendments to IAS 19, ‘Employee benefits’ 
(effective 1 January 2013) require the 
recognition of all re-measurements of defined 
benefit liabilities/assets immediately in other 
comprehensive income and the calculation of a 
net interest expense or income by applying the 
discount rate to the net defined benefit liability or 
asset. The entity does not have a defined benefit 
pension scheme.

 IFRS 10, ‘Consolidated Financial Statements’ 
(effective 1 January 2013) replaces all of the 
guidance on control and consolidation in 
IFRS 27 Consolidated and Separate Financial 
Statements, and SIC 12 Consolidation – Special 
Purpose Entities. The standard introduces a 
single definition of control that focuses on the 
need to have both power and rights or exposure 
to variable returns before control is present. 
The Group early adopted the standard in 2011 
resulting in two entities being consolidated. 

• 

 IFRS 11, ‘Joint arrangements’ (effective 1 January 
2013) introduces a principles based approach to 
accounting for joint arrangements.

64       Steamships Annual Report 2013

 The focus is no longer on the legal structure of 
joint arrangements, but rather on how rights 
and obligations are shared by the parties to the 
joint arrangement. Based on the assessment 
of rights and obligations, a joint arrangement 
will be classified as either a joint operation or 
joint venture.  Joint ventures are accounted 
for using the equity method, and the choice 
to proportionately consolidate will no longer 
be permitted. Parties to a joint operation will 
account for their share of revenues, expenses, 
assets and liabilities in much the same way as 
under the previous standard. This has resulted 
in the reclassification of certain interests from 
associates to joint ventures.

 IFRS 12, ‘Disclosures of interests in other entities’ 
(effective 1 January 2013) includes the disclosure 
requirements for all forms of interest in other 
entities, including joint arrangements, associates, 
special purpose vehicles and other off-balance 
sheet vehicles. The Group adopted the standard 
in 2012 but did not require any significant 
additional disclosures. 

 IFRS 13, ‘Fair value measurement’ (effective 1 
January 2013) aims to improve the consistency 
and reduce complexity by providing a precise 
definition of fair value and a single source of fair 
value measurement and disclosure requirements 
for use across IFRSs. The entity does not use 
fair value measurement extensively apart from 
certain investments and its impairment reviews.  
Additional disclosure requirements come with 
the standard which have been adopted by the 
Group. 

 IAS 27 (revised 2011) ‘Separate financial 
statements’ (effective 1 January 2013) is now a 
standard dealing solely with separate financial 
statements. Application of this standard has not 
affected any of the amounts recognised in the 
consolidated or parent entity financial statements.

 IAS 28 (revised 2011), ‘Associates and joint 
ventures’ (effective 1 January 2013) includes 
the requirements for joint ventures, as well as 
associates, to be equity accounted following the 
issue of IFRS 11. The standard does not have any 
impact on the existing group.

 Amendment to IFRS 7, ‘Financial instruments: 
Disclosures’ on offsetting financial assets and 
financial liabilities (effective 1 January 2013) 
enhance current offsetting disclosures. This does 
not affect the accounting for any of the Group’s 
current offsetting arrangements.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

ii. 

 Standards, amendment and interpretations 
issued but not yet effective for the year ended 31 
December 2013 or adopted early 

 The following standards, amendments and 
interpretations to existing standards have been 
published and are mandatory for the entity’s 
accounting periods beginning on or after 1 January 
2014 or later periods, but the entity has not early 
adopted them:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 IFRS 9, ‘Financial Instruments’ (effective date 
is open) is the first phase of replacing IAS 39, 
‘Financial Instrument” with a standard that is less 
complex and principles based. The new standard 
addresses the classification, measurement and 
derecognition of financial assets and financial 
liabilities. The standard is not expected to change 
the entity’s existing accounting policy for its 
financial assets and liabilities. IASB has also 
amended IFRS 9 to allow entities to early adopt 
the requirement to recognise in OCI the changes 
in fair value attributable to changes in an entity’s 
own credit risk (from financial liabilities that are 
designated under the fair value option). This can 
be applied without having to adopt the remainder 
of IFRS 9.

 Amendments to IAS 36 “Impairment of assets” 
(effective 1 January 2014) address the disclosure 
of information about the recoverable amount of 
impaired assets if that amount is based on fair 
value less costs of disposal. The Group has early 
adopted these requirements.

 Amendments to IAS 32, “Financial Instrument: 
Presentation” (effective 1 January 2014). These 
amendments are to the application guidance in 
IAS 32 and clarify some of the requirements for 
offsetting financial assets and financial liabilities 
on the balance sheet.

 IFRIC 21 “Levies” . This is an interpretation to 
IAS 37, “provisions, contingent liabilities and 
contingent assets. IAS 37 sets out criteria for 
the recognition of a liability, one of which is 
the requirement for the entity to have present 
obligation as a result of past event (known as 
obligating event). The interpretation clarifies that 
the obligating event that gives rise to a liability to 
pay a levy is the activity described in the relevant 
legislation that triggers the payment of the levy.

 IFRS 9 “Hedge Accounting” (no effective 
date – the standard is available for immediate 
application”).  IFRS 9 relaxes the requirements 
for hedge effectiveness and, consequently 
to apply hedge accounting. IFRS 9 replaces 
the 80%-125% hedge effectiveness test with 

a requirement for an economic relationship 
between the hedged item and hedging 
instrument, and for the ‘hedged ratio’ to be the 
same as the one that the entity actually uses for 
risk management purposes. Hedge ineffectiveness 
will continue to be reported in profit or loss 
(P&L). The new requirements change what 
qualifies as a hedged item. The standard provides 
an accounting policy choice for an entity to 
continue to apply hedge accounting (and hedge 
accounting only) under IAS 39 instead of IFRS 
9 until the IASB completes its separate macro 
hedging project. 

 There are no other IFRS’s or IFRIC interpretations that 
are not yet effective that would be expected to have a 
material impact on the Group. 

(a)  Basis of preparation

 The consolidated financial statements of the 
Group have been prepared in accordance with 
International Financial Reporting Standards 
(IFRS) and IFRIC interpretations. The consolidated 
financial statements have been prepared under 
the historical cost convention as modified by 
financial assets and liabilities at fair value through 
profit and loss. 

 The preparation of financial statements in 
conformity with IFRS requires the use of certain 
critical accounting estimates. It also requires 
management to exercise its judgement in the 
process of applying the Group’s accounting 
policies. The areas involving a higher degree 
of judgement or complexity, or areas where 
assumptions and estimates are significant to the 
consolidated financial statements are disclosed in 
note 1(y).

(b)  Foreign currency

 The Company’s functional and presentation 
currency is the Papua New Guinea Kina.  
Transactions in foreign currencies have been 
translated into the functional currency at rates 
ruling at the date of the transaction.  Amounts 
payable to and by the Group in foreign currencies 
have been translated to the functional currency 
at rates of exchange ruling at the year end. Gains 
and losses arising from movements in foreign 
exchange rates are recognised in the statement of 
comprehensive income when they arise.

(c)   Principles of consolidation

(i)  Subsidiaries

 The consolidated financial statements incorporate 
the assets and liabilities of all subsidiaries of the 
Steamships Trading Company Limited as at  
31 December 2013 and the results of all 

Steamships Annual Report 2013       65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

subsidiaries for the year then ended. Steamships 
Trading Company Limited and its subsidiaries 
together are referred to as the Group or the 
consolidated entity.

 Subsidiaries are all entities over which the Group 
has control, that is when the Group is exposed 
to or has rights to, variable returns from its 
involvement with the entity and has the ability 
to affect those returns through its power over the 
entity. 

 Subsidiaries are fully consolidated from the date 
on which control is transferred to the Group. 
They are de-consolidated from the date that 
control ceases.

 The acquisition method of accounting is used to 
account for business combinations by the Group 
(refer to note 1d).

 Intercompany transactions, balances and 
unrealised gains on transactions between group 
companies are eliminated. Unrealised losses 
are also eliminated unless the transaction 
provides evidence of the impairment of the asset 
transferred. Accounting policies of subsidiaries 
have been changed where necessary to ensure 
consistency with the policies adopted by the 
Group.

 Non-controlling interests in the results and 
equity of subsidiaries are shown separately in 
the consolidated statement of comprehensive 
income, statement of changes in equity and 
balance sheet respectively.

(ii)  Associates

 Associates are all entities over which the Group 
has significant influence but not control generally 
accompanying a shareholding of between 20% 
and 50% of the voting rights. Investments in 
associates are accounted for using the equity 
method of accounting, after initially being 
recognised at cost. The Group’s investment 
in associates includes goodwill identified on 
acquisition (refer to note 14).

 The Group’s share of its associates’ post-
acquisition profits or losses is recognised in profit 
or loss, and its share of post-acquisition other 
comprehensive income is recognised in other 
comprehensive income. The cumulative post-
acquisition movements are adjusted against the 
carrying amount of the investment. Dividends 
receivable from associates are recognised 
as a reduction in the carrying amount of the 
investment.

66       Steamships Annual Report 2013

 When the Group’s share of losses in an associate 
equals or exceeds its interest in the associate, 
including any other unsecured long-term 
receivables, the Group does not recognise further 
losses, unless it has incurred obligations or made 
payments on behalf of the associate.

 Unrealised gains on transactions between the 
Group and its associates are eliminated to the 
extent of the Group’s interest in the associates. 
Unrealised losses are also eliminated unless the 
transaction provides evidence of an impairment 
of the asset transferred. Accounting policies of 
associates have been changed where necessary to 
ensure consistency with the policies adopted by 
the Group.

(iii) Joint ventures

Joint venture entities

 The interest in a joint venture is accounted for 
using the equity method after initially being 
recognised at cost as for associates.

(iv) Changes in ownership interests

 The Group treats transactions with non-
controlling interests that do not result in a loss 
of control as transactions with equity owners 
of the Group. A change in ownership interest 
results in an adjustment between the carrying 
amounts of the controlling and non-controlling 
interests to reflect their relative interests in the 
subsidiary. Any difference between the amount 
of the adjustment to non-controlling interests and 
any consideration paid or received is recognised 
in a separate reserve within equity attributable to 
shareholders.

 When the Group ceases to have control or 
significant influence, any retained interest in 
the entity is remeasured to its fair value with 
the change in carrying amount recognised 
in profit or loss. This fair value becomes the 
initial carrying amount for the purposes of 
subsequently accounting for the retained interest 
as an associate or financial asset. In addition, 
any amounts previously recognised in other 
comprehensive income in respect of that entity 
are accounted for as if the Group had directly 
disposed of the related assets or liabilities. This 
may mean that amounts previously recognised in 
other comprehensive income are reclassified to 
profit or loss.

 If the ownership interest in a jointly-controlled 
entity or an associate is reduced but significant 
influence is retained, only a proportionate share 
of the amounts previously recognised in other 
comprehensive income are reclassified to profit 
or loss where appropriate.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

(d)  Business combinations

 The acquisition method of accounting is used to 
account for all business combinations, regardless 
of whether equity instruments or other assets 
are acquired. The consideration transferred for 
the acquisition of a subsidiary comprises the 
fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities 
incurred and the equity interests issued by 
the Group. The consideration transferred also 
includes the fair value of any asset or liability 
resulting from a contingent consideration 
arrangement and the fair value of any pre-existing 
equity interest in the subsidiary. Acquisition-
related costs are expensed as incurred. 
Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and 
contingent liabilities assumed in a business 
combination are, measured initially at their fair 
values at the acquisition date. On an acquisition-
by-acquisition basis, the Group recognises any 
non-controlling interest in the acquiree either 
at fair value or at the non-controlling interest’s 
proportionate share of the acquiree’s net 
identifiable assets.

 The excess of the consideration transferred, the 
amount of any non-controlling interest in the 
acquiree and the acquisition date fair value 
of any previous equity interest in the acquiree 
over the fair value of the Group’s share of the 
net identifiable assets acquired is recorded as 
goodwill. If those amounts are less than the 
fair value of the net identifiable assets of the 
subsidiary acquired and the measurement of all 
amounts has been reviewed, the difference is 
recognised directly in determining profit or loss 
as a bargain purchase.

 Where settlement of any part of cash 
consideration is deferred, the amounts payable in 
the future are discounted to their present value as 
at the date of exchange. The discount rate used 
is the entity’s incremental borrowing rate, being 
the rate at which a similar borrowing could be 
obtained from an independent financier under 
comparable terms and conditions.

 Contingent consideration is classified either 
as equity or a financial liability. Amounts 
classified as a financial liability are subsequently 
remeasured to fair value with changes in fair 
value recognised in profit or loss.

(e)  revenue recognition

 The Group recognises revenue when the amount 
of revenue can be reliably measured, it is 
probable that future economic benefits will flow 
to the entity and specific criteria have been met 
for each of the Group’s activities as described 

below. The Group bases its estimates on historical 
results, taking into consideration the type of 
customer, the type of transaction and the specifics 
of each arrangement. 

 Revenue is recognised for the major business 
activities as follows: 

 sale of goods - Revenue from the sale of goods 
is recognised when the entity sells a product to 
the customer and all significant risks and rewards 
have been transferred.

 services - Service revenue is recognised when 
the service has been rendered.

 interest income - Interest income is recognised 
using the effective interest method.

 dividend income - Dividends are recognised as 
revenue when the right to receive payment is 
established.

 rental income - Rental income is recognised on 
a straight line basis over the term of the lease.

(f)  income tax

 The income tax expense or revenue for the period 
is the tax payable on the current period’s taxable 
income based on the notional income tax rate 
adjusted by changes in deferred tax assets and 
liabilities attributable to temporary differences 
between the tax bases of assets and liabilities 
and their carrying amounts in the financial 
statements, and to unused tax losses.

 Deferred income tax is provided in full, on 
temporary differences arising between the tax 
bases of assets and liabilities and their carrying 
amounts in the financial statements. Currently 
enacted tax rates are used in the determination 
of deferred income tax.  Deferred tax assets are 
recognised to the extent that it is probable that 
the future taxable profit will be available, against 
which the temporary differences can be utilised.

(g)  cash and cash equivalents

 For the purpose of the statement of cash flows, 
cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, 
deposits held at call with banks  and Treasury 
Bills with a maturity less than 90 days. Bank 
overdrafts are shown in current liabilities in the 
statement of financial position. 

(h)  receivables

 Trade receivables are amounts due from 
customers for merchandise sold or services 
provided in the ordinary course of business.  
There are classified as current assets if collection 
is expected within one year.  Receivables are 
recognised initially at fair value and subsequently 

Steamships Annual Report 2013       67

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method, less provision for impairment.  A 
provision is established when there is objective 
evidence that the Group will not be able to 
collect all amounts due according to the original 
terms of receivables.

(i) 

 inventories

 Inventories are valued at the lower of cost 
and net realisable value.  In general, cost is 
determined on the weighted average basis and, 
where appropriate, includes a proportion of 
variable overhead expenditure. Net realisable 
value is the estimated selling price in the ordinary 
course of business, less applicable variable 
selling costs.

(j)  non-current assets held for resale 

 Non-current assets (or disposal groups) are 
classified as held for sale if their carrying amount 
will be recovered principally through a sale 
transaction rather than through continuing use 
and a sale is considered highly probable. They 
are measured at the lower of their carrying 
amount and fair value less costs to sell, except 
for assets such as deferred tax assets, assets 
arising from employee benefits, financial assets 
and investment property that are carried at fair 
value and contractual rights under insurance 
contracts, which are specifically exempt from this 
requirement.

 An impairment loss is recognised for any initial or 
subsequent write down of the asset (or disposal 
group) to fair value less costs to sell. A gain is 
recognised for any subsequent increases in fair 
value less costs to sell of an asset (or disposal 
group), but not in excess of any cumulative 
impairment loss previously recognised. A gain or 
loss not previously recognised by the date of the 
sale of the non-current asset (or disposal group) is 
recognised at the date of derecognition. 

 Non-current assets (including those that are 
part of a disposal group) are not depreciated or 
amortised while they are classified as held for 
sale. Interest and other expenses attributable to 
the liabilities of a disposal group classified as 
held for sale continue to be recognised.

 Non-current assets classified as held for sale 
and the assets of a disposal group classified as 
held for sale are presented separately from the 
other assets in the balance sheet. The liabilities 
of a disposal group classified as held for sale are 
presented separately from other liabilities in the 
balance sheet.

68       Steamships Annual Report 2013

 A discontinued operation is a component of the 
entity that has been disposed of or is classified 
as held for sale and that represents a separate 
major line of business or geographical area of 
operations, is part of a single coordinated plan 
to dispose of such a line of business or area of 
operations, or is a subsidiary acquired exclusively 
with a view to resale. The results of discontinued 
operations are presented separately in the income 
statement.

(k)  Financial assets

Classification

 The Group classifies its financial assets in the 
following categories: at fair value through profit 
or loss and loans and receivables. The Group 
does not hold any held to maturity investments 
or available for sale financial assets. The 
classification depends on the purpose for which 
the financial assets were acquired. Management 
determines the classification of its financial assets 
at initial recognition.

(i)	 	Financial	assets	at	fair	value	through	profit	or	

loss

 Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 
are financial assets held for trading. A financial 
asset is classified in this category if acquired 
principally for the purpose of selling in the short 
term. Derivatives are also categorised as held 
for trading unless they are designated as hedges. 
Assets in this category are classified as current 
assets.  

(ii)  Loans and receivables

 Loans and receivables are non-derivative 
financial assets with fixed or determinable 
payments that are not quoted in an active market. 
They are included in current assets, except 
for maturities greater than 12 months after the 
balance sheet date. These are classified as non-
current assets. The Group’s loans and receivables 
comprise ‘trade and other receivables’ and ‘cash 
and cash equivalents’ in the balance sheet.

Recognition and measurement

 Regular purchases and sales of financial assets 
are recognised on the trade date – the date on 
which the Group commits to purchase or sell the 
asset.

 Financial assets carried at fair value through 
profit or loss are initially recognised at fair 
value, and transaction costs are expensed in 
the income statement. Financial assets are 
derecognised when the rights to receive cash 
flows from the investments have expired or have 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

been transferred and the Group has transferred 
substantially all risks and rewards of ownership. 
Loans and receivables are carried at amortised 
cost using the effective interest method.

 Gains or losses arising from changes in the fair 
value of the ‘financial assets at fair value through 
profit or loss’ category are presented in the 
income statement within ‘other (losses)/gains – 
net’ in the period in which they arise. Dividend 
income from financial assets at fair value 
through profit or loss is recognised in the income 
statement as part of other income when the 
Group’s right to receive payments is established.

 The Group assesses at each balance sheet date 
whether there is objective evidence that a 
financial asset or a group of financial assets is 
impaired. Impairment testing of trade receivables 
is described in note 1(h).

(l)  Property, plant and equipment

 All property, plant and equipment are initially  
recorded at cost. Borrowing costs directly 
attributable to the acquisition or construction of 
qualifying assets are added to the cost of those 
assets until the assets are ready for their intended 
use. Depreciation is calculated on the straight-
line method to write off the cost of each asset 
to their residual values using the below rates 
which is reflective of their estimated useful life as 
follows:

0 - 10% 
5 - 10%

Properties 
Ships 
Plant and fittings  10 - 33%
20 - 33%

  Motor vehicles 

 Where the carrying amount of an asset is greater 
than its estimated recoverable amount, it is 
written down immediately to its recoverable 
amount. Gains and losses on disposal of property, 
plant and equipment are determined by reference 
to their carrying amount and are taken into 
account in determining operating profit. 

 Subsequent costs are included in the asset’s 
carrying amount or recognised as a separate 
asset, as appropriate, only when it is probable 
that future economic benefits associated with the 
item will flow to the Group and the cost of the 
item can be measured reliably. All other repairs 
and maintenance are charged to the statements 
of comprehensive income during the financial 
period in which they are incurred.

(m)  investment properties

 Investment properties include land held for long-
term capital appreciation and buldings leased out 

under operating leases.  Properties that comprise 
a portion held to earn rentals and a portion for 
own use or occupation will only be classified as 
investment property if an insignificant portion 
is held for own use of occupation. Investment 
properties are recognised when it is probable 
that future economic benefits associated with 
the property will flow to the Group and the 
cost of the investment property can be reliably 
measured. Investment properties are stated at cost 
less accumulated depreciation and accumulated 
impairment losses. Transaction costs are included 
on initial measurement.  Borrowing costs directly 
attributable to the acquisition or construction of 
qualifying assets are added to the cost of those 
assets until the assets are ready for their intended 
use. The fair values of investment properties are 
disclosed in Note 13. These are assessed using 
internationally accepted valuation methods, 
such as taking comparable properties as a guide 
to current market prices or by applying the 
discounted cash flow method. Like property, 
plant and equipment, investment properties 
are normally depreciated using the straight-line 
method over similar useful lives

(n)  goodwill

 Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of 
an acquisition over the fair value of the Group’s 
share of the net identifiable assets of the acquired 
business at the date of acquisition. 

 Goodwill is capitalised and assessed for 
impairment annually or more frequently if 
events or changes in circumstances indicate 
a potential for impairment and is carried at 
cost less impairment losses. Any impairment is 
recognised immediately as an expense and is not 
subsequently reversed. 

 Gains and losses on the disposal of an entity 
include the carrying amount of goodwill relating 
to the entity sold. Goodwill is allocated to cash-
generating units for the purpose of impairment 
testing.

(o)  trade and other payables

 These amounts represent obligations to pay for 
goods and services that have been acquired in 
the ordinary course of business from suppliers.  
They are classified as current liabilities if payment 
is due within one year or less.  Trade payables are 
recognised initially at fair value and subsequently 
measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method. The amounts are unsecured and 
are usually paid within 30 days of recognition.

Steamships Annual Report 2013       69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

(p)  Provisions

 Provisions are recognised when the Group has a 
present legal or constructive obligation as a result 
of past events; it is probable that an outflow of 
resource embodying economic benefits will be 
required to settle the obligation; and a reliable 
estimate of the amount of the obligation can be 
made.

 A liability for annual leave is recognised and 
measured at the amount of unpaid leave at 
amounts expected to be paid to settle the present 
entitlements.  A liability for long service leave is 
recognised taking into consideration expected 
future wage and salary levels, experience of 
employee departures and periods of service, 
discounted to present values.

 A provision for estimated ship dry docking 
costs is only recognised where the Group has a 
contractual obligation under a Bare Boat charter 
agreement in from a third party.  Dry docking 
costs relating to ships not under third party long 
term charter agreements are only recognised as 
incurred, and are capitalised to the extent that the 
previously assessed economic benefits associated 
with the asset are restored.

(q)  Employee benefits

(i)  Short term obligations

 Liabilities for wages and salaries, including 
non-monetary benefits, annual leave and 
accumulating sick leave expected to be settled 
within 12 months after the end of the period in 
which the employees render the related service 
are recognised in respect of employees’ services 
up to the end of the reporting period and are 
measured at the amounts expected to be paid 
when the liabilities are settled. The liability 
for annual leave and accumulating sick leave 
is recognised in the provision for employee 
benefits. All other short term employee benefit 
obligations are presented as payables.

(ii)	 Other	long-term	employee	benefit	obligations

 The liability for long service leave and annual 
leave which is not expected to be settled within 
12 months after the end of period in which 
the employees render the related service is 
recognised in the provision for the employee 
benefits and measured as the present value of 
expected future payments to be made in respect 
of services provided by employees up to the end 
of the reporting period using the projected unit 
credit method. Consideration is given to expected 
future wage and salary levels, experience of 
employee departments and periods of service. 
Expected future payments are discounted using 

70       Steamships Annual Report 2013

the market yields at the end of the reporting 
period on national government bonds with terms 
to maturity and currency that match, as closely as 
possible, the estimated future cash outflows.

 The obligations are presented as current liabilities 
in the balance sheet if the entity does not have an 
unconditional right to defer settlement for at least 
twelve months after the reporting date, regardless 
of when the actual settlement is expected to 
occur.

(r)  Borrowings

 Borrowings are recognised initially at fair value, 
net of any transaction costs incurred, and are 
subsequently measured at amortised cost using 
the effective interest method.  Borrowings are 
classified as current liabilities unless the Group 
has an unconditional right to defer settlement of 
the liability for at least 12 months after the end of 
the reporting period.

(s)  impairment of assets

 Assets that have an indefinite useful life are 
not subject to amortisation and are tested 
annually for impairment. Assets that are subject 
to amortisation are reviewed for impairment 
whenever events or changes in circumstances 
indicate that the carrying amount may not be 
recoverable. An impairment loss is recognised 
for the amount by which the asset’s carrying 
value exceeds its fair value less costs to sell.  For 
the purpose of assessing impairment, assets are 
grouped at the lowest levels for which there are 
separately identifiable cash flow (cash generating 
units).

(t)  Borrowing costs

 Borrowing costs incurred for the construction 
of qualifying assets which are assets that take a 
substantial period of time to get ready for their 
intended use or sale, are capitalised during the 
period of time that is required to complete and 
prepare the asset for its intended use or sale.  
Other borrowing costs are expensed.

 The capitalisation rate used to determine the 
amount of borrowing costs to be capitalised is the 
weighted average interest rate applicable to the 
entity’s outstanding borrowings during the year, 
in this case 6.8% (2012 – 8.2%).

(u)  segment reporting

 Operating segments are reported in a manner 
consistent with the internal reporting provided 
to the chief operating decision maker. The chief 
operating decision maker who is responsible for 
allocating resources and assessing performance 
of the operating segments, has been identified as 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

the Strategic Steering Committee.

(v)  earnings per share

 Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing 
the profit attributable to equity holders of the 
Group, by the weighted average number of 
ordinary shares outstanding during the financial 
year. There are no potential ordinary shares on 
issue and hence the diluted earnings per share is 
equal to the basic earnings per share.

agreement from a third party and where the 
Group has a contractual obligation for dry 
docking costs, the cost of future dry docking 
is provided. The cost of dry docking is not 
accurately known until the vessels are surveyed 
and assessed at the commencement of docking. 
Estimates are based on the dry docking interval 
(ie Special or Interim), repairs considered 
necessary identified at balance date, its age, and 
docking history. 

(w)  goods and services tax (gst)

Docking intervals are assumed to be 5 years.

 Revenues, expenses and assets are recognised 
net of the amount of associated GST. Receivables 
and payables are stated inclusive of GST. The 
amount of GST recoverable from, or payable 
to, the Taxation authority is included with other 
receivables or payables in the balance sheet.

(x)  rounding of amounts

 Amounts in the financial statements have been 
rounded off to the nearest thousand Kina.

(y)  critical accounting estimates and judgments

 Estimates and judgments are continually 
evaluated and are based on historical experience 
and other factors, including expectations of future 
events that may have a financial impact on the 
entity and that are believed to be reasonable 
under the circumstances. 

 The Group makes estimates and assumptions 
concerning the future. The resulting accounting 
estimates will, by definition, seldom equal 
the related actual results. The estimates and 
assumptions that have a significant risk of causing 
a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of 
assets and liabilities within the next financial year 
are discussed below:

(i)  Estimated impairment of goodwill

 The Group tests annually whether goodwill 
has suffered any impairment. The recoverable 
amounts of cash-generating units have been 
determined based on value-in-use calculations.

(ii)  Estimated fair values of investments 

 The Group carries an indirect investment in 
an unlisted entity with changes in fair value 
being recognised in profit or loss. At the end 
of each reporting period, a future maintainable 
earnings calculation is performed, or if available, 
non observable market information is used 
to determine the appropriate fair value of the 
investment.

(iii) Provision for dry docking

 For vessels on long term bare boat charter 

 Docking costs are often incurred in either 
AUD, USD or SGD currencies. The costings are 
updated monthly for the foreign exchange rate.

(iv)  Estimated impairment of ships and other 

plant and equipment

 Impairment losses have been recognised in 
relation to ships and plant and vehicles.  The 
impairment of these ships arose from changes 
in expectations of future freight volumes and 
pricing and changes in ship replacement strategy.  
A change in the vehicle replacement policy 
and review of vehicle conditions has given rise 
to an impairment charge for vehicles, while a 
change in manufacturing strategy has resulted 
in an impairment charge for plant.  Recoverable 
amounts have been determined using the higher 
of fair value less cost to sell and its value in use. 
Fair value has been determined using market 
based information while value in use has been 
determined using a post-tax discount rate of 
15.9%

 During the year the directors performed an 
impairment review on all key assets of the Group 
given the economic slowdown. As a result of 
this assessment the depreciation charge on ships 
includes an additional K92.4M(2012:4.0M) 
due to impairment.  The effect to shareholders 
post tax and minority interest is K47.1M. The 
depreciation charge on plant and vehicles 
includes an additional K11.5M impairment on 
Vehicles and K2.4M on plant.

(z)   changes in accounting policies and 

comparatives.

 Where necessary, comparative figures have been 
adjusted to conform with changes in presentation 
and accounting policies in the current year. 
In an effort to simplify its legal structure, the 
Company has been working through a process 
of amalgamating non-core and dormant entities 
into Steamships Trading Company. As a result of 
these amalgamations, some of which were legally 
approved in 2012, the 2012 parent numbers have 
been amended to reflect the changes to the legal 

Steamships Annual Report 2013       71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

structure.  The impact on the previously reported 
2012 parent numbers is as follows:

 higher, mainly as a result of higher/lower interest 
expense on floating rate borrowings. 

Increase in revenue of K1.5M
Increase in net profit after tax of K1.5M
Increase in total assets of K8.5M
Increase in total liabilities of K11.8M
Decrease in equity of K3.3M

2.  Financial risk management

 The Group’s activities expose it to a variety of 
financial risks including market risk (including 
currency, and interest rate risk), credit risk, liquidity 
risk and capital risk. The Group’s overall risk 
management program focuses on the unpredictability 
of financial markets and seeks to minimise potential 
adverse effects on the financial performance of the 
Group. Risk management is carried out under policies 
approved by the Board of Directors.

(a)  market risk

(i)  Foreign exchange risk

 The Group engages in international purchase 
transactions and is exposed to foreign exchange 
risk arising from various currency exposures, 
primarily with respect to the Australian dollar.  
Foreign exchange risk arises from recognised 
assets and liabilities.

 The Group’s foreign currency purchases do not 
represent a significant proportion of the Group’s 
costs and as such exposure to foreign currency 
risk is minimal.  It is not the Group’s policy 
to hedge foreign currency risk.  As the foreign 
currency exposure is minimal no sensitivity 
analysis is provided.

(ii)  Price risk

 The Group is not significantly exposed to equity 
securities or commodities price risk.

(iii)	Cash	flow	interest	rate	risk

 The Group’s interest rate risk arises from long-
term borrowings.  Borrowings issued at variable 
rates expose the Group to cash flow and fair 
value interest rate risk.  Borrowings issued at 
fixed rates expose the Group to fair value interest 
rate risk.  Long term borrowings are at a fixed rate 
of interest.  It is not the Group’s policy to hedge 
cash flow and interest rate risk.

 At 31 December 2013, if interest rates on 
PNGKina-denominated borrowings had been 
1% higher/lower with all other variables held 
constant, post-tax profit for the year would have 
been K1,350,000 (2012: K1,311,000) lower/

72       Steamships Annual Report 2013

(b)  credit risk

 The Group has no significant concentration of 
credit risk and it is not the Group’s policy to 
hedge credit risk. The Group has policies in place 
to ensure that sales of products and services are 
made to customers with an appropriate credit 
history and has policies that limit the amount of 
credit exposure to any one customer. No credit 
limits were exceeded during the reporting period 
and management does not expect any losses from 
non-performance by counterparties.

(c)  Liquidity risk

 Prudent liquidity risk management implies 
maintaining sufficient cash and the availability 
of funding through an adequate amount 
of committed credit facilities. The Group 
manages liquidity risk by maintaining sufficient 
bank balances to fund its operations and the 
availability of funding through committed credit 
facilities.

 Management monitors rolling forecasts of the 
Group’s liquidity reserve on the basis of expected 
cash flows.

 Undrawn finance facilities as of 31 December 
2013 were as follows:

2013 
K’000 

2012
K’000

Undrawn Facilities 

26 

102,819

 The table below analyses the Group’s financial 
liabilities which will be settled on a net basis 
into relevant maturity groupings based on the 
remaining period at the balance sheet date to the 
contractual maturity date. The amounts disclosed 
in the table are the contractual undiscounted 
cash flows.

Between Between  Over 
5 
2 & 5 
Less than  1 & 2 
Years 
Years
Years 
K’000  K’000  K’000

1Year 
K’000 

  At 31 December 2013 
  Borrowings 
  Trade and other payables 
  Income tax payable 
  At 31 December 2012 
  Borrowings 
  Trade and other payables 
  Income tax payable 

(85,007) (42,849) (575,897) 
- 
(130,662) 
- 
(7,713) 

- 
- 

-
-
-

(171,288) (25,365) (262,117) (89,212)
-
- 
(149,007) 
-
- 
(33,903) 

- 
- 

 The Group does not hold derivative financial 
instruments.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

(d)  capital risk management

 The Group’s objectives when managing capital 
are to safeguard the Group’s ability to continue 
as a going concern in order to provide returns to 
shareholders and benefits for other stakeholders 
and to maintain an optimal capital structure to 
reduce the cost of capital.

 In order to maintain or adjust the capital 
structure, the Group may adjust the amount of 
dividends paid to shareholders, return capital to 
shareholders, issue new shares or sell assets to 
reduce debt.

 The Group monitors capital on the basis of the 
gearing ratio. This ratio is calculated as net debt 
divided by total capital. Net debt is calculated 
as external borrowings and unsecured loans 
less cash and cash equivalents. Total capital is 
calculated as capital and reserves attributable to 
the Company’s shareholders plus net debt.

 The gearing ratios at each balance date were as 
follows: 

2013 
K’000 

2012
K’000

  Total external borrowing  
   & unsecured loans 

640,284 

491,700

  Less: Cash & Cash equivalents 

11,640 

21,508

  Net debt 

  Total equity 

  Total capital 

628,644 

470,192

739,923 

761,500

1,368,567 

1,231,692

  Gearing ratio 

46% 

38%

(e)  Fair value estimation

 IFRS 7 ”Financial Instruments: Disclosures” 
requires disclosure of fair value measurements 
by level of the following fair value measurement 
hierarchy:

 Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for 
identical assets or liabilities (level 1).

 Inputs other than quoted prices included 
within level 1 that are observable for the asset 
or liability, either directly (that is, as prices) or 
indirectly (that is, derived from prices) (level 2).

 Inputs for the asset or liability that are not based 
on observable market data (that is, unobservable 
inputs) (level 3).

 The following table presents the Group’s assets 
and liabilities that are measured at fair value at 
31 December 2013. 

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3

K’000 

K’000 

K’000

  at 31 December 2013 
  Assets 
  Financial assets at fair value 
  through profit & loss 
  Total Assets 
  at 31 December 2012 
  Assets 
  Financial assets at fair value 
  through profit & loss 
  Total Assets 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

- 
- 

-
-

20,307
20,307

 If one or more of the significant inputs is not based on 
observable market data, the instrument is included in 
level 3.

 The following table presents the change in level 3 
instruments for the year ended 31 December 2013.

 Financial asset at fair value through profit and loss 
(consolidated).

2013 
K’000 

  Opening balance 
  Additions 
  Losses recognised in profit and loss 
  Closing Balance 

20,307 
- -
(20,307) 
- 

2012
K’000

45,107

(24,800)
20,307

   Total losses for the period included in 
other operating expenses that relate 
to assets held at the end of the 
reporting period 

20,307 

24,800

  Minority Interest in share of loss 

(20,307) 

24,800

- 

24,800

The parent entity does not hold any financial assets.

Steamships Annual Report 2013       73

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

3.  operating results

(a)  Revenue and other income comprises:

Revenue from sale of goods 

Revenue from provision of service 

Dividend income 

Total Revenue 

Other income * 

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

196,990 

733,944 

- 

224,685 

761,625 

- 

930,934 

986,310 

- -

- -

56,971 

56,971 

78,346

78,346

38,718 

51,885 

6,103 

7,441

*  Other income principally represents a gain of K35.5M on re-measuring to fair value the existing interest in Pacific Towing Limited 

on acquiring a controlling interest (2012: includes the gain on sale of a property of K48.4M).

(b)  Expenses comprise:

Cost of sales 

Staff costs (note 3c) 

Depreciation and amortisation 

Impairment of fixed assets (refer note 12b) 

Electricity and fuel 

Other operating expenses 

Total Operating expense 

(c)  Staff costs:

  Wages and salaries 

Retirement benefit contributions 

Accommodation and other benefits 

Number of staff employed by the

Group at year end: 

217,611 

188,035 

106,653 

106,427 

72,728 

179,834 

871,288 

130,252 

7,835 

49,948 

188,035 

244,504 

180,258 

94,379 

4,000 

67,223 

160,747 

751,111 

124,938 

8,853 

46,467 

180,258 

- -

- -

3,995 

4,100

1,481

5,581

- -

- -

2,006 

6,001 

- -

- -

- -

- -

Full Time 

4,000 

4,166 

- -

74       Steamships Annual Report 2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

3.  operating results (continued)

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

(d)  The operating profit before income tax is arrived at after charging and crediting the following specific items:

After charging: 

Audit fees 

Fees for non-audit services to Auditors 

Bad and doubtful debts 

Donations 

Fair value impairment on financial assets * 

Loss on sale of property plant and equipment 

After crediting: 

Gain on acquiring a controlling interest (net) (refer note 25) 

Net foreign exchange transaction gains 

Profit on sale of property plant and equipment 

1,033 

462 

2,420 

1,887 

20,307 

919 

35,467 

1,801 

- 

948 

688 

1,962 

2,201 

24,800 

- 

- 

3,567 

48,937 

* 2013 impairment is wholly attributable to Minority Interests (refer note 2e).

28 

10

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

(e)  Cost of financing – net: 

Expense 

Income 

Net finance costs 

(f)  Earnings per share 

17,796 

(106) 

17,690 

21,645 

(135) 

21,510 

- -

(72) 

(72) 

(72)

(72)

 Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing the net profit attributable to shareholders by the average number of ordinary 
shares on issue during the year.  There is no difference between the basic and diluted earnings per share. 

Net profit attributable to shareholders 

Average number of ordinary shares on issue (thousands) 

Basic earnings per share (continuing operations) 

117,050 

31,008 

377t 

177,700 

31,008 

573t 

- -

- -

- -

Steamships Annual Report 2013       75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

4. 

investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

(a)  Investments are accounted for in accordance with the policy set out in Note 1(c) and relate to:

Investments in subsidiary companies (note 22) 

- 

             - 

126,344 

48,486

Investments in associates (note 23) 

Investments in joint ventures (note 24) 

16,449 

15,022 

31,471 

12,177 

26,510 

      38,687 

- -

20,051 

146,395 

20,190

68,676

(b)  Share of profit in associates and joint venture 

Share of profit in associates  

Share of profit in joint ventures 

5. 

income tax

(a)  Income tax expense

Current tax 

Deferred tax 

4,354 

5,343 

9,697 

5,468 

8,720 

14,188 

- -

- -

- -

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

40,311 

(28,381) 

11,930 

56,180 

25,234 

81,414 

465 

107 -

572 

59

59

(b)    The income tax in the Statement of Comprehensive Income is determined in accordance with   the policy set out in note 

1(f). The effective rate of tax charged differs from the statutory rate of 30% for the following reasons. 

Prima facie tax payable on operating profit 

24,202 

79,672 

Tax effect of rebateable dividends 

Expenses not deductible for tax 

Deductible expenses not recognised for accounting purposes 

Income not assessable for tax 

Prior year (over)/under provisions 

(c)  The deferred tax (liability)/ asset comprises: 

Provisions 

Prepayments 

Property, plant and equipment 

Comprising of 

Deferred tax asset 

Deferred tax liability 

76       Steamships Annual Report 2013

- 

7,269 

(666) 

(10,640) 

(8,235) 

11,930   

16,264 

(3,296) 

(17,485) 

(4,517) 

21,081 

(25,598) 

(4,517) 

- 

8,952 

(533) 

(14,519) 

7,842 

81,414 

9,112 

(2,840) 

(39,170) 

(32,898) 

- 

(32,898) 

(32,898) 

17,144 

(17,091) 

24,083

(23,504)

(26) -

- -

- 

545 -

572 

65 

- -

706 

771 

771 

- -

771 

(520)

59

149

756

905

905

905

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

5. 

income tax (continued)

(d)  The gross movement on the deferred tax account is as follows:

At January 1 

Tax effect of: 

Provisions  

Prepayments  

Tax depreciable assets 

At December 31 

(e)  The ageing analysis of the deferred tax balance is as follows:

Net deferred tax asset/(liability) expected to be recovered 
  within 12 months 

Net deferred tax asset/(liability) expected to be recovered after  
  more than 12 months 

6.  cash and cash equivalents

Cash and short term deposits 

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

(32,898) 

(7,664) 

905 

1,604

7,152 

(456) 

21,685 

(4,517) 

324 

632 

(26,190) 

(32,898) 

217 

(549) 

(4,734) 

(4,517) 

(32,349) 

(32,898) 

(84) 

- -

(50) 

771 

65 

706 

771 

190

(889)

905

149

756

905

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

11,640 

11,640 

21,508 

21,508 

643 

643 

2012

3,225

3,225

 The maximum exposure to credit risk at the reporting date is the fair value of cash and cash equivalents on the balance sheet. Cash 
and short term deposits are held with the Bank of South Pacific and Westpac PNG who have Standard and Poor’s long term credit 
ratings of B+ and AA- respectively.

7.  trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables 

Trade receivables 

Provision for impairment 

Other receivables & prepayments (see (iii) below) 

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

114,132 

(6,415) 

107,717 

71,279 

178,996 

107,528 

(5,102) 

102,426 

140,127 

242,553 

- -

- -

- -

1,056 

1,056 

4,680

4,680

Steamships Annual Report 2013       77

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

7.  trade and other receivables (continued)

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

(i)  Impaired trade receivables

 As at 31 December 2013, trade receivables of K6.4M (2012:K5.1M) relating to trade debtors were considered impaired and were 
provided for by management.  The ageing of these receivables is as follows:

3 to 6 months 

Over 6 months 

704 

5,711 

6,415 

Movement in the provision for impairment of trade receivables is as follows:

Opening balance 

Impairments recognised during the year 

Provision utilised 

Total 

5,102 

2,420 

(1,107) 

6,415 

2,095 

3,007 

5,102 

4,186 

1,962 

(1,046) 

5,102 

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

 The creation and release of the provision for impaired receivables is included in operating expenses in the statement of 
comprehensive income. Amounts charged to the provision account are generally written off when there is no expectation of 
recovering additional cash.

(ii)  Past due but not impaired

  As at 31 December 2013, trade receivables of K2.1M (2012: K7.3M) were past due but not impaired. These relate to a number of 
independent customers for whom there is no recent history of default. The ageing analysis of these trade receivables is as follows: 

3 to 6 months 

Over 6 months 

1,692 

416 

2,108 

7,226 

91 

7,317 

- -

- -

- -

 The other classes within trade and other receivables do not contain impaired assets and are not past due. The maximum exposure 
to credit risk at the reporting date is the fair value of each class of receivable mentioned above.  The Group does not hold any 
collateral as security in relation to these receivables.

(iii)  Other receivables and prepayments

 Other receivables generally arise from transactions outside the usual operating activities of the Group. Interest may be charged at 
commercial rates where the terms of repayment exceed six months. Collateral is not normally obtained.

Prepayments relate to advance payments for expenses not yet incurred.

78       Steamships Annual Report 2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

8. 

inventories

Raw materials 

  Work in progress 

Finished goods 

Provision for obsolescence 

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

21,407 

31 

40,127 

(1,687) 

59,878 

29,000 

3 

41,494 

(2,116) 

68,381 

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

 Inventories recognised as an expense during the year ended 31 December 2013 and included in cost of sales and cost of providing 
services amounted to K76.9M (2012: K53.6M). A reduction in the provision for obsolescence of inventories to net realisable value 
resulted in a credit during the year ended 31 December 2013 of K0.4M (2012: K0.7M). 

9.  Non-current assets classified as held for sale

 At 31 December 2012, two properties were presented as held for sale following the approval of the Group’s management and 
directors in August 2012 to sell the properties. The transactions were expected to be completed within twelve months from 
balance sheet date. However, during 2013 both sales didn’t eventuate and the properties were withdrawn from the market, and 
the assets have been reinstated to non-current property, plant and equipment.

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

Property plant and equipment 

Accumulated depreciation 

Carrying value 

- 

- 

- 

22,383 

(13,957) 

8,426 

- -

- -

- -

10.  Financial assets at fair value through profit and loss

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

Opening balance 

Additional investment 

Fair value loss recorded in the profit and loss * 

Closing balance 

20,307 

- 

(20,307) 

- 

45,107 

- 

(24,800) 

20,307 

- -

- -

- -

- -

 The financial asset represents an Investment in GEMS PNG Limited, which holds an interest in Bemobile Ltd.

*Refer to note 2e

Steamships Annual Report 2013       79

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

11.  Loans to/(from) related companies

Loans to associates and joint ventures: 

Current 

Consort Express Lines Limited’s associates 

Non-Current 

Harbourside Development Limited 

Colgate Palmolive (PNG) Limited 

Kelton Investments Limited 

Loans to subsidiaries 

Loans from associates and joint ventues: 

Consort Express Lines Limited’s associates 

Loans from subsidiaries 

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

337 

337 

2,455 

2,455 

101,775 

47,000 

500 

790 

103,065 

- 

103,065 

500 

790 

48,290 

- 

48,290 

- -

- -

- -

500 

- -

500 

5,212 

5,712 

500

500

5,215

5,715

(16,335) 

(16,335) 

- 

(14,314) 

(14,314) 

- -

- -

- 

(155,234) 

(16,335) 

(14,314) 

(155,234) 

(76,248)

(76,248)

80       Steamships Annual Report 2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

12.  Property, plant & equipment

Property 

Ships 

Plant and 
Vehicles 

Total

Consolidated 
December 31, 2013 

Cost or valuation 

Accumulated depreciation (including impairment losses) 

Net book value 

Opening value 

Additions 

Business combinations 

Disposals 

Transfer from asset held for sale  

Transfer to investment property(note13) 

Depreciation  

Impairment losses 

Closing value 

December 31, 2012 
Cost or valuation 

Accumulated depreciation 

Net book value 

Opening value 

Additions 

Disposals 

Transfer to asset held for sale  

Depreciation  

Impairment losses 

Closing value 

Parent 
December 31, 2013 

Cost or valuation 

Accumulated depreciation 

Net book value 

Opening value 

Additions 

Disposals 

Depreciation  

Closing value 

471,550 

(94,945) 

376,605 

358,444 

29,323 

124 

- 

8,426 

(730) 

(18,982) 

- 

394,758 

478,197 

1,344,505

(280,192) 

(246,633) 

(621,770)

114,566 

231,564    

722,735

178,015 

41,038 

15,683 

218,890 

70,333 

755,349

140,694

11,197               27,004  

(121) 

(4,431)               (4,552)   

- 

- 

- 

- 

(27,617) 

(92,432) 

(50,430) 

(13,995) 

8,426

(730)

(97,029)

(106,427)

376,605 

114,566 

231,564    

722,735

418,202 

(59,758) 

358,444 

338,152 

44,649 

- 

(8,426)  

(15,931) 

- 

325,180 

438,283  

1,181,665

(147,165) 

(219,393)  

(426,316)

178,015 

218,890  

755,349

175,649 

32,413 

(2,459) 

- 

(23,588) 

(4,000) 

196,488  

67,159  

710,289

144,221

(919)  

(3,378)

-               (8,426) 

(43,838)  

(83,357)

- 

(4,000)

358,444 

178,015 

218,890  

755,349

75,540    

(48,244)    

27,296 

30,646 

105 

- 

(3,455) 

6,474 

(6,474) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

27,296                             -  

5,822 

(4,174) 

87,836

(58,892)

1,648               28,944  

1,832 

392 

32,478

497

(35)                   (35)  

(541) 

1,648 

(3,996)

28,944

Steamships Annual Report 2013       81

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

12.  Property, plant & equipment (continued)

Property 

Ships 

Plant and 
Vehicles 

Total

Parent 
December 31, 2012 

Cost or valuation 

Accumulated depreciation 

Net book value 

Opening value 

Additions 

Disposals 

Depreciation  

Closing value 

75,452 

(44,806) 

30,646 

34,275 

75 

(86) 

(3,618) 

30,646 

6,474 

(6,474) 

-  

 -  

- 

 -  

 - 

- 

7,382 

(5,550) 

1,832 

89,308 

(56,830) 

32,478 

1,891 

36,166 

435 

(12) 

510 

(98) 

(482)               (4,100) 

1,832                 32,478 

(a)  Assets in the course of construction

 The carrying amounts of the assets disclosed above include the following expenditure recognised in relation to property, plant and 
equipment and investment properties which is in the course of construction:

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

Property (classified as investment properties, note 13) 

Ships  

Plant and vehicles 

243,348 

15,954 

569 

156,406 

4,730 

- 

Total assets in the course of construction 

259,871 

161,136 

- -

- -

- -

- -

The cost of additions in 2013 includes capitalised borrowing costs of K16.5M (2012: K9.4M) in relation to qualifying assets.

(b)  Impairment losses

 Impairment losses have been recognised in relation to ships and plant and vehicles.  The impairment of these ships arose from 
changes in expectations of future freight volumes and pricing and changes in ship replacement strategy.  A change in the vehicle 
replacement policy and review of vehicle conditions has given rise to an impairment charge for vehicles, while a change in 
manufacturing strategy has resulted in an impairment charge for plant.  Recoverable amounts have been determined using the 
higher of fair value less cost to sell and its value in use. Fair value has been determined using market based information while value 
in use has been determined using a post-tax discount rate of 15.9%.

 The directors performed an impairment review on all key assets of the group given the economic slowdown. As a result of 
this assessment the depreciation charge on ships includes an additional K92.4M(2012:4.0M) due to impairment. The effect to 
shareholders post tax and minority interests is K47.1M. The depreciation charge on plant and vehicles includes an additional 
K11.5M impairment on vehicles and K2.4M on plant.

  There are no other conditions that indicate impairment of property, plant and equipment as at 31 December 2013.

82       Steamships Annual Report 2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

13.  investment properties

 Investment properties represent the group’s residential and commercial properties that are available for external lease rather than 
internal use. Properties used by the group are shown as ‘Property’ within note 12.

Non-current assets – at cost
Cost  
Accumulated depreciation 
Net book value 

Opening value 
Additions 
Disposals 
Transfers from property (note 12) 
Depreciation 
Closing value 

(a)  Amounts recognised in profit/loss for investment properties

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

426,146 
(82,488) 
343,658 

268,512 
84,040 
- 
730 
(9,624) 
343,658 

343,559 
(75,047) 
268,512 

228,420 
52,545 
(1,431) 
- 
(11,022) 
268,512 

- -
- -
- -

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

-
-
-
-
-
-

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

Rental income 
Repairs and maintenance attributable to rental properties 
  under non-cancellable leases 
Operating expenses directly attributable to rental properties 
  under non-cancellable leases 

90,069 

93,597 

(3,675) 

(2,770) 

(8,249) 

(7,556) 

- -

- -

- -

(b)  Valuation basis

 Properties include commercial and residential properties occupied by Group businesses together with commercial and residential 
investment properties which are available for external lease.  An analysis of the carrying amount and estimated range of fair values 
for each category of property is shown below.  Fair values have been estimated internally, based on market evidence of property 
values, supported by independent professional valuations as at December 2013 for a selected sample of representative properties.

Included in properties are the following:

Investment properties 
Other properties (note 12) 
Total  

NBV 

Valuation Lower 

Range Higher

343,658 
376,605 
720,263 

865,497 
851,001 
1,716,498 

1,041,218
1,044,768
2,085,986

 The independent valuer utilised certain historical facts and relevant market data available up to the date of valuation in reaching 
their opinion to the valuation of the properties.

(c)  Non-current assets pledged as security

  Refer to note 17 for information on non-current assets pledged as security by the group.

(d)  Contractual receivables 

 Minimum lease receivables under non-cancellable operating leases of investment properties not recognised in the financial 
statements are receivable as follows:

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

  Within one year 

Later than one year but not later than five years 
Later than five years 

76,989 
141,079 
145,059 
363,127 

92,066 
245,279 
- 
337,345 

- -
- -
- -
- -

Steamships Annual Report 2013       83

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

14.  intangible assets

Goodwill opening value 

Additions 

Impairment 

Closing value 

Impairment tests for goodwill

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

17,183 

76,331 

- 

93,514 

17,183 

- 

- 

17,183 

- -

- -

- -

- -

 Goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash-generating units (CGUs) identified according to operating segment. The goodwill balance 
of K93.5M (2012: K17.2M) is attributable to Datec (K9.2M), Consort (K0.5M), Laga Industries (K7.5M), Pacific Towing (K67.3M) 
and New Britain Shipping (K9M). The recoverable amount of a CGU is determined based on value-in-use calculations. These 
calculations use pre-tax cash flow projections based on financial budgets approved by management covering a three-year period. 
Growth beyond year three for the purpose of the impairment testing is set at 0%. A post-tax discount rate of 15.92% (2012: 
18.3%) has been used and reflects specific risks relating to the operating segment. No goodwill is considered to be impaired as at 
31 December 2013.

15.  trade and other payables

Trade Payables 

Accruals 

Other payables 

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

50,177 

57,281 

23,204 

74,098 

43,134 

31,775 

130,662 

149,007 

- -

- -

213 

213 

All trade and other payables are due and payable within 12 months and are recorded at their carrying value.

16.  Provisions for other liabilities and charges

Opening value 

Charged to profit & loss 

Transferred in on business combination 

Utilised during year 

Closing value 

Current 

Non-current 

Employee 

17,224 

9,014 

1,445 

(8,379) 

19,304 

7,285 

12,019 

19,304 

Dry 
Dock 

4,397 

- 

- 

Other 

1,022 

304 

- 

2013 
Total 

22,643 

9,318 

1,445 

(1,955) 

(877) 

(11,211) 

(22,712)

2,442 

2,442 

- 

2,442 

449 

449 

- 

449 

22,195 

10,176 

12,019 

22,195 

22,643

12,658

9,985

22,643

150

150

2012 
Total

30,623

14,732

-

A description of employee and dry dock provisions is disclosed in note 1(p). 

84       Steamships Annual Report 2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

17.  Borrowings

Current: 

Bank overdrafts (secured) 

Bank loans (secured) 

Other loans (unsecured) 

Non-current: 

Other loans (secured) 

Bank loans (secured) 

Total Borrowings 

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

41,618 

9,063 

15,160 

65,841 

135,000 

423,108 

558,108 

623,949 

37,181 

107,200 

16,133 

160,514 

135,000 

181,872 

316,872 

477,386 

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

 Mortgages over certain of the Group’s properties and a registered equitable charge over the remainder of the Group’s assets, 
undertakings and uncalled capital are held by the Group’s bankers as security for the bank overdrafts and secured loans. 

 Interest is paid on all loans at commercial rates at a discount to Indicator Lending Rates.  The effective interest rate on bank 
facilities at the balance sheet date was 6.8% (2012: 8.2%).  Bank overdrafts are interest-only with no agreed repayment schedule. 
Bank loans are secured loans with varying terms.

 The fair value of borrowings approximates their carrying amounts. Borrowing terms, margins and credit risk factors approximate 
currently obtainable levels for similar facilities.

18.  issued capital                                                                                        

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

(a)  Issued and paid up capital

Ordinary shares 

24,200 

24,200 

24,200 

24,200

Balance brought forward  

Share issue 

Balance carried forward 

(b)  Issued and paid up capital

Number of shares

Ordinary shares 

Balance brought forward  

Share issue 

Balance carried forward 

24,200 

- 

24,200 

24,200 

24,200 

24,200

- 

- -

24,200 

24,200 

24,200

31,008 

31,008 

31,008 

31,008

31,008 

- 

31,008 

31,008 

31,008 

31,008

- 

- -

31,008 

31,008 

31,008

In accordance with the Papua New Guinea Companies Act 1997 the shares have no par value.

The Company’s securities consist of ordinary shares which have equal participation and voting rights.

Steamships Annual Report 2013       85

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

19.  related party disclosures

(a)  Parent entity

 The Group is controlled by John Swire & Sons (PNG) Limited, which owns 72.12% of the Company’s shares. The ultimate 
Holding Company is John Swire & Sons Limited, incorporated in England.

(b)  Interest in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures:  

These are set out in notes 22, 23 and 24.    

(c)  Directors:

 G.J. Dunlop, W.L.Rothery, T. Blackburn and S.C.Pelling are directors of John Swire & Sons (PNG) Limited. Dividends were 
received by those directors holding an interest in the Company as set out in the Directors’ Report.   

(d)  Remuneration: 

 Income received or due and receivable both by Directors and senior managers in connection with the management of the 
Group companies is shown in the Directors’ Report.  The Group paid NIL (2012:K5.9M) to SCL Nominees Limited for 
management services.

Key management personnel disclosure

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

  Wages and salaries 

Other short term benefits 

Long-term benefits 

Termination benefits 

Share-based payments 

(e)   Material transactions:

Sales of goods and services 

    Associates & joint ventures 

    Key Management 

    Shareholders of associated companies 

Lease and rental income 

    Associates & joint ventures 

            Shareholders of associated companies 

Dividends received 

9,386 

1,126 

313 

- 

- 

951 

17 

11,662 

4,067 

4,536 

11,718 

1,444 

391 

- 

- 

4,818 

- 

29,507 

4,146 

- 

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

    Subsidiaries, associates & Joint ventures 

5,922 

3,935 

56,971 

78,346

Management fees income

    Associates & joint ventures 

Royalty/license income 

    Associates & joint ventures 

Purchase of goods and services 

    Associates & joint ventures 

    Other shareholders 

    Shareholders of  associated companies 

Management fees paid 

    Other shareholders 

Container/charter hire fees 

    Other shareholders 

86       Steamships Annual Report 2013

868 

843 

1,206 

1,460 

(20,979) 

- 

(12,313) 

(25,272) 

(1,200) 

(4,184) 

(99) 

(259) 

- 

(8,340) 

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

19.  related party disclosures (continued)

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

Finance cost 

    Associates & joint ventures 

    Other shareholders 

    Fellow subsidiary of ultimate shareholder 

Dividends paid 

    Other shareholders 

    Shareholders of associated companies 

Loans to/(from) related companies 

    Associates & joint ventures 

    Other shareholders 

    Shareholders of associated companies 

(504) 

- 

(1,169) 

(5,702) 

(49,198) 

(50,636) 

- 

973 

(367) 

(916) 

- 

(11,691) 

(57,025) 

(42,293) 

5,000 

(7,327) 

All transactions with related parties are made on normal commercial terms and conditions.

Balances with related companies: 

Associates and joint ventures: 

Consort associates (note 11) 

Consort shareholders (note 17) 

Collins and Leahy (note 17) 

Basilok Ltd (note 17) 

Loans to related Companies: 

Colgate Pamolive Ltd (note 11) 

Harbourside Development Limited (note 11) 

Kelton Investments (note 11) 

(15,998) 

(15,000) 

- 

(160) 

500 

101,775 

790 

(11,859) 

(15,000) 

(973) 

(160) 

500 

47,000 

790 

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

500

500 

- -

- -

Subsidiary Companies (note 11) 

- 

- 

5,212 

5,215

Steamships Annual Report 2013       87

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

20.  Reconciliation of profit after income tax to net cash inflow from operating activities

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

Profit for the year 

Depreciation and impairment 

Dividend and interest income 

Net loss (gain) on sale of non-current asset 

Fair value adjustment on acquisition 

Fair value adjustment on financial assets 

Share of profit after tax of associates 

Change in operating assets and liabilities, net of effects from 
purchase of controlled entity 

(Increase)/decrease in trade debtors 

(Increase)/decrease in inventory 

(Increase)/decrease in deferred tax asset 

(Increase)/decrease in operating assets 

Increase/(decrease) in trade creditors 

(Decrease)/increase in other operating liabilities 

(Decrease)/increase in provision for income tax payable 

Increase/(decrease) in deferred tax liability 

78,441 

213,080 

- 

919 

(35,467) 

20,307 

(9,697) 

(1,053) 

9,487 

(19,509) 

36,029 

(26,070) 

3,631 

(26,190) 

(7,300) 

198,348 

98,379 

56,573 

3,995 

80,219

4,100

- 

(56,971) 

(78,346)

(48,937) 

- 

24,800 

(14,188) 

26,847 

(18,047) 

- 

(14,048) 

16,278 

(8,172) 

(19,628) 

25,234 

- -

- -

- -

- -

- 

- -

134 

- -

62 

(4,130) 

438 

- -

(4,841)

848

(668)

-

(1,009)

Net cash inflow from operating activities 

236,608 

266,866 

101 

303

21.  Retirement benefit plans

 The total cost of retirement benefits of the Group in 2013 was K11.1M (2012:11.1M). The Group participates in the National 
Superannuation Fund of Papua New Guinea, a multi-employer defined contribution fund, on behalf of all citizen employees 
with minimum employer and employee contribution rates established by legislation. The Group also contributes to a defined 
contribution superannuation plan on behalf of senior management. The defined contribution superannuation plan was established 
in 2002.

The parent entity does not employ staff directly; consequently there was no charge during the year.

88       Steamships Annual Report 2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

22.  subsidiaries and transactions with non-controlling interests

(a)  Significant investments in subsidiaries

 The consolidated financial statements incorporate the assets, liabilities and results of the following subsidiaries in accordance with 
the accounting policy described in Note 1 (c): 

Name of Entity 

Country of Incorporation 

Class of Shares 

Consort Express Lines Limited 

Papua New Guinea 

Ordinary 

Datec (PNG) Limited 

Papua New Guinea 

Ordinary 

Kavieng Port Services Limited 

Papua New Guinea 

Ordinary 

Kiunga Stevedoring Company Limited 

Papua New Guinea 

Ordinary 

Lae Port Services Limited 

Papua New Guinea 

Ordinary 

Laga Industries Limited 

Papua New Guinea 

Ordinary 

Madang Port Services Limited 

Papua New Guinea 

Ordinary 

Middle Fly Shipping Limited** 

Papua New Guinea 

Ordinary 

New Britain Shipping Limited** 

Papua New Guinea 

Ordinary 

Oro Agencies Limited 

Papua New Guinea 

Ordinary 

Pacific Rumana Limited** 

Papua New Guinea 

Ordinary 

Pacific Rumana Mobile Investments Limited 

Papua New Guinea 

Ordinary 

Pacific Towing (PNG) Limited 

Papua New Guinea 

Ordinary 

Port Services PNG Limited 

Papua New Guinea 

Ordinary 

Steamships Limited 

Papua New Guinea 

Ordinary 

  Windward Apartments Limited 

Papua New Guinea 

Ordinary 

Equity  
Holdings* 
2013 

Equity 
Holdings*
2012

51 

100 

60 

100 

51 

100 

60 

50 

50 

100 

50 

80 

100 

54 

100 

100 

51

100

60

100

51

68

60

50

50

100

50

80

50

54

100

100

*The portion of ownership is equal to the proportion of voting power held.

** Consolidated by virtue of control over the operating decisions and returns.

 Shares in subsidiary companies have been stated at cost or fair value on acquisition less dividends received from pre-acquisition 
profits. 

 The major non-controlling interest is in Consort Express Lines Limited. The loss after tax attributable to non controlling interest in 
this entity was K26.1M (2012:K5.4M profit) and the accumulated non-controlling interest in the entity at 31 December 2013 was 
K16.8M (2012:K43.0M). Consort Express Lines Limited paid a total dividend during 2013 of K0.6M (2012:K0.6M).

Steamships Annual Report 2013       89

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

22.  subsidiaries and transactions with non-controlling interests (continued)

(b)   Transactions with non-controlling interests

 On 1 October 2013, Steamships Trading Company Limited acquired the remaining 32% shares of Laga Industries Limited for a 
purchase consideration of K26.1M. The carrying amount of the non-controlling interest in Laga Industries on the date of acquisition 
was K17.1M. The group recognised a decrease in non-controlling interest of K17.1M. and a decrease in equity attributable to 
owners of the parent of K9.0M. The effect of changes in the ownership interest of Laga Industries on the equity attributable to 
owners of Steamships Trading Company Limited during the year is summarised as follows:

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

Carrying amount of non-controlling interests acquired 

Consideration paid to non-controlling interests 

Excess of consideration paid recognised in the transactions 
  with non-controlling interests reserve within equity 

17,104 

26,098 

8,994 

- 

- 

- 

- -

- -

- -

23.  investment in associates 

(a)  Movement in carrying amounts

Opening value 

Share of profits before tax 

Income tax expense 

Dividends received/receivable 

Transfers/sales 

Closing value 

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

12,177 

6,538 

(2,184) 

(82) 

- 

16,449 

6,905 

7,946 

(2,478) 

(185) 

(11) 

12,177 

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

- -

 The equity method is used to account for all interests in associates on a consolidated basis. 

90       Steamships Annual Report 2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

23.  investment in associates (continued)

(b)  Summarised financial information of equity accounted associates. 

The Group’s share of the results of its principal associates and its aggregated assets (including goodwill) and liabilities are as follows: 

2013 

Makerio Stevedoring Limited 

Nikana Stevedoring Limited 

Riback Stevedoring Limited 

United Stevedoring Limited 

2012 

Makerio Stevedoring Limited 

Nikana Stevedoring Limited 

Riback Stevedoring Limited 

United Stevedoring Limited 

Ownerships 
Interest 
% 

23 

23 

25 

12 

Ownerships 
Interest 
% 

23 

23 

25 

12 

Assets 

Liabilities 

Carrying 
Value 

Revenue 

Profit 

842 

1,247 

182 

110 

660 

1,137 

462 

329 

118

207

17,499 

2,881 

14,618 

10,997 

4,014

172 

138 

34 

2,022   

15

19,760 

3,311 

16,449 

13,810 

4,354

Assets 

Liabilities 

Carrying 
Value 

Revenue 

Profit 

937 

1,090 

330 

158 

607 

932 

580 

442 

287

175

14,732 

4,124 

10,608 

10,242 

4,997

403 

373 

30 

2,551 

9

17,162 

4,985 

12,177 

13,815 

5,468

The Stevedoring Companies provide stevedoring services to various shipping entities in the Group.

All associated companies are incorporated and operate in Papua New Guinea.

There are no contingent liabilities relating to the Group’s interest in the associates.

Steamships Annual Report 2013       91

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

24.  investment in joint ventures

(a)  Movement in carrying amounts

Opening value 

Share of profits before tax 

Income tax expense 

Dividends received/receivable 

Transfers/sales (note 25) 

Closing value 

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

26,510 

7,634 

(2,291) 

(5,840) 

(10,991) 

15,022 

21,540 

12,480 

(3,760) 

(3,750) 

- 

26,510 

20,190 

20,190

- -

- -

- -

(139) -

20,051 

20,190

The interest in joint ventures are accounted for in the financial statements using the equity method of accounting. 

(b)  Information relating to the joint ventures are set out below.

2013 

Assets 

Liabilities 

Ownerships 
Interest 
% 

Pacific Towing Limited (note 25) 

100 

- 

- 

Colgate Palmolive (PNG) Limited 

Harbourside Development 

50 

50 

16,844 

9,681 

61,067 

53,208 

Carrying 
Value 

- 

7,163 

7,859 

Revenue 

Profit 

- 

4,637

32,766 

- 

706

-

77,911 

62,889 

15,022 

32,766 

5,343

2012 

Pacific Towing Limited 

Colgate Palmolive (PNG) Limited 

Harbourside Development 

Ownerships 
Interest 
% 

Assets 

Liabilities 

Carrying 
Value 

Revenue 

Profit 

50 

50 

50 

14,238 

16,652 

3,544 

8,695 

51,671 

43,812 

10,694 

17,508 

7,957 

7,859 

35,627 

- 

4,733

3,987

-

82,561 

56,051 

26,510 

53,135 

8,720 

Pacific Towing Limited became a wholly owned subsidiary during the year.

Colgate Palmolive (PNG) Limited is a long held investment providing investment returns to the Group.  

 Harbourside Development is a property development company that is currently developing a commercial investment property in 
Port Moresby.  The Group’s share of the capital commitments at 31 December 2013 is K43.5M (2012:K89.1M).

 There are no contingent liabilities arising from the Group’s interests in joint ventures. 

 Joint ventures have been presented separately from associates consistent with IFRS 11 and 12 which became effective 1 January 
2013.

92       Steamships Annual Report 2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

25.  Business combinations 

2013

Acquisition of the remaining shares of Pacific Towing Limited

 On 1 December 2013, the Group acquired a further 50% of the issued share capital, and obtained control, of Pacific Towing 
Limited. Together with the 50% of the issued share capital already held, this gave Steamships Trading Company Limited control of 
100% of Pacific Towing Limited. Pacific Towing Limited is a company incorporated in Papua New Guinea whose business includes 
harbor tug boat operations, tug boat charter, diving and marine salvage activities. 

Recognised amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed

Cash  

Trade & other receivables 

Inventories 

Property, ships and equipment 

Deferred tax asset 

Trade payables 

Accruals and provisions 

Net identifiable assets acquired 

Goodwill arising 

Total consideration 

Satisfied by: 

Cash consideration 

Existing interest at fair value 

Net cash outflow arising on acquisition: 

Cash consideration 

Less: cash and cash equivalents acquired 

Cash outflow per cash flow statement 

Fair value

3,086

20,250

984

18,004

1,572

(2,149)

(10,997)

30,750

67,331

98,081

51,621

46,460

98,081

51,621

3,086

48,535

 The carrying value of the Group’s 50% interest in Pacific Towing Limited before the acquisition was K11.0M. The Group recognised 
a gain of K35.5M as a result of remeasuring this interest, which is included in other income in the consolidated income statement. 

 The goodwill arising on the acquisition of Pacific Towing Limited amounting to K67.3M (which is not tax-deductible) consists of the 
benefit of port access and relationships with customers, none of which is subject to contractual arrangements.

 Acquisition related costs (included in operating expenses) in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year 
ended December 31, 2013 amounted to K0.7M.

 The acquisition of the controlling interest in Pacific Towing Limited contributed K2.6M revenue and K0.5M profit before tax to the 
Group’s results for the period between the date of acquisition and 31 December 2013.

Steamships Annual Report 2013       93

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

25.  Business combinations (continued)

Acquisition of Kimbe Shipping and Transport

 On 1 March 2013, the Group acquired, through New Britain Shipping Ltd, the trade and fixed assets of Kimbe Shipping and 
Transport Limited, as road transport operator and container storage, equipment hire and workshop services provider. The 
acquisition complimented the Group’s presence in Kimbe.

Recognised amounts of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed

Property and equipment 

Net identifiable assets acquired 

Goodwill arising 

Total consideration 

Satisfied by: 

Cash consideration 

Contingent consideration 

Total purchase consideration 

Net cash outflow arising on acquisition: 

Cash consideration 

Less: cash and cash equivalents acquired 

Cash outflow per cash flow statement 

Fair value

9,000

9,000

9,000

18,000

18,000

-

18,000

18,000

-

18,000

The goodwill of K9.0M is attributable to the increased market access in New Britain.  It is not tax-deductible. 

 The acquisition contributed K7.5M in revenue and K0.2M in profit before tax to the Groups results for the period between the 
date of acquisition and 31 December 2013.

other

 If the acquisition of the additional shares in Pacific Towing Limited and the acquisition of the Kimbe Shipping and Transport business 
had occurred at the beginning of the year, the consolidated revenue and profit before tax of the Group would have been higher by 
K31.7M and K6.7M respectively.

2012

There were no acquisitions in the year ending 31 December 2012.

94       Steamships Annual Report 2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

26. segmental reporting

(a)  Description of segments

 The Board considers the business from a product perspective and have identified four reportable segments.  A brief description of 
each segment is outlined below:

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Commercial – consists of the retail arm of the Group and is involved in the manufacture and distribution of food products 
and general IT retail sales and service.

 Hotels and property – consists of the hotels owned and operated by the Group and also its property leasing division. The 
assets are stated at historical cost net of accumulated depreciation and includes new assets in the course of construction.

Logistics – consists of shipping and land based freight transport and related services divisions.

Finance and investment – consists of the head office administration function. 

(b)  Segment information 

The segment information provided to the Board for the reportable segments for the year ended 31 December 2013 is as follows: 

2013 

External revenue 

Intersegmental revenue 

Interest revenue 

Interest expense 

Depreciation and amortisation 

Impairment losses 

Gain on sale of properties 

Fair value loss on financial asset 

Commercial 

Hotels & 
Property 

Logistics 

Finance & 
Investment 

Total 

229,434 

995 

- 

(8) 

(7,023) 

(2,487) 

- 

- 

260,270 

39,564 

- 

(7) 

(40,808) 

- 

- 

- 

441,093 

12,502 

34 

(5,773) 

(57,364) 

(103,940) 

- 

- 

137 

- 

72 

930,934

53,061

106

(12,008) 

(17,796)

(1,458) 

(106,653)

- 

- 

(106,427)

-

(20,307) 

(20,307)

Segment results 

(16,456) 

133,160 

(57,707) 

21,677 

Share of joint ventures and associate’s profit 

Total tax expense 

Profit from continuing operations 

Segment assets 

Segment liabilities 

Net assets 

706 

4,057 

(11,693) 

122,155 

21,599 

100,556 

- 

(35,807) 

97,353 

822,810 

40,699 

782,111 

8,991 

19,122 

- 

698 

(29,594) 

22,375 

80,674

9,697

(11,930)

78,441

443,560 

122,754 

320,806 

177,850 

641,400 

(463,550) 

1,566,375

826,452

739,923

Total assets includes investments in joint ventures 
  and associates of 

7,162 

- 

16,450 

7,859 

31,471

Capital expenditure 

13,425 

118,297 

117,998 

926 

250,646

Steamships Annual Report 2013       95

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

26. segmental reporting (continued)

Commercial 

Hotels & 
Property 

Logistics 

Finance & 
Investment 

Total 

2012 

External revenue 

Intersegmental revenue 

Interest revenue 

Interest expense 

259,003 

2,748 

72 

(30) 

261,546 

36,878 

- 

(718) 

Depreciation and amortisation 

(7,643) 

(38,416) 

Impairment Losses 

Gain on sale of properties 

Fair value loss on financial asset 

Segment results 

Share of joint ventures and associate’s profit 

Total tax expense 

Profit from continuing operations 

Segment assets 

Segment liabilities 

Net assets 

- 

97 

- 

13,706 

3,988 

(4,112) 

13,582 

143,056 

24,336 

118,720 

- 

48,465 

- 

227,305 

- 

(68,191) 

159,114 

669,796 

7,759 

662,037 

465,761 

18,995 

63 

(5,593) 

(46,931) 

(4,000) 

211 

- 

36,808 

10,200 

(11,042) 

35,966 

480,609 

164,516 

316,093 

- 

- 

- 

(15,304) 

(1,389) 

- 

164 

(24,800) 

(12,245) 

- 

1,931 

(10,314) 

986,310

58,621

135

(21,645)

(94,379)

(4,000)

48,937

(24,800)

265,574

14,188

(81,414)

198,348

198,190 

533,540 

(335,350) 

1,491,651

730,151

761,500

Total assets includes investments in joint ventures 
  and associates of 

7,957 

- 

22,871 

7,859 

38,687

Capital expenditure 

13,670 

101,382 

85,116 

2,478 

202,646

These figures include non-controlling interests share of operating profits and assets.

(c)  Geography

 The Group operates almost wholly in Papua New Guinea.  It is not practical to provide a segment analysis by geographical region 
within Papua New Guinea. The Group has one insignificant business operation in the Solomon Islands.

96       Steamships Annual Report 2013

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
notes to the FinAnCiAL stAtements
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

27.  contingent liabilities

 There were contingent liabilities at the Balance Sheet date as follows:

(a)  The parent entity has given a secured guarantee in respect of the bank overdrafts of certain subsidiaries.

(b)   The parent entity has given letters of continuing financial support in respect of certain subsidiaries, associates and joint 

ventures.

No losses are anticipated in respect of these guarantees.

28.  commitments

(a)  Capital commitments

Contracts outstanding for capital expenditure: 

- less than 12 months 

- 1-5 years 

(b)  Lease commitments: group as lessee

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2013 

2012 

2013 

2012

47,400 

-  

47,400 

127,126 

3,716 

130,842 

- -

- -

- -

 The Group leases various properties under non-cancellable operating leases. The leases have varying terms and renewal rights. On 
renewal, the terms of the lease are renegotiated. 

Commitments for minimum lease payments in relation to non-cancellable operating leases are payable as follows:  

  Within one year 

Later than one year but not later than five years 

Later than five years 

5,075 

449 

- 

5,524 

6,390 

24 

- 

6,414 

- -

- -

- -

- -

29. subsequent events

 On 1 January 2014 Palm Stevedoring and Transport Limited was established with operations in Alotau, of which Steamships 
Trading Company holds a 33% share, Consort Express Lines Limited a 33% share and an external party 33%.

 In February 2014 the Directors declared a final dividend of 135 toea per share payable immediately after the Annual General 
Meeting on 19 May 2014.

Steamships Annual Report 2013       97

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
inDePenDent AUDitoR’s RePoRt
to the shareholders of Steamships Trading Company Limited 

Report on the financial statements
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of Steamships Trading Company Limited (the Company), which 
comprise the balance sheets as at 31 December 2013, the statements of comprehensive income, statements of changes 
in equity and statements of cash flows for the year then ended, and the notes to the financial statements that include a 
summary of significant accounting policies and other explanatory information for both the Company and the Group. The 
Group comprises the Company and the entities it controlled at 31 December 2013 or from time to time during the financial 
year.

Directors’ responsibility for the financial statements
The Directors are responsible for the preparation of these financial statements such that they give a true and fair view in 
accordance with generally accepted accounting practice in Papua New Guinea and the Companies Act 1997 and for such 
internal controls as the Directors determine are necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from 
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

auditor’s responsibility 
Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit. We conducted our audit 
in accordance with International Standards on Auditing. These standards require that we comply with relevant ethical 
requirements and plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free 
from material misstatement.

An audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial 
statements. The procedures selected depend on the auditor’s judgement, including the assessment of the risks of material 
misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error. In making those risk assessments, the auditor 
considers the internal controls relevant to the Company and the Group’s preparation of financial statements that give 
a true and fair view of the matters to which they relate, in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the 
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company and the Group’s 
internal control. An audit also includes evaluating the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of 
accounting estimates, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements.

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinion.

opinion
In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements:

1. 

2. 

 comply with International Financial Reporting Standards and other generally accepted accounting practice in Papua 
New Guinea; and

 give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Company and the Group as at 31 December 2013, and their 
financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended.

98       Steamships Annual Report 2013

inDePenDent AUDitoR’s RePoRt
to the shareholders of Steamships Trading Company Limited 

report on other legal and regulatory requirements
The Companies Act 1997 requires in carrying out our audit we consider and report on the following matters. We confirm in 
relation to our audit of the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2013:

1. 

 we have obtained all the information and explanations that we have required; 

2. 

3. 

 in our opinion, proper accounting records have been kept by the Company as far as appears from an examination of 
those records; and

 we have no relationship with, or interests in, the Company or any of its subsidiaries other than in our capacities as 
auditor, taxation advisor, and reviewer on specific human resources matter. These services have not impaired our 
independence as auditor of the Company and the Group.

restriction on distribution or use
This report is made solely to the Company’s shareholders, as a body, in accordance with the Companies Act 1997. Our 
audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s shareholders those matters which we are required 
to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. We do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other 
than the Company and the Company’s shareholders, as a body, for our audit work, for this report or for the opinions we have 
formed.

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Grant Burns   
Partner 

Port Moresby
28 March 2014

Stephen Beach  
Partner 
Registered under the Accountants Registration Act 1996

Steamships Annual Report 2013       99

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
DiReCtoRs’ RePoRt
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013

steamships trading company Limited and subsidiary companies

 The Directors submit their Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2013 for the Company and its subsidiaries.      

Principal activities and review of operations

Full details of the Group’s activities are given in the Directors’ Review on page 12.  The Group continues to operate in the 
segments of Commercial, Hotels and Property and Logistics.

The Directors believe that there will be no significant changes in the Group’s activities for the foreseeable future.

changes in accounting Policies

There are no changes in Accounting Policies in the year.

result

The Group operating profit for the year attributable to shareholders was K117,050,000 (2012: K177,700,000). 

dividend

The Directors advise that a final dividend of 135 toea per share will be paid immediately after the Annual General Meeting 
on 19 May 2014.  The exchange rate Kina to Australian Dollar applying on 1 May 2014 will be used to calculate the 
dividends to shareholders resident outside Papua New Guinea. 

rounding off

Amounts in the Directors’ Report and accounts have been rounded off to the nearest thousand Kina.

100       Steamships Annual Report 2013

DiReCtoRs’ RePoRt
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013

experience & interests register 

Directors have disclosed the following experience and interests in shares in the Company and provided general disclosure of 
companies in which the Director is to be regarded as interested as set out below:

W.L. rothery

Member of the Remuneration Committee 

Member of the Strategic Planning Committee 

Director since 1997

Chairman since 2006

Mr Rothery is Chief Executive and a Chairman of John Swire & Sons Pty Ltd, as well as a Director of several other Swire 
subsidiary companies. He has been with the Swire Group for 34 years and has been based in Asia, the Middle East and for 
24 years in Australia.

g. aopi cBe

Director since 1997

Mr Aopi is an Executive Director of Oil Search Ltd, where he is also Executive General Manager of External & Government 
Affairs and Sustainability. He has substantial public service and corporate experience in Papua New Guinea currently 
serving as the Chairman of the PNG Chamber of Mines and Petroleum.  He is a Director of Port Moresby Stock Exchange 
Ltd, Marsh Ltd, Bank of South Pacific Limited, CDI Foundation, Wahinemo Ltd and various other private companies. He is a 
former Chairman of Telikom PNG Ltd and Independent Public Business Corporation.

t. Blackburn

Director since 2011

Mr Blackburn is Managing Director of The China Navigation Company Pte Ltd (a Swire Group company) and Chairman 
of Mandarin Shipping Ltd and a Director of Altus Logistics Pte Ltd. He was Director & General Manager (2009-2011) of 
Hong Kong Aero Engine Services, a Director of James Finlay Ltd (2005-2009) and from 1994 to 2005 worked for various 
subsidiaries and associates of John Swire & Sons Ltd, including Steamships Shipping & Transport.

sir michael Bromley KBe

Member of the Audit and Risk Committee

Member of the Remuneration Committee 

Member of the Strategic Planning Committee

Director, 1986 to 1996

Director since 2000

Sir Michael Bromley has extensive international business experience from over 40 years of operating and advising 
companies in countries including Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, Russia, China and Papua New Guinea, principally in 
retail and logistics operations. He is Chairman of Heli Niugini Ltd and AAB Holdings Pty Ltd, and a Director of Pegasus Print 
Group Pty Ltd, Fasteners & More Pty Ltd, New Guinea Energy Limited, Sonway Asia Ltd, Chemica Ltd, Sig No.1 Ltd, Glock 
No. 1 Ltd, Broman Ltd, Maps Tuna Ltd, Sek No. 35 Ltd, Hoia Investment Ltd and Venture Ltd.

Beneficial Shares Held: 5%

d.H. cox oL

Managing Director 2004 to 2012

Director since 2003

Mr Cox joined Steamships as a Manager in 1992, rising to become Managing Director from 2004-2012. He has extensive 
experience in the PNG business environment. He is also a Director of Telikom PNG Ltd.

Steamships Annual Report 2013       101

 
DiReCtoRs’ RePoRt
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013

g.L. cundle

Managing Director from 2013

Director from 2013

Mr Cundle was appointed Steamships Managing Director on 1 January 2013. He joined the Swire Group in 1979 and 
has extensive corporate experience having worked with the Group in various divisions in Hong Kong, Australia, Korea, 
Japan and Papua New Guinea. He was a Non-Executive Director of Steamships in 2006-2007 and Steamships Shipping 
General Manager from 1989-1992. He is a director of various Steamships Trading Company subsidiaries, joint ventures and 
associated companies.

g.J. dunlop

Member of the Audit and Risk Committee

Member of the Strategic Planning Committee

Managing Director 2000 to 2003

Director since 1995

Mr Dunlop is a chartered accountant with extensive experience in the Pacific region. He is a Director of John Swire & Sons 
(PNG) Ltd and Group companies, City Pharmacy Group Ltd, Credit Corporation (PNG) Ltd, Hardware Haus Pty Ltd and 
Mainland Holdings Ltd.

J.W.J. Hughes-Hallett cmg, sBs

Director since 2010

Mr Hughes-Hallet originally joined the Swire Group in 1976 and has extensive corporate experience through working with 
the Group in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Australia and London. He is Chairman of John Swire & Sons Ltd and a Director of 
Swire Pacific Ltd, Cathay Pacific Ltd, Swire Properties Ltd and HSBC Holdings Ltd.

Lady Winifred Kamit cBe

Chairperson of the Audit and Risk Committee

Director since 2005

Lady Winifred Kamit is a former Senior Partner, and currently a consultant at Gadens Lawyers in Port Moresby. She is a 
Councillor of the Papua New Guinea Institute of National Affairs and Chairperson of Coalition for Change PNG. She is a 
Director & Secretary of Bunowen Services Ltd and Gadens Administration Services Ltd, and a Director of Newcrest Mining 
Ltd, Nautilus Minerals Niugini Ltd, Kamchild Ltd and ANZ Banking Group (PNG) Ltd.

s.c. Pelling

Finance Director & Company Secretary 

Mr Pelling is a chartered accountant who was previously Finance Director for agricultural operations in Africa with James 
Finlay Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of John Swire & Sons Ltd. He is a Director of John Swire & Sons (PNG) Ltd and 
various Steamships Trading Company subsidiaries, joint ventures and associated companies.

102       Steamships Annual Report 2013

DiReCtoRs’ RePoRt
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013

remuneration of directors

Directors remuneration received or receivable from the Company as directors during the year, is as follows:

W.L. Rothery 
D.H. Cox OL 
G. Aopi, CBE 
T Blackburn 
Sir Michael Bromley, KBE 
G.L Cundle * 
G.J. Dunlop 
J.W.J Hughes- Hallett CMG, SBS 
Lady Winifred T. Kamit, CBE 
S. C. Pelling * 

2013 
K’000 

211 
84 -
84 
84 
211 
- -
169 
84 
148 
- -

2012
K’000

211

84
84
211

169
84
148

* Managing Director and Finance Director receive no fees for their service as Directors during the year.

remuneration of employees

The number of employees whose remuneration and other benefits was within the specified bands are as follows: 

Remuneration 
K’000 

2013 
no. 

2012 
no. 

Remuneration 
K’000 

2013 
no. 

2012 
no. 

Remuneration 
K’000 

2013 
no. 

2012
no.

110-120 
120-130 
130-140 
140-150 
150-160 
160-170 
170-180 
180-190 
190-200 
200-210 
210-220    
220-230 
230-240 
240-250 
250-260 
260-270 
270-280 
280-290 
290-300 
300-310 
310-320 
330-340 
350-360 

- 
12 
12 
9 
9 
6 
3 
5 
8 
5 
1 
6 
3 
8 
4 
5 
3 
2 
2 
1 
1 
5 
3 

1 
1 
5 
3 
9 
4 
5 
6 
3 
4 
2 
4 
5 
6 
2 
- 
3 
2 
5 
1 
- 
1 
1 

360-370 
370-380 
380-390 
390-400 
400-410 
410-420 
420-430 
430-440 
440-450 
450-460 
460-470 
470-480 
480-490 
490-500 
510-520 
520-530 
530-540 
540-550 
550-560 
560-570 
570-580 
590-600 
600-610 

1 
3 
4 
- 
3 
2 
2 
1 
- 
1 
1 
3 
- 
- 
3 
2 
- 
1 
3 
- 
2 
- 
- 

3 
1 
2 
4 
5 
2 
1 
5 
2 
3 
2 
- 
3 
2 
1 
1 
3 
- 
- 
1 
- 
2 
4 

610-620 
630-640 
650-660 
660-670 
670-680 
680-690 
690-700 
740-750 
750-760 
770-780 
790-800 
830-840 
840-850 
880-890 
890-900 
920-930 
940-950 
1,020-1,030 
1,050-1,060 
1,120-1,130 
1,660-1670 

1 
1 
1 
2 
- 
2 
- 
1 
3 
1 
- 
1 
1 
1 
- 
- 
1 
- 
1 
- 
1 

-
-
1
-
1
2
1
-
-
1
1
-
-
-
1
1
-
1
-
1
-

In addition, an amount of NIL (2012:5.9M) was paid to SCL Nominees Limited for management services. Details of auditors’ 
remuneration and donations are shown in Note 3 to the accounts.

For and on behalf of the Board: 

Port Moresby 
28 March 2014                         

W. L Rothery 
Chairman 

G.L. Cundle 
Managing Director

Steamships Annual Report 2013       103

 
 
 
 
 
 
STOCK ExCHANGE INFORMATION
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2013

Shares are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and the Port Moresby Stock Exchange. All shares carry equal voting 
rights.

shareholdings
At 15 February 2014, there were 422 shareholders.

315  Holding 
Holding 
80 
Holding 
14 
Holding 
13 

1 
1,001 
5,001 
10,001 

- 
- 
- 
- 

1,000 units
5,000 units
10,000 units 
and over

6 shareholders held less than a marketable parcel.

The 20 largest shareholders were: 

Number of shares 

John Swire & Sons (PNG) Limited 
Bell Potter Nominees Ltd 
National Superannuation Fund Ltd 
John E Gill Operations Pty Ltd 
Kelvinside Pty Ltd 
Malcolm Burns Reid 
Mr Ramesh Mahtani 
Hylec Investments Pty Ltd 
Intercontinental Assets Pty Ltd 
Capital Nominees Limited 
Bryce Family Super Fund 
Engoordina Pty Ltd 
Derrick Charles Whitaker 
Jennifer May Forbes 
Miss Shirin Moayyad 
Custodial Services Limited 
Mary Patricia Haughton 
Mrs Judith Scottholland 
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 
Mrs Robyn A Gostelow 

22,362,651 
6,201,000 
1,859,446 
54,727 
25,000 
22,867 
21,700 
20,494 
15,000 
12,767 
12,243 
11,078 
10,348 
10,000 
10,000 
8,768 
8,161 
8,161 
8,112 
7,393 
30,689,916 

 %

72.12
20.00
6.00
0.18
0.08
0.07
0.07
0.07
0.05
0.04
0.04
0.04
0.03
0.03
0.03
0.03
0.03
0.03
0.03
0.02
98.97

applicable Legislation
The Company is incorporated in Papua New Guinea and is not generally subject to Australian Corporations Law including, 
in particular, Chapter 6 of the Australian Corporations Law dealing with the acquisition of shares (including substantial 
shareholdings and takeovers).  The Company is subject to the requirements of the Papua New Guinea Companies Act 1997, 
Securities Act 1997 and the Takeovers Code.  The Companies Act and the Securities Act regulate the issue and buy-back of 
shares and contain provisions as to the trading in securities, provisions as to financial benefits to related parties, substantial 
shareholders provisions, remedies in cases of oppression or injustice and actions by, and access to, records by shareholders.

The Takeovers Code regulates offers where a person already holds more than 20% of the voting rights in a company or 
where a person becomes the holder of more than 20% of the voting rights in a manner permitted by the Code.

A code offer, which can either be a full offer or a partial offer, must be extended to all holders of voting securities in the 
Company.  The Code also contains compulsory purchase and sale provisions if more than 90% of the shares are acquired 
under an offer.

104       Steamships Annual Report 2013

 
Steamships Annual Report

ComPAnY DiReCtoRY 

cHairman
W. L. Rothery §&

executiVe directors

managing director 
G. L. Cundle, §

Finance director 
S. C. Pelling

non-executiVe directors
G. Aopi, CBE
T. Blackburn
Sir Michael Bromley, KBE §+&
G. J. Dunlop +&
J.W.J Hughes- Hallett CMG, SBS
Lady W. T. Kamit, CBE +
D. Cox OL (Managing director to 31/12/12)

+  Member of the Audit and Risk Committee 
§   Member of the Remuneration Committee 
&  Member of the Strategic Planning Committee

secretary
S. C. Pelling  

registered oFFice
Champion Parade
Telephone:  +675 322 0222
P.O. Box 1
Port Moresby
Papua New Guinea

auditors
PricewaterhouseCoopers
P.O. Box 484
Port Moresby 
Papua New Guinea

sHare registrars
Computershare Investor Services Pty Limited
GPO Box 2975
Melbourne VIC 3001
AUSTRALIA
Telephone: (Aus)  1300 85 05 05
(Overseas) 
Fax: 

+61 (0)3 9415 4000
+61 3 9473 2500

stocK excHange
Shares are listed on both the Port Moresby Stock Exchange 
Limited and the Australian Securities Exchange Limited.

a. r. B. n.
055 836 952

Steamships Annual Report 2013       105

 
106       Steamships Annual Report 2013