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System1
Annual Report 2018

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FY2018 Annual Report · System1
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ANNUAL REPORT

2018

Brief Profile of Steamships Group   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 2

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

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

Directors’ Review   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  . 8

Review of Operations - LOGISTICS  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  10

Consort Express Lines  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  10

Pacific Towing  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  12

Joint Venture Port Services .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  13

East West Transport   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  14

Review of Operations - PROPERTY   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  15

Coral Sea Hotels .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  15

Pacific Palms Property  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  16

Sustainability .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  18

Corporate Governance .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  19

Financial Section .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  20

Statements of Comprehensive Income .  .  .  .  .  .  .  20

Statement of Changes in Equity   .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  21

Statements of Financial Position  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  22

Statements of Cash Flows  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  23

Notes to the Financial Statements  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  24

Independent Auditor’s Report  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  58

Directors’ Report .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  64

Stock Exchange Information .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  .  68

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

CONTENTS

Steamships Annual Report 2018       1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
BRIEF PROFILE OF THE STEAMSHIPS GROUP 

Steamships  Trading  Company  (Steamships)  is  a  committed  investor  in  Papua  New  Guinea 
and  celebrated  its  100  year  anniversary  in  2018. The  Group  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 group to work for and with which to do business.

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

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

 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.

 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.

• 

• 

• 

Steamships  is  aware  of  its  prominent  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  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 and satisfaction of its customers, the 
local communities and the environment in which it operates. 

Steamships is still showing it has the resources and capacity, 
vision  and  capability  to  meet  the  dynamic  needs  of  a 
growing country.

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  over  2,600  PNG  citizens  and  non-
citizens  in  diverse  divisions  grouped  under  the  operating 
categories  of  Logistics,  Property  and  Commercial  &  
Investments. 

Steamships core values include the following:

• 

• 

• 

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

 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.

2       Steamships Annual Report 2018

BRIEF PROFILE OF STEAMSHIPS GROUP 

STEAMSHIPS’ ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURE

STEAMSHIPS TRADING COMPANY

LOGISTICS 

  PROPERTY

COMMERCIAL & 
INVESTMENTS

  Consort Express 
Lines 

Pacific 
Towing 

EastWest 
Transport 

Port 
Services 

Pacific Palms 
Property 

Coral Sea 
Hotels 

Colgate 
Palmolive JV

X5 Associate Port 
Services Co’s 

JV Port Services 
(x9 JV LO Entities) 

Harbourside 
Development JV 

Croesus  
(x3 entities)

Pacific 
Rumana JV 

Wonye JV

Viva No 31 JV

Steamships Annual Report 2018       3

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

2018 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS (including discontinued operations)

2018 
K’000 

2017 
K’000 

Change
%

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

Earnings per share (toea) 
Dividends per share (toea) 
Shareholders’ funds per share (kina) 

Underlying profit attributable to shareholders 
Underlying earnings per share (toea) 

Gearing ratio 
Interest cover 
Dividend cover 

     627,108  
       69,529  
     116,682  
     278,817  
     920,305  
     373,579  

705,687 
41,516 
     102,029  
       84,390  
841,964 
441,020 

224 
165 
29.68 

43,304 
140 

134 
110 
27.15 

61,775 
199 

16% 

33.1% 
             9.0                5.5  
             2.6                1.3  

-11%
67%
14%
230%
9%
-14%

67%
50%
9%

-30%
-30%

-14%
65%
107%

4       Steamships Annual Report 2018

 
 
 
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
  
  
  
 
FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

SUMMARY OF PAST PEFORMANCE   

2009 
K’000 

2010 
K’000 

2011 
K’000 

2012 
K’000 

2013 
K’000 

2014 
K’000 

2015 
K’000 

2016 
K’000 

2017 
K’000 

2018
K’000

INCOME STATEMENT (including discontinued operations) 
Revenue 
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 for the year 
Earnings retained this year 

- 
- 
(45,272) 
51,288 

986,310  930,934  941,708      773,535  732,701 
495,976  789,918  920,357 
79,747  134,789      136,042  118,686 
265,574 
120,602  180,834  233,967 
5,865  
14,188 
3,843          3,062 
9,697 
13,859 
11,416 
16,732 
(37,710)  (35,677) 
(81,414)  (14,042) 
(67,727) 
(53,935) 
(34,637) 
(4,664) 
(2,415) 
(20,648)  38,609 
(21,838) 
(21,870) 
(6,137) 
84,210 
98,979 
96,560  116,445  158,261  177,700  114,011 

(38,487) 
(11,490) 
88,655 

705,687  627,108
62,686   112,493 
    7,525 
5,628
(32,621)  (54,420)
5,828
69,529

3,926 
41,516 

- 
- 
(31,008) 
85,437 

(1,061) 
- 
(58,916) 
98,284 

- 
- 

- 
(8,994) 
(88,373)  (57,365) 
47,652 
89,327 

- 
- 
-          2,206 

(43,411) 
45,244 

(48,062)  (40,291) 
43,919 
53,123 

- 
- 
-               - 

-
-
(32,558)  (26,357)
43,172

8,958 

Underlying profit attributable to shareholders 
(adjusted for significant items) 

85,120  113,597  153,566  156,213  128,367  108,808 

80,651 

71,721 

61,775 

43,304 

BALANCE SHEET 
SHARE CAPITAL & RESERVES 
Issued Capital 
Retained Earnings 
Shareholders’ funds 

Non-Controlling Interests 
EQUITY 

Fixed Assets / Investment Properties 
Investments in Associated Companies 
Future Income Tax Benefit 
Goodwill 
Other assets 
TOTAL ASSETS 

24,200 
24,200
24,200 
24,200 
24,200 
652,978  689,777  711,764      764,887  808,806    817,764   896,105 
353,883  428,157  554,349 
378,083  452,357  578,549  677,178  713,977  735,964  789,087  833,006  841,964  920,305

24,200        24,200 

  24,200 

24,200  

24,200 

43,854 

19,723
421,937  515,208  653,914  761,500  736,884  766,737  836,602  881,837  878,154  940,028

30,773        47,515 

48,831      36,190 

62,851 

84,322 

75,365 

22,907 

664,196  786,510  938,709  1,023,861  1,066,393  1,115,123   1,072,955 1,068,892     997,125  890,576  
28,445 
15,416 
65,276   
17,939 
38,687 
 1,683   
- 
9,282 
7,305 
- 
76,433   
17,183 
17,183 
17,183 
17,183 
411,920  352,549  366,479      400,480  284,200    294,800   470,810    
203,480  294,203  299,634 
910,103  1,122,595  1,283,971  1,491,651 1,565,111  1,628,807  1,627,298 1,536,708  1,469,373 1,504,778

33,193        36,458 
33,521        36,914 
80,491        80,491 

  67,196 
  30,250 
  80,002 

66,445  
36,680  
80,491  

31,471 
21,081 
93,617 

Current Liabilities  
Non-Current Liabilities 
TOTAL LIABILITIES 

236,847  273,055  283,445 
370,396  230,390  190,621      541,292  184,646    221,560   352,541    
359,755  597,837  671,449      249,404  470,225    369,659   212,209    
251,319  334,331  346,612 
488,166  607,386  630,057  730,151  828,227  862,070  790,696  654,871  591,219  564,750

NET ASSETS 

421,937  515,208  653,914  761,500  736,884  766,737  836,602  881,837  878,154  940,028

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

89.7% 
44.0% 
16.06 
14.7% 
25.7% 
25.1% 

70.1% 
38.3% 
20.53 
17.2% 
27.4% 
26.5% 

89.1% 
44.4% 
13.05 
19.5% 
25.5% 
22.5% 

         0.86          1.08          1.06          1.11            1.53          1.92  
95.2% 
47.8% 
22.13 
9.4% 
12.0% 
14.8% 
140  
286  
351  
51.0% 

72.6% 
39.2% 
24.00 
18.0% 
26.2% 
23.1% 
          146           100           190           285 
          311           376           510           573 
         275           366           495           504 
50.3% 

89.7% 
46.5% 
20.75 
12.2% 
16.0% 
18.0% 
185 
368 
414 
41.8% 

53.1% 

73.4% 

62.1% 

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  

0.74 
81.7% 
43.1% 
24.38 
12.8% 
12.5% 
10.2% 
155 
319 
260 
53.7% 

1.16 
57.0% 
34.6% 
25.84 
11.5% 
10.1% 
8.6% 
130 
272 
231 
52.2% 

1.00 
50.2% 
33.1% 
25.74 
5.9% 
4.9% 
7.3% 
110 
134 
199 
21.6% 

1.15
39.7%
16%
27.85
11.1%
7.6%
4.7%
165
224
140
62.1%

Steamships Annual Report 2018       5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
  
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Steamships celebrated 100 years in PNG since our incorporation in 1918. There was much to 
be proud of in 2018 as Port Moresby successfully hosted the APEC Leader’s Summit, as well 
as numerous related events leading up to the summit itself, and issued its first USD 500million 
sovereign bond which was well oversubscribed. However, 2018 was another challenging year 
for the economy and few business sectors, outside of resource extraction, were unaffected by 
the  continuing  weakness  in  demand. The  country,  economy  and  resource  sector  were  also 
rocked by an earthquake affecting the Highlands and Western Province early in the year, but 
all have since recovered well.

The  lack  of  foreign  currency  continued  to  limit  business 
activity  and  the  Kina  softened  against  the  US  Dollar  as  a 
result.  Fortunately,  foreign  currency  flows  into  PNG  have 
improved recently and the backlog for currency orders have 
reduced.  Government  expenditure  remained  constrained 
by the ongoing national budget deficit and focus on APEC 
related  expenditure.  The  recent  report  from  the  World 
Bank  (January  2019)  and  the  ratings  upgrade  to  B2  stable 
from Moody’s in February 2019 point to a more promising 
future. However, much of the renewed optimism relies on 
the launch of the long awaited resource extraction projects 
at  Wafi  Golpu,  Papua  LNG  and  related  extension  to  the 
existing PNG LNG infrastructure which will bring a much 
needed boost to the economy. 

Other  infrastructure  investments,  particularly  road,  port 
and  airport  facilities,  much  of  which  is  supported  by  the 
Asian  Development  Bank  are  also  most  welcome  as  this 
infrastructure is much needed if the Governments’ drive to 
promote agriculture and tourism is to succeed. Steamships 
looks forward to being at the forefront of opportunities that 
these investments will bring.

Notwithstanding  the  pro-business  and  foreign  investment 
rhetoric  of  Government  the  private  sector  is  alarmed  at 
the  breadth  and  extent  of  restrictions  contained  in  the 
draft  Foreign  Investment  Review  Authority  Bill  recently 
introduced. It is hoped that sensible dialogue will result in 
appropriate revision and that the final legislation will attract 
and  promote  foreign  and  private  sector  investment  whilst 
providing a framework to allow local small enterprises to be 
created and thrive. 

The  on-going  national  budget  deficit  creates  short  term 
pressure for the economy, which, combined with uncertainty 
arising from the proposed legislation on foreign businesses 
and the current lacklustre investment, will likely see another 
difficult year for business in 2019, although there is broad 
cautious optimism for an improved economic environment 
later in the year. 

The most significant event of the year was the sale of Laga 
Industries  in  July  to  Paradise  Foods,  Laga  being  the  core 
business in the Group’s commercial division, as a result of 
a  decision  to  focus  on  the  property  and  logistics  activities 
of the Group. Although a successful transaction, it was sad 
to  bid  farewell  to  our  friends  and  colleagues  at  Laga  but 
we  know  that  the  strong  culture  and  ambition  of  Paradise 
will  take  the  company  to  greater  heights. The  commercial 
division  continues  with  our  joint  venture  with  Colgate 
Palmolive  that  continues  to  benefit  from  the  growing 
demand for high quality consumer household and personal 
care products in the range.

Also  significant  but  less  satisfactory,  the  Groups’  joint 
venture  port  services  businesses  suffered  the  loss  of  the 
international  ports  concessions  in  Port  Moresby  and  Lae 
early in the year when PNG Ports Corporation awarded a 25 
year concession to a new operator. Despite costs associated 
with  a  large  number  of  redundancies  and  impairment  on 
sale  of  equipment,  the  division  has  recovered  well  and  is 
operating  in  six  regional  ports,  delivering  returns  to  our 
partners in those ports and with exciting growth plans.

Coastal  shipping  suffered  from  the  continuing  economic 
weakness,  Consort  Express  Lines  experienced  a  highly 
competitive  coastal  liner  and  projects  shipping  market.  
Disappointingly,  fleet  reliability  and  schedule  integrity 
fell  short  of  expectations  this  year.  Charter  vessels  were 
deployed  from  overseas  to  meet  the  needs  of  customers. 
New  systems  and  expertise  introduced  in  2018  positions 
the business for an improved performance in 2019. Whilst 
investment  in  the  resource  sector  was  relatively  weak,  the 
market  is  expected  to  recover  in  the  medium  term  which 
bodes better for projects work.  

Pacific  Towing  enjoyed  a  fruitful  year  of  salvage  and 
emergency  tows  to  supplement  its  core  harbour  towage 
work. The  ancillary  diving  and  life  raft  servicing  activities 
also made a good contribution 

6       Steamships Annual Report 2018

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

Steamships Annual Report 2018       7

East West Transport performed satisfactorily. The Company 
remains committed to the logistics sector and its customers.

in  strategic 

Pacific  Palms  Property’s  performance  improved  year  on 
year  reflecting  a  focus  on  tenant  management  and  higher 
occupancies.  PPP  continues  to  maintain  high  quality 
investments 
locations.  There  remains  an 
oversupply  in  all  sectors  as  demand  remains  soft,  with 
both  rents  and  occupancy  levels  under  pressure.  Market 
conditions  have  led  to  a  cautious  approach  to  new 
development  in  recent  years  but  many  exciting  prospects 
are now in the design phase. 

Coral  Sea  Hotels’  performance  stabilised  in  2018  and  the 
Company played a major role in the APEC Leaders summit 
but failed to benefit as hoped from the other APEC events 
throughout  the  year.  The  relatively  low  number  of  visitor 
arrivals   and new capacity in the Port Moresby market poses 
a  challenge  to  the  division  in  2019.  Investment  is  being 
maintained  in  upgrading  product  and  service  standards 
to  better  attract  and  retain  customers  in  the  increasingly 
competitive market. 

Steamships  is  confident  in  the  medium  term  prospects 
for  the  PNG  economy,  whilst  remaining  cautious  and 
disciplined in facing the short term challenges. Beyond our 
centenary  celebrations,  Steamships  aspires  to  contribute 
and participate in PNG’s economic and social development 
for many years to come. 

Steamships  has  maintained  its  investment  in  the  training 
and  development  of  its  employees  despite  the  economic 
slowdown.  We  will  be  at  the  head  of  the  recovery  of 
economic  growth  and  our  team  will  continue  to  grow 
Steamships and its contribution to PNG. I thank all our staff 
for their commitment and hard work, which have been and 
will remain critical to the success of Steamships.

GL Cundle
Chairman

29 March 2019

DIRECTORS’ REVIEW

2018 was a year of exceptional events. The country was rocked by a devastating earthquake early 
in the year, but successfully hosted world leaders at APEC 2018 and launched its first sovereign 
bond  during  the  second  half. The  company  saw  the  unfortunate  closure  of  its  international  
Port Services business after award of terminal concessions to a foreign operator, but successfully 
divested  Laga  Industries.  The  performance  of  the  group  reflects  these  exceptional  events, 
revenues  in  the  first  half  were  negatively  impacted  by  the  earthquake,  but  were  boosted 
in the second half of the year due to APEC related activity. As a result of the business sales 
and closures full year underlying profit was reduced and large exceptionals were recorded in 
the accounts.

The underlying profit shows the impact of a continuation of 
the difficult economic conditions experienced over the past 
few years. The moderate increases in some key commodity 
prices earlier in the year did not have a noticeable positive 
impact  on  the  wider  economy.  Furthermore,  the  ongoing 
shortage  of  foreign  currency  in  PNG  has  suppressed 
economic  activity.  The  forex  situation  does  appear  to  be 
alleviating, helped somewhat by the USD bond issue. 

Although  there  was  a  modest  boost  to  the  Port  Moresby 
economy  from  the  APEC  Leaders’  summit,  the  growth  in 
hotel  and  property  capacity  has  increased  competitive 
pressure  in  an  otherwise  weak  demand  environment. 
Steamships’ sales revenue increased 0.5% to K561 million 
against last year’s K558 million, on a continuing basis, after 
the  sale  of  Laga  Industries  and  the  loss  of  the  stevedoring 
businesses in Port Moresby and Lae.

(excluding 
Depreciation 
impairments) against K94.6 million in 2017, and net interest 

in  2018  was  K83  million 

on  borrowings  (excluding  capitalised  interest)  was  K10.3 
million against K13.5 million in 2017. Capital expenditure 
for the year was K56.1 million (with capitalised interest of 
K1.7 million) against K54.1 million (with capitalised interest 
of  K1.4  million)  in  2017  reflecting  a  continuation  of  the 
cautious  investment  programme  in  the  current  economic 
climate.  The  group’s  net  operating  cash  flow  generation 
improved 14.3% to K116.7 million against K102 million in 
2017. The cash balance at year end is K193.5m.

A final dividend of 120 toea per share has been proposed 
and  will  be  paid  following  approval  at  the  company’s 
annual  general  meeting  on  the  7th  of  June  2019,  subject 
to  Steamships’  ability  to  secure  foreign  exchange  for  non 
PNG  shareholders.  This  brings  the  total  dividend  for  the 
year  to  165  toea  per  share  (2017  =  110  toea  per  share). 
The dividend is unfranked and there is no conduit foreign 
income.

2018 
K000’s 

2017 
K000’s 

Change

Net Profit attributable to shareholders 

69,529 

41,516 

67.5%

Add back/(less) impact of significant items (post tax and minority interests)
Reversal of Impairment of Convertible Notes 
Impairment of Fixed Assets, Goodwill (incl Vessels) 
Impairment of Inventory 
Disputed IRC Assessment 
Tax Loss Write Off 
Hotel & Property Development Cost Write Off 
Gain on Sale of Laga Industries 
Loss on Disposal of Vessels 
Gain on Sale of Properties 
Salvage Profit 
Total impact of significant items 

- 
7,854 
- 
- 
21,469 
1,498 
(48,584) 
687 
(984) 
(8,165) 
(26,225) 

(12,541)
8,306
1,012
10,640
11,108
5,965
(1,586)
814
-
(3,459)
20,258

Underlying profit attributable to shareholders 

43,304 

61,775 

-29.9%

8       Steamships Annual Report 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Significant items
As  disclosed  at  the  half  year,  the  company  sold  its  100% 
shareholding  in  Laga  Industries  Ltd  in  July  2018  and 
recognised a gain on the sale.

Also as initially disclosed at the half year, the cessation of 
operations  of  the  joint  venture  stevedoring  companies  in 
Port Moresby and Lae has resulted in a further impairment 
of  assets  at  year  end  as  the  residual  fixed  assets  in  these 
companies  have  now  been  sold.  In  addition,  the  soft 
international  market  for  coastal  vessels  and  oversupply 
of  such  vessels  in  PNG,  has  resulted  in  an  impairment  of 
some  of  the  vessels  in  the  Consort  Express  Lines  fleet. An 
impairment of K7.9m (net) has been recognised for all the 
above.

Consort  Express  Lines  has  recorded  a  tax  loss  for  the  past 
few years and such cumulative losses are available to offset 
future taxable profits in computation of the company’s tax 
liability. Management have re-assesed the recoverability of 
tax losses at 31 December 2018 in light of current trading 
conditions  and  determined  that  it  is  prudent  that  the  tax 
loss  is  no  longer  carried  forward  as  a  deferred  tax  asset, 
notwithstanding  management’s  efforts  to  utilise  value  for 
these tax losses in the future. 

Pacific  Towing  successfully  completed  numerous  salvage 
operations  in  2018.  Such  operations  are  unpredictable 
and as such they are accounted for as significant items as 
distinct from the on-going operations, the results of which 
are described below.

Logistics
The  Joint  Venture  Port  Services  businesses  had  a  steady 
performance  in  2018,  notwithstanding  the  loss  of  Port 
Moresby  and  Lae  operations  on  the  award  by  the  PNG 
International  Terminal  Operator 
Government  of 
concession  to  a  foreign  enterprise  early  in  the  year.    JVPS 
continues  to  enjoy  strong  business  in  ports  outside  these 
centres  and  is  optimistic  of  continuing  to  provide  high 
quality services to its customers in regional locations. 

the 

East West transport continues to grow profitably across the 
country due to a strong customer and fleet reliability focus.

integrity 

Consort  Express  Lines  experienced  a  highly  competitive 
coastal liner and projects shipping market.  Disappointingly, 
fleet  reliability  and  schedule 
fell  short  of 
expectations this year. Charter vessels were deployed from 
overseas  to  meet  the  needs  of  customers.  New  systems 
and expertise introduced in 2018 positions Consort for an 
improved  performance  in  2019.  Whilst  investment  in  the 
resource sector was relatively weak, the market is expected 
to  recover  in  the  medium  term  which  bodes  better  for 
projects work.  

DIRECTORS’ REVIEW

raft  activity,  were  steady. The  company  was  engaged  in  a 
number of successful salvage operations in 2018.

Property & Hotels
Pacific Palms Property experienced a reduction in yields in 
2018 but an increase in occupancy delivered a profit in line 
with  expectations.  Numerous  projects  were  completed  in 
the  year.  The  Harbourside  Development  in  Port  Moresby 
reached  full  occupancy  and  construction  of  the  second 
phase residential, commercial and retail development will 
commence shortly. 

Coral Sea Hotels did not experience the anticipated boost 
from the APEC related events held through 2018 although 
it  performed  well  during  the  APEC  Leaders’  summit.  The 
increase  in  competitive  supply  of  hotel  rooms  in  Port 
Moresby may prove challenging for the industry to absorb 
until  growth  returns  for  business  and  tourist  arrivals. 
Nevertheless,  CSH  is  committed  to  remain  competitive 
through a sustained focus on investment in the training and 
development of its staff as well as the quality of its product.

Commercial and Investments
Laga Industries generated satisfactory sales growth in 2018 
and was successfully divested in July 2018.  

Colgate-Palmolive, (PNG) Limited a PNG incorporated joint 
venture, saw volume and sales revenue growth across both 
the Oral Care & Home Care categories, however Personal 
Care, whilst delivering sales revenue growth, suffered some 
volume decline as a result of increased tariffs pushing prices 
up. Overall margin for the business improved and costs were 
prudently managed to finish below prior year and budget.

During the year the Company acquired the Croesus group 
of  companies.  This  group  has  been  providing  insurance 
services  to  Steamships  for  over  a  decade.  Although  the 
Croesus group is no longer the provider of primary insurance 
cover  since  2016,  the  acquisition  allows  Steamships  to 
better manage the run-off of historic remaining claims.

Trading Outlook
2019  is  expected  to  be  another  challenging  year  for  the 
PNG economy. With APEC behind us, the Government will 
be  focused  on  reducing  the  fiscal  deficit  and  alleviating 
the  foreign  currency  shortage.  The  recently  introduced 
requires 
Investment  Review  Authority  bill 
Foreign 
constructive  dialogue  between  all  stakeholders  to  achieve 
the  aim  of  promoting  local  business  development  without 
inadvertently  destabilising  the  economy  and  discouraging 
foreign investment.

The  resource  extraction  sector  is  expected  to  expand  in 
2019. The  recently  signed  MoU’s  for  both  the  Papua  LNG 
(natural  gas)  and  Wafi  Golpu  (copper)  projects  should 
progress to binding agreements and subsequent significant 
investment.

Pacific Towing experienced a satisfactory year in its principal 
harbour towage work across ports in PNG. It has relocated 
its  main  base  to  the  new  Motukea  port  in  Port  Moresby. 
Other activities, being non-harbour towage, diving and life 

We  do  not  dwell  in  the  past  in  recognising  our  centenary 
year in 2018, rather we remain firmly focused on the future 
and our commitment to the development of the country and 
people of PNG and the exciting opportunities that lie ahead. 

Steamships Annual Report 2018       9

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS - LOGISTICS

CONSORT EXPRESS LINES 

Consort operates a fleet of 13 coastal vessels (4 geared, 
Consort operates a fleet of 13 coastal vessels (4 geared, 
multi-purpose  deep-water  vessels  and  9  shallow 
multi-purpose  deep-water  vessels  and  9  shallow 
water landing craft and bulk carriers).   All are PNG 
water landing craft and bulk carriers).   All are PNG 
flagged  and  manned  and  all  safety  and  technical 
flagged  and  manned  and  all  safety  and  technical 
specifications  are  maintained  in  accordance  with 
specifications  are  maintained  in  accordance  with 
Lloyds Registry international standards.   
Lloyds Registry international standards.   

LINER SERVICES
LINER SERVICES

Consort  connects  17  ports  around  PNG.    The 
Consort  connects  17  ports  around  PNG.    The 
Company has scheduled services to the North Coast, 
Company has scheduled services to the North Coast, 
South  Coast,  New  Guinea  Islands,  Bougainville 
South  Coast,  New  Guinea  Islands,  Bougainville 
and Western Province.  Consort proudly serves the 
and Western Province.  Consort proudly serves the 
people  of  PNG  by  providing  an  important  supply 
people  of  PNG  by  providing  an  important  supply 
link to many of the communities on its routes.
link to many of the communities on its routes.

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

In addition to owning and operating ships, Consort 
In addition to owning and operating ships, Consort 
provides complementary depot services to customers 
provides complementary depot services to customers 
at its Lae hub and is a shareholder and managers of 
at its Lae hub and is a shareholder and managers of 
a  number  of  stevedoring  operations  around  PNG.     
a  number  of  stevedoring  operations  around  PNG.     
These  stevedoring  companies  are  partnerships 
These  stevedoring  companies  are  partnerships 
between  Consort  and  local  landowner  companies 
between  Consort  and  local  landowner  companies 
and  provide  significant  employment  opportunities 
and  provide  significant  employment  opportunities 
for the nearby communities.
for the nearby communities.

PROJECT CHARTERS
PROJECT CHARTERS

Consort provides short and long-term vessel charters 
Consort provides short and long-term vessel charters 
specialising  in  shallow  water  river  shipping,  and 
specialising  in  shallow  water  river  shipping,  and 
intermodal 
implements  and  supports 
develops, 
intermodal 
implements  and  supports 
develops, 
logistics solutions linked to land based services such 
logistics solutions linked to land based services such 
as  road  transport,  cargo  handling,  storage,  agency, 
as  road  transport,  cargo  handling,  storage,  agency, 
customs clearance, lay down areas and warehousing.
customs clearance, lay down areas and warehousing.

Consort  experienced  a  highly  competitive  coastal  liner 
and projects shipping market in 2018.  Due to an absence 
of  resource  projects  and  a  lack  of  foreign  exchange,  the 
general economy remained subdued causing cargo volumes 
to remain static year-on-year.   Liner operations performed 
below expectations, with the projects fleet enjoying a better 
year due to unbudgeted charters in the Gulf as exploration 
companies  scaled  down  operations  and  required  support 
demobilising  equipment.      This  short-term  boost  was 
welcome, but the reduction of activity does not auger well 
for the project fleet, which is expected to be underutilised 
in 2019 as a result.

10       Steamships Annual Report 2018

in 

To match current demand and reposition for the expected 
upswing 
to  streamline 
future,  Consort  continued 
operations  and  the  fleet  throughout  the  year.    In  April, 
Consort  delivered  the  landing  craft  ‘Kerema  Chief’  to 
Australian  buyers  and  in  November  delivered  the  tug  ‘Ok 
Ma’ to domestic buyers.

During the third quarter, Consort experienced a number of 
technical failures, the most significant being a main engine 
failure on the ‘Niugini Coast’.  These technical failures led 
to disappointing schedule integrity and frustrated important 
customers.   The unfortunate coincidence of lower reliability 
and  the  introduction  of  new  systems  compounded  the 
impact  on  customers,  and  Consort  lost  considerable 
customer goodwill.  However, the new systems and expertise 
introduced  in  2018  positions  Consort  for  an  improved 
performance in 2019. The new manifest system, Cargowise, 
introduces greater visibility over cargo flows and for the first 
time allows customers to interact with the booking system 
via a web portal.

The  planned  periodic  dockings  of  the  larger  vessels 
commenced in September with the first vessel, Bougainville 
Coast, going to a dockyard in Southern China. It returned in 
early December whereupon the Gazelle Coast took its place 
in  the  same  dockyard.  A  third-party  vessel  was  chartered 

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS - LOGISTICS

CONSORT EXPRESS LINES 

from  the  market  and  entered  service  in  October  in  order 
to  maintain  the  service  levels  while  these  dockings  were 
completed.  

The  ongoing  weakness  in  the  oil  and  gas  market,  the 
subdued  domestic  manufacturing  sector  and  increasing 
concerns  about  a  global  trade  war  affected  vessel  values 
throughout the world, particularly those of the smaller sized 
coastal vessels.   The softer vessel values were reflected in 
the annual external valuation of the fleet, with the carrying 
values of Consort vessels negatively impacted.  Accordingly, 
Consort  recorded  a  gross  impairment  of  approximately 
K7.5m.

Because  of  the  tough  trading  conditions,  Consort  has 
recorded  tax  losses  for  the  past  few  years  and  such 
cumulative losses are available to offset future taxable profits 
in computation of Consort’s tax liability.  Management have 
re-assessed the recoverability of tax losses at 31 December 
2018 in light of current trading conditions and determined 
that it is prudent that the tax loss is no longer carried forward 
as  a  deferred  tax  asset.      Therefore  Consort  recorded  an 
impairment of K30.6m though the value of these tax losses 
remain available.

The outlook for 2019 is marginally more positive than 2018. 
The hard work of reshaping the fleet and introducing modern 
systems, combined with a slow resurgence of the domestic 
liner market is expected to deliver a stronger performance.   
Delivery of consistent, cost-effective and reliable services to 
customers remains the management’s goal.

Steamships Annual Report 2018       11

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS - LOGISTICS

PACIFIC TOWING

Pacific  Towing  is  the  leading  provider  of  harbour 
Pacific  Towing  is  the  leading  provider  of  harbour 
towage  and  mooring  services  in  PNG  and  offers 
towage  and  mooring  services  in  PNG  and  offers 
coastal  and  ocean  towage  services.    It  enjoys  a 
coastal  and  ocean  towage  services.    It  enjoys  a 
reputation  for  excellence  and  reliability  in  marine 
reputation  for  excellence  and  reliability  in  marine 
services  throughout  PNG  and  the  broader  Pacific 
services  throughout  PNG  and  the  broader  Pacific 
Region.  A full member of the International Salvage 
Region.  A full member of the International Salvage 
Union, Pacific Towing retains a fast responder salvage 
Union, Pacific Towing retains a fast responder salvage 
capability complemented by a comprehensive range 
capability complemented by a comprehensive range 
of  ancillary  marine  services.    These  include  life 
of  ancillary  marine  services.    These  include  life 
raft  sales,  rental  and  servicing,  commercial  diving, 
raft  sales,  rental  and  servicing,  commercial  diving, 
subsea  pipeline  inspections,  PLEM  hook  up  and 
subsea  pipeline  inspections,  PLEM  hook  up  and 
release  services,  and  pollution  prevention  and  oil 
release  services,  and  pollution  prevention  and  oil 
spill response services.  
spill response services.  

Pacific Towing is headquartered in Port Moresby and 
Pacific Towing is headquartered in Port Moresby and 
operates 13 tugs and 10 associated support vessels 
operates 13 tugs and 10 associated support vessels 
in five ports across PNG (Port Moresby, Lae, Rabaul, 
in five ports across PNG (Port Moresby, Lae, Rabaul, 
Kimbe  and  Madang).  Dedicated  harbour  towage 
Kimbe  and  Madang).  Dedicated  harbour  towage 
services  extend  to  the  Solomon  Islands  through  a 
services  extend  to  the  Solomon  Islands  through  a 
subsidiary company operating in Honiara.
subsidiary company operating in Honiara.

Pacific Towing experienced a steady year in harbour towing 
jobs undertaken in 2018 compared to 2017, though revenue 
from routine non-harbour related jobs rose primarily due to 
an increase in external towage operations.  These included 
support  services  for  APEC  and  a  number  of  ocean  tows.  
The  annual  performance  of  the  company  was  enhanced 
by  performance  of  three  salvage  operations  during  2018.  
Payment  for  all  three  was  received  within  the  year,  along 
with payment for two operations that occurred the previous 
year (2017).

focus  on 

localisation  and  people  development 
The 
continues successfully, with expatriate numbers continuing 
to  decrease. The  work  experience  programme  with  Hong 
Kong  Salvage  & Towage  continues,  and  the  company  has 
expanded  its  relationship  with  Swire  Pacific  Offshore  to 
include sending seven Pacific Towing cadets for international 
seatime on their (SPO) oil & gas standard anchor handlers 
and supply vessels.  A partnership with Australia Awards and 
China Navigation Company saw the successful introduction 
of a female cadet programme compromising of five deck & 
five engine cadets being selected to undergo training at the 
Madang  Maritime  College  followed  by  seatime  on  China 
Navigation  Company  &  Pacific  Towing  vessels.    Pacific 
Towing  divers  continue  attending  the  Professional  Diving 
Academy in Sydney and life raft technicians undergo regular 
& ongoing training in Australia, China & Singapore.

The purchase of a pre-owned, fixed nozzle, 50tbp shallow 
water tug at the end of 2018, to be renamed Tuluman, has 
increased Pacific Towing’s capacity to provide coastal towage 
solutions.  At the end of 2018, the company relocated to its 
purpose built towage and salvage base at Motukea.  

Operating  to  international  standards,  and  well  positioned 
with additional tonnage and a new operating base, Pacific 
Towing expect a solid underlying performance in 2019.   

Photo courtesy of Australia Awards

12       Steamships Annual Report 2018

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS - LOGISTICS

JOINT VENTURE PORT SERVICES

The  group’s  six  Joint  Venture  Port  Services  (JVPS) 
The  group’s  six  Joint  Venture  Port  Services  (JVPS) 
businesses  offer  a  full  range  of  stevedoring  and 
businesses  offer  a  full  range  of  stevedoring  and 
handling  facilities  in  the  ports  of    Alotau,  Oro, 
handling  facilities  in  the  ports  of    Alotau,  Oro, 
Madang, Kimbe, Kaviang and Kiunga.  In addition, 
Madang, Kimbe, Kaviang and Kiunga.  In addition, 
JVPS  manages  a  seventh  stevedoring  company  on 
JVPS  manages  a  seventh  stevedoring  company  on 
behalf  of  Consort  Express  Lines  in  Port  Moresby.   
behalf  of  Consort  Express  Lines  in  Port  Moresby.   
With a fleet of specialist equipment, the businesses 
With a fleet of specialist equipment, the businesses 
handle  all  types  of  containers,  as  well  as  project 
handle  all  types  of  containers,  as  well  as  project 
cargo, break-bulk, RO-RO, LO-LO and grains.  The 
cargo, break-bulk, RO-RO, LO-LO and grains.  The 
stevedoring  companies  are  joint  ventures  between 
stevedoring  companies  are  joint  ventures  between 
Steamships  and  local  landowner  groups  at  the 
Steamships  and  local  landowner  groups  at  the 
respective ports.  Each joint venture employs a local 
respective ports.  Each joint venture employs a local 
workforce  and  is  structured  in  a  manner  so  that  a 
workforce  and  is  structured  in  a  manner  so  that  a 
share  of  earnings  is  returned  to  the  community  in 
share  of  earnings  is  returned  to  the  community  in 
which the joint-venture operates.  
which the joint-venture operates.  

In 2018, JVPS experienced the cessation of both Port Moresby 
and Lae terminal operations due the award of a long-term 
concession  for  both  ports  to  a  foreign  company,  resulting 
in  several  hundred  redundancies. The  three  majority  PNG 
owned  companies,  Lae  Port  Services,  Port  Moresby  Ports 
Services and Morobe Terminals Ltd ceased trading and will 
be liquidated in early 2019. 

The  remaining  JVPS  operations  around  PNG  responded 
to  the  changed  landscape  by  becoming  the  first  group  of 
stevedoring  and  handling  companies  in  PNG  to  be  ISO 

accredited for both Safety and Environment. This safety and 
governance focus, coupled with high levels of productivity 
and professionalism, provides a point of difference between 
JVPS and its competitors.  Ever dependent for volumes on 
the  PNG  macroeconomic  environment,  the  remaining 
businesses  performed 
though  Kiunga 
Port  Services  suffered  towards  the  end  of  the  year  from 
lower  water  levels  in  the  Fly  River.      The  APEC  Summit 
in  November  provided  additional  revenue  from  support 
activities including VIP baggage handling, stevedoring and 
customs clearance.

to  expectation; 

In  2019,  JVPS  set  up  a  machinery  and  equipment  rental 
company having purchased residual assets from the former 
LPS, MTL and PSL.  It is anticipated that this business line 
will build slowly over 2019, and if successful, will look to 
acquire additional rental assets.

 JVPS seeks now to form part of a seamless logistics solution 
for customers in PNG drawing on the combined strengths of 
Consort and East West Transport.

The  stevedoring  businesses  expect  2019  to  start  slowly, 
and  anticipate  slow  growth  towards  the  end  of  the  year 
as  activity  increases  in  line  with  the  anticipated  ramp  up 
associated with the resource projects.  

Steamships Annual Report 2018       13

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS - LOGISTICS

EAST WEST TRANSPORT

EWT team of 380 are more than 99% Papua New Guinean, 
and the company is proud of the investment in training and 
development that it makes in its workforce.   As the business 
continues to grow, the financial and commercial functions 
will be strengthened.

With  the  anticipated  increases  in  activity  flowing  through 
the  economy  from  the  major  resource  projects,  2019 
is  expected  to  be  another  year  of  consistent  growth.   
Additional  prime  movers  and  rolling  stock  will  be  added 
consistent with conservative growth predictions.

East  West  Transport  (EWT)  is  one  of  the  country’s 
largest multifaceted transport and logistics companies, 
with  ISO  accreditation  of  14001,  Environmental 
Management,  &  18001,  Occupational  Health  & 
Safety.  Based  in  Port  Moresby  with  a  presence  in 
Lae,  Kimbe,  Rabaul,  Madang,  Wewak,  Alotau  and 
Kavieng. The  company  has  a  sizable  fleet  of  prime 
movers,  heavy  and  light  trucks,  forklifts  and  reach 
stackers  ranging  from  2.5  to  80  tons  in  capacity. 
All  equipment  is  supported  by  localised  workshop 
facilities, safety teams and emergency vehicles. 

EWT  operates  across  a  wide  spectrum  of  transport 
related  activities  including  bulk  fuel,  containerised 
cargo, sawdust and break-bulk cargo, and provides 
depot services such as equipment hire, warehousing 
and yard storage. EWT also offers a licensed customs 
cargo  clearance  service  in  Lae  and  Port  Moresby 
with the ability to clear cargo in any location where 
EWT has a presence. The division capitalises on its 
close relationships with sister companies in shipping 
and  stevedoring  by  offering  specialised  end-to-end 
project solutions for the mining, oil and gas sectors 
and now commercial sectors. 

Although competition remains intense in the transport sector, 
EWT continues to grow market share and revenue through 
a continued focus on customer service and fleet reliability.  
Significant new contracts for both haulage and storage were 
secured from blue chip customers in Port Moresby and Lae.  
There were no major contract losses in 2018.

14       Steamships Annual Report 2018

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS - PROPERTY

CORAL SEA HOTELS  

Coral  Sea  Hotels 
(CSH)  operates  nine  hotel, 
residence  and  apartment  properties  offering  full-
serviced  hotel  rooms  and  apartments  as  well  as 
extensive  food  &  beverage  outlets,  recreation  and 
meeting,  conference  and  banqueting  facilities. The 
two additions in 2018 were the 138 unit Air Niugini 
Residence  in  Port  Moresby  (April  2018)  which 
is  operated  for  Air  Niugini  under  a  management 
agreement,  and  the  43  rooms  Cassowary  Hotel  in 
Kiunga  (July  2018)  which  has  been  developed  in 
partnership  with  local  landowners  representative 
CMCA.

CSH is the largest hotel group in PNG, offering 592 
hotel  rooms,  127  apartments  and  138  residences. 
The  group  comprises  the  Grand  Papua  Hotel,  the 
Gateway Hotel and Apartments, the Ela Beach Hotel 
and Apartments, Whittaker Apartments  and  the Air 
Niugini Residence in Port Moresby; the Huon Gulf 
Hotel in Lae; the Highlander Hotel and Apartments 
in  Mount  Hagen;  the  Bird  of  Paradise  Hotel  in 
Goroka and the Cassowary Hotel in Kiunga.

CSH  did  not  experience  the  anticipated  boost  from APEC 
related events held through 2018 although it performed well 
during the APEC Leader’s meeting. Underlying performance 
was slightly above 2017, which was respectable given the 
additional inventory that came onto the market in 2018.

improved  marginally  year-on-year  thanks  to  the  impact  of 
peak rates during APEC.  

As with all hotels, CSH expected an increase in international 
arrivals  due  to  the  year-round  APEC  events,  and  the  high 
profile  APEC  Economies  Leadership  Week  in  November.  
However, the actual number of delegates was significantly 
down on expectations.   The location of the earlier meetings 
in  Waigani  benefited  CSH’  competitors,  but  the  Grand 
Papua  Hotel  successfully  hosted  the  prime  ministers  of 
Singapore, Australia  and  New  Zealand  during  the  Leaders 
Week.    Additional  catering  and  facilities  management  at 
both  the  International  Convention  Centre  and APEC  Haus 
provided  a  welcome  boost  to  revenue,  partially  offsetting 
lower room occupancy.

The  significant  investment  in  training  and  development 
for  management,  supervisors  and  rank  &  file  levels  that 
commenced  in  2017  continues.  Additional  front-of-house 
and customer service training was conducted during 2018 
and  the  focus  on  food  safety  led  CSH  to  be  certified  as 
compliant  to Australian  Food  Safety  Standards. The  Grand 
Papua  Hotel  was  again  the  recipient  of  the World  Luxury 
Hotel Award in the Australasia and Oceania category.

With  the  anticipated  increase  in  resource  based  activity, 
the  upgrades  and  extensions  to  both  the  Gateway  and 
Highlander  Hotel  are  timely.    The  Highlander’s  bar  & 
restaurant,  Poinsettias  and  Orchid  Wing  rooms  were 
completed  in  2018,  and  the  new  conference  facilities 
will be completed in the first half of 2019. The Gateway is 
continuing its room upgrade programme and is refurbishing 
the Wild Orchid Restaurant and Departure Bar.

Compared to 2017, revenue increased 5% and underlying 
profitability  by  a  slightly  lower  4%  reflecting  pressure 
on  revenue  per  available  room.      Room  and  apartment 
occupancy in the major hotels improved marginally on the 
prior  year  and  the  food  and  beverage  outlets  performed 
satisfactorily.  The slow ramp up of the Cassowary hotel and 
the distraction of APEC pulled down group wide occupancy 
as the regional hotels experienced lower occupancy.  Rates 

travel, 

CSH  expects  market  demand  to  remain  soft  in  the  first 
quarter of 2019. The continuing impact of a slower economy 
on  business 
lower  government  departmental 
expenditure  and  stagnant  consumer  discretionary  spend 
coupled with increased supply with a newly opened Hilton 
Hotel & Conference Centre in Waigani, continue to make 
the hospitality industry in Papua New Guinea a challenging 
sector in which to operate.

Steamships Annual Report 2018       15

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS - PROPERTY

PACIFIC PALMS PROPERTY

Pacific Palms Property (PPP) is one of the largest and 
most dynamic property developers and managers in 
PNG. The  division  continues  to  develop  and  hold 
property  in  the  Residential,  Commercial,  Retail 
and Industrial sectors with building and land assets 
located  in  Port  Moresby,  Lae,  Madang,  Wewak, 
Goroka,  Mt.  Hagen,  Popondetta  and  Rabaul. 
PPP’s  strategy  of  making  investments  of  scale  and 
quality,  in  good  locations  continues  to  support 
stable  revenues  even  though  a  current  over-supply 
of  property  continues  in  Port  Moresby  within  a 
contracted economy nationwide. 

The  larger  Port  Moresby  market  in  which  PPP  operates 
remains competitive, but stable, with product offering and 
importantly service offering driving loyalty of tenants across 
all  categories.    The  market  for  resale  was  slow  in  2019, 
and this saw PPP withdraw from several planned disposals, 
particularly in Port Moresby, preferring to hold and upgrade 
at this juncture.

The performance of the Commercial portfolio in Port Moresby 
saw  steady  year-on-year  gains,  ending  the  year  with  solid 
occupancy  levels.    Rental  reversion  in  Port  Moresby  was 
stable.   Outer regions of the country performed less well, 
with  a  reduction  in  revenue  due  to  lower  rental  reversion 
and a number of large tenants moving out in Madang and 
Lae. 

There was a similar story with the Industrial portfolio which 
remained steady in Port Moresby but saw some contraction 
in outer regions reflective of a generally weak performance 
of the non-extractive economy.  

Residential  remains  strong  across  all  locations.    However, 
the  continuing  growth  of  supply  in  Port  Moresby  has  put 
pressure  on  rates.  This  is  something  that  PPP  continues 
to  manage  with  a  robust  service  offering  and  a  particular 
focus  on  effective  and  efficient  repairs  and  maintenance.  
Improving  the  tenant  experience  is  a  central  part  of 
management’s 2019 business plan.

Hagen  Central,  the  PPP  managed  joint  venture  precinct, 
pictured  below  is  expected  to  be  full  by  mid-year  with  a 
wide range of tenants completing fit out in the latter part of 
2018 and first quarter 2019. The precinct has proven to be a 

16       Steamships Annual Report 2018

REVIEW OF OPERATIONS - PROPERTY

PACIFIC PALMS PROPERTY

significant and exciting change for Mt Hagen, providing as 
it does the first safe, one-stop, shopping experience.  PPP’s 
other joint venture projects are preforming to expectation.

PPP’s  flagship  development  Harbourside  East  and  West 
precinct  in  Port  Moresby  remains  at  100%  occupancy 
with the construction of the mixed use Harbourside South 
project due to commence in the first half of 2019. This will 
culminate  in  a  fully  integrated  precinct  offering  a  wide 
range  of  commercial,  retail  and  residential  services  along 
with a vibrant food and beverage waterfront location with 
harbour access.

The  focus  in  2019  for  PPP  will  be  to  continue  to  meet 
customer service expectations, maintain high maintenance 
standards  and  manage  its  portfolio  of  leases  to  maximise 
occupancy.    Fire  risk  compliance  is  an  increasing  area  of 
focus  for  PPP  with  a  dedicated  team  formed  in  2018  to 
manage all aspect of this ongoing initiative. 

The  outlook  for  2019  remains  stable,  however,  with  the 
continued increase of supply in Port Moresby in particular, 
rates will come under pressure if the anticipated economic 
improvement does not materialise.   PPP is well positioned 
to  benefit  from  the  next  resources  cycle  with  high  quality 
properties across all categories and is confident of its future 
prospects.  

Steamships Annual Report 2018       17

SUSTAINABILITY

The principles of Sustainable Development continue to underpin how Steamships conducts 
its  business,  and  are  key  to  delivering  long  term  value  to  its  customers  and  shareholders. 
Steamships’ understands that a clear commitment to the three Sustainability pillars of People, 
Community, and the Environment, will ensure it is always well placed to make a valuable and 
lasting economic and social contribution to Papua New Guinea.

At  Steamships  the  focus  is  to  ensure  that  employees  are 
afforded every opportunity to build strong, rewarding and 
successful careers in an environment of safety, trust, fairness 
and  respect.  In  2018,  Coral  Sea  Hotels  commenced  a 
specialist Hospitality Management training programme, and 
our  Port  Services  Division  continued  work  on  developing 
in-house  training  capabilities  for  Group  wide  application. 
This has complemented the streamlining of the leadership 
skills training modules conducted through Head Office by 
a third party specialist. 

Environmental  Sustainability  continues  to  be  a  priority 
area  for  Steamships.  Responsible  and  sustainable  energy 
consumption  is  done  through  the  regular  monitoring  and 
reporting  of  energy  use,  water  use  and  environmental 
emissions  at  operational 
level.  Company  staff  again 
participated 
in  World  Environment  Day,  delivering 
to  selected  school  children,  and 
awareness 
coordinating a number of educational activities to highlight 
the importance of environmental sustainability.

lectures 

Steamships  has  a  considerable  presence  in  PNG  and  it 
is  considered  essential  to  have  a  positive  impact  on  the 
various  communities  in  which  it  operates.  Engagement 
with  the  community  is  facilitated  through  an  involvement 
in  social  programs  that  prioritize  four  key  areas;  health, 
social welfare, education, sports and culture. The aim is to 
identify  projects  and  partnerships  that  bring  measurable, 
meaningful,  and  positive  impact  to  those  in  most  need. 
The  company  committed  over  K2.0  million  to  various 
community based initiatives in 2018.

Steamships  continues  to  grow  future  leaders  through  its 
successful  Graduate  Development  Programme.  Each  year 
high potential graduates enter the programme and spend 4 
years being trained, coached and mentored before joining 
Steamships wider management pool.

Steamships’  sustainability  performance  aligns  with  the 
requirements  of  the  Global  Reporting  Initiative  (GRI),  a 
worldwide corporate transparency initiative that Steamships 
has  followed  since  2013.  The  full  GRI  report  and  a 
comprehensive  Sustainability  Report  are  available  on  the 
Steamships website at www.steamships.com.pg.

18       Steamships Annual Report 2018

CORPORATE 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  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  2018  Annual 
Report or on the Steamships’ website.

Steamships  believes  it  complied  with  the Australian  Stock 
Exchange  Corporate  Governance  Principles  (the  third 
edition)  during  the  twelve  months  ended  31  December 
2018,  except  where  noted  in  the  Corporate  Governance 
Report.

Photo courtesy of KTF

Steamships’ 
found 
be 
corporategoverance

Corporate  Governance 
can  
at  http://www.steamships.com.pg/aboutus/

Report 

Steamships Annual Report 2018       19

STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

Note 

2018 

2017 
(Restated)

2018 

2017 

Continuing Operations 

Revenue 

Other income 

Operating expenses 

OPERATING PROFIT 

Finance (costs)/income - net 

Share of profit of associates and joint ventures 

PROFIT BEFORE INCOME TAX 

Income tax expense 

PROFIT FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS 

Profit after tax from discontinued operations 

TOTAL COMPREHENSIVE INCOME FOR THE YEAR 

Attributable to: 

Non-controlling interests 

Shareholders 

Basic and Diluted Earnings per share  

Continuing & discontinued (toea) 

Continuing (toea) 

3(a) 

3(a) 

3(b) 

3(e) 

4(b) 

560,817 

- 

558,037 

15,244 

(488,395) 

(507,250) 

    72,422 

(10,293) 

5,628 

    67,757 

66,031 

(13,469) 

7,525 

60,087 

5(a) 

(53,886) 

(29,733) 

    13,871 

49,830 

63,701 

(5,828) 

   69,529 

  63,701 

30,354 

7,236 

37,590 

(3,926) 

41,516 

37,590 

3(f) 

3(f) 

224t 

64t 

134t

111t

59,634 

37,609 

(2,364) 

94,879 

72 

- 

94,951 

(83) 

94,868 

- 

13,051

2,828

(2,031)

13,848

72

-

13,920

(205)

13,715

-

94,868 

13,715

- 

94,868 

94,868 

-

13,715

13,715

These Statements of Comprehensive Income are to be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

20       Steamships Annual Report 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN EQUITY
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

Non-

Share 
Capital 

Retained  Total Capital  Controlling  
Earnings 

& Reserves 

Interest 

Total 
Equity

BALANCE AT 1 JANUARY 2017 

24,200 

808,806 

833,006 

48,831 

881,837

Profit for the year 

Dividends paid 2017 

- 

- 

41,516 

41,516 

(3,926) 

37,590

(32,558) 

(32,558) 

(8,715) 

(41,273)

BALANCE AT 31 DECEMBER 2017 

24,200 

817,764 

841,964 

36,190 

878,154

Adjustments to opening retained earnings on adoption of IFRS 15 (Note 1) 

Profit for the year 

Equity adjustment on acquisition of new entity (Note 23) 

- 

- 

- 

1,740 

69,529 

33,429 

1,740 

69,529 

33,429 

- 

(5,828) 

- 

1,740

63,701

33,429

Dividends paid 2018 

   - 

(26,357) 

(26,357) 

(10,639) 

(36,996)

BALANCE AT 31 DECEMBER 2018 

24,200 

896,105 

920,305 

19,723 

940,028

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.

There is no other comprehensive income.

Steamships Annual Report 2018       21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
Steamships Trading Company Limited  As At 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

Current assets 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Trade and other receivables 
Inventories 
Income tax receivable 
Assets held for sale 

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

TOTAL ASSETS 

Current liabilities 
Trade and other payables 
Provisions for other liabilities and charges 
Loans from related companies 
Loan from minority shareholder 
Borrowings 
Income tax payable 

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

TOTAL LIABILITIES 
NET ASSETS 

EQUITY 
Issued capital 
Reserves  
Capital and reserves attributable to the
Company’s shareholders 
Non-controlling interests 
TOTAL EQUITY 

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

Note 

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

6 
7 
8 
5(e) 
10 

10 
11 
4(a) 
9 
12 
5(c) 

13 
14 
9 
15 
15 
5(e) 

5(c) 
14 
15 

16 

193,521 
191,778 
16,063 
355 
3,363 
405,080 

492,402 
398,173 
65,276 
65,731 
76,433 
1,683 
1,099,698 
1,504,778 

104,277 
56,685 
47,394 
19,503 
124,682 
- 
352,541 

18,729 
11,480 
182,000 
212,209 
564,750 
940,028 

24,200 
896,105 

920,305  
19,723 
940,028 

12,021 
161,655 
47,333 
- 
- 
221,009 

628,127 
368,998 
67,196 
73,791 
80,002 
30,250 
1,248,364 
1,469,373   

108,170 
6,250 
54,512 
19,503 
31,718 
1,407 
221,560 

22,332 
12,040 
335,287 
369,659 
591,219 
878,154 

24,200 
817,764 

841,964 
36,190 
878,154 

- 
446 
- 
45 
- 
491 

24,554 
- 
164,037 
5,712 
- 
436 
194,739 
195,230 

10 
- 
105,775 
- 
- 
- 
105,785 

- 
- 
- 
- 
105,785 
89,445 

24,200 
65,245 

89,445 
- 
89,445 

-
435
-
85
-
520

24,545
-
208,163
5,712
-
268
238,688
239,208

-
-
218,274
-
-
-
218,274

-
-
-
-
218,274
20,934

24,200
(3,266)

20,934
-
20,934

These Statements of Financial Position are to be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

For and on behalf of the Board:

29 March 2019 

G.L. Cundle 
Chairman 

M.R. Scantlebury
Managing Director

22       Steamships Annual Report 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

Note 

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES 

Receipts from customers 

566,983 

721,778 

5,019 

Payments to suppliers and employees 

(409,788) 

(573,454) 

(2,290) 

Interest received 

Interest and other finance costs paid 

Income tax paid 

5,199 

(15,492) 

(30,220) 

4,639 

(18,109) 

(32,825) 

Net cash provided by operating activities 

18 

116,682 

102,029 

72 

- 

(211) 

2,590 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES 

Purchase of property, plant & equipment 

(56,114) 

(54,098) 

(2,139) 

Proceeds from sales of property, plant & equipment 

Proceeds on sale of investment  

Loans repaid by associated companies 

Cash balance received in acquiring Croesus entities 

23 

Dividends received 

14,662 

147,464 

944 

47,632 

7,548 

Net cash (used in)/provided by investing activities 

162,136 

(17,639) 

10,608 

15,716 

- 

78,770 

3,361 

(112,499) 

17,870

- 

6,774 

- 

59,634 

23,766 

-

13,051

30,921

5,029

(3,551)

72

-

(317)

1,233

-

-

-

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES 

Repayments of borrowings 

Dividends paid 

(41,627) 

(36,995) 

(84,373) 

- 

-

(41,273) 

(26,356) 

(32,558)

Net cash used in by financing activities 

(78,622) 

(125,646) 

(26,356) 

(32,558)

NET (DECREASE)/INCREASE IN CASH HELD 

NET CASH AT BEGINNING OF THE YEAR 

NET CASH AT END OF THE YEAR 

CASH COMPRISES: 

Cash and cash equivalents 

Bank overdrafts 

6 

15 

200,196 

(11,357) 

188,839 

193,521 

(4,682) 

188,839 

(41,256) 

29,899  

(11,357) 

12,021 

(23,378) 

(11,357) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(404)

404

-

-

-

-

These Statements of Cash Flows are to be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

Steamships Annual Report 2018       23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

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

 29 March 2019.

- 

- 

 allocate  the  transaction  price  to  each  of 
the separate performance obligations, and

 recognise the revenue as each performance 
obligation is satisfied. 

 Refer to notes 1 (iii) and 1 (e) for further details of 
the impact of IFRS 15 on the Group’s accounting 
policies and 2018 financial statements. 

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

• 

(a)  Basis of preparation

 The  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the 
Group  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with 
International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). 
The  consolidated  financial  statements  have  been 
prepared  under  the  historical  cost  convention  as 
modified by certain financial assets and liabilities 
at  fair  value  through  profit  and  loss,  and  assets 
held  for  sale  measured  at  fair  value  less  costs  of 
disposal.

 Amendments to IFRS 2 ‘Share based payments’ 
on  clarifying  how  to  account  for  certain 
types  of  share-based  payment  transactions. 
This  amendment  clarifies  the  measurement 
basis  for  cash-settled,  share-based  payments 
and  the  accounting  for  modifications  that 
change an award from cash-settled to equity-
settled.  It also introduces an exception to the 
principles in IFRS 2 that will require an award 
to be treated as if it was wholly equity-settled, 
where  an  employer  is  obliged  to  withhold 
an  amount  for  the  employee’s  tax  obligation 
associated  with  a  share-based  payment  and 
pay that amount to the tax authority.

• 

 Amendments to IFRS 4, ‘Insurance contracts’ 
regarding  implementation  of  IFRS  9.  These 
amendments  introduce  two  approaches:  an 
overlay  approach  and  a  deferral  approach. 
The amended standard will:

- 

- 

 give  all  companies  that  issue  insurance 
contracts the option to recognise in OCI, 
rather than profit or loss, the volatility that 
could arise when IFRS 9 is applied before 
the  new  insurance  contracts  standard  is 
issued; and

 give  companies  whose  activities  are 
predominantly connected with insurance 
an  optional  temporary  exemption  from 
applying IFRS 9 until 2021, in which case 
they will continue to apply IAS 39.

 Amendments to IAS 40, ‘Investment property’ 
relating  to  transfers  of  investment  property. 
These  amendments  clarify  that  to  transfer  to, 
or from, investment properties there must be 
a change in use. To conclude if a property has 
changed  use  there  should  be  an  assessment 
of whether the property meets the definition. 
This change must be supported by evidence.

 Annual  improvements  2014  –  2016  makes 
minor changes to IFRS 1 on first-time adoption 
of  IFRS  and  IAS  28  regarding  measuring  an 
associate or joint venture at fair value.

 IFRIC  22,  ‘Foreign  currency  transactions  and 
foreign 
advance  consideration’  addresses 
currency transactions or parts of transactions 

• 

• 

• 

(i) 

 Standards, 
effective in the year ended 31 December 2018

amendment 

interpretations 

and 

following 

standards,  amendments  and 
 The 
interpretations 
to  existing  standards  became 
applicable for the first time during the accounting 
period beginning 1 January 2018.

• 

 IFRS  9,  ‘Financial  Instruments’  replaced  the 
guidance  in  IAS  39  with  a  standard  that  is 
less  complex  and  principles  based. The  new 
standard  simplifies  the  model  for  classifying 
and  recognising  financial  instruments  and 
aligns  hedge  accounting  more  closely  with 
common risk management practices. IFRS 9’s 
new impairment model is a move away from 
IAS  39’s  incurred  credit  loss  approach  to  an 
expected credit loss model.

 Refer  to  notes  1  (iii)  and  1  (k)  for  further 
details of the impact of IFRS 9 on the Group’s 
accounting  policies  and  2018  financial 
statements. 

• 

‘Revenue 

 IFRS  15 
from  contracts  with 
customers’  replaces  IAS  11  and  IAS  18. The 
new  standard  is  based  on  the  principle  that 
revenue is recognised when control of a good 
or service transfers to a customer. 

 The  entity  now  adopts  a  new  5-step  process 
for the recognition of revenue:

- 

- 

- 

identify contracts with customers

 identify the separate performance 
obligations 

 determine the transaction price of the 
contract

24       Steamships Annual Report 2018

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

that 

there 

is  consideration 

where 
is 
denominated or priced in a foreign currency. 
The interpretation provides guidance for when 
a single payment/receipt is made as well as for 
situations  where  multiple  payments/receipts 
are made.

• 

(ii)   Standards,  amendments  and 

interpretations 
issued but not yet effective for the year ended 31 
December 2018 or adopted early 

following 

 The 
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 
2019 or later periods, but the entity has not early 
adopted them:

• 

 IFRS  16,  ‘Leases’  (effective  1  January  2019) 
replaces  the  guidance  in  IAS  17  and  will 
have  a  significant  impact  on  accounting  by 
lessees.  The  previous  distinction  under  IAS 
17  between  finance  leases  and  operating 
leases for lessees has been removed. IFRS 16 
now  requires  a  lessee  to  recognise  a  lease 
liability  representing  future  lease  payments 
and a ‘right-of-use asset’ for virtually all lease 
contracts. There is an optional exemption for 
certain  short-term  leases  and  leases  of  low-
value  assets.  Under  IFRS  16,  a  contract  is, 
or  contains,  a  lease  if  the  contract  conveys 
the  right  to  control  the  use  of  an  identified 
asset  for  a  period  of  time  in  exchange  for 
consideration. 

 The  entity  expects  that  certain  leases  of 
property  and  equipment  that  are  currently 
accounted  for  as  operating  leases  will,  from 
January  2019,  be  required  to  be  recognised 
as right-of-use assets and depreciated, with a 
corresponding  lease  liability.  Management  is 
in the process of assessing impact of IFRS 16 
on the Group. The Group has not adopted the 
standard  before  its  effective  date. The  Group 
intends  to  apply  the  simplified  transition 
approach  and  will  not  restate  comparative 
amounts for the year prior to first adoption. 

• 

 Amendment to IFRS 9 on prepayment features 
with  negative  compensation 
(effective  1 
January  2019).  This  amendment  confirms 
that  when  a  financial  liability  measured  at 
amortised cost is modified without this resulting 
in  de-recognition,  a  gain  or  loss  should  be 
recognised  immediately  in  profit  or  loss. The 
gain  or  loss  is  calculated  as  the  difference 
between  the  original  contractual  cash  flows 
and the modified cash flows discounted at the 
original effective interest rate.

the 

income 

 IFRIC  23, 
tax 
‘Uncertainty  over 
treatments’ (effective 1 January 2019) clarifies 
how 
recognition  and  measurement 
requirements  of  IAS  12  ‘Income  Taxes’  are 
applied  where 
is  uncertainty  over 
income  tax  positions.  IFRIC  23  explains 
how  to  recognise  and  measure  deferred  and 
current income tax assets and liabilities where 
there is uncertainty over a tax treatment.

there 

• 

 Annual improvements 2015 – 2017 (effective 
1  January  2019). These  amendments  include 
minor changes to:

- 

- 

- 

- 

‘Business  combination’  –  a 
 IFRS  3 
company  remeasures  its  previously  held 
interest  in  a  joint  operation  when  it 
obtains control of the business.

 IFRS 11 ‘Joint arrangements’ – a company 
does  not  remeasure  its  previously  held 
interest  in  a  joint  operation  when  it 
obtains control of the business.

 IAS  12  ‘Income  taxes’  –  a  company 
accounts for all income tax consequences 
of dividend payments in the same way.

 IAS  23  “Borrowing  costs’  –  a  company 
treats  as  part  of  general  borrowings  any 
borrowings  originally  made  to  develop 
an  asset  when  the  asset  is  ready  for  its 
intended use or sale.

• 

to 

‘Investments 

 Amendments 
in 
IAS  28 
associates’ on long term interests in associates 
and joint ventures (effective 1 January 2019). 
These  amendments  clarify  that  long-term 
interests  in  an  associate  or  joint  venture  to 
which the equity method is not applied should 
be accounted for using IFRS 9. This includes 
the impairment requirements in IFRS 9.

• 

 Amendments  to  IAS  19,  ‘Employee  benefits’ 
on plan amendment, curtailment or settlement 
(effective 1 January 2019). These amendments 
require an entity to:

- 

- 

 use  updated  assumptions  to  determine 
current  service  cost  and  net  interest  for 
the  remainder  of  the  period  after  a  plan 
amendment,  curtailment  or  settlement, 
and

 recognise  in  profit  or  loss  as  part  of 
past  service  cost,  or  a  gain  or  loss  on 
settlement,  any  reduction  in  a  surplus, 
even  if  that  surplus  was  not  previously 
recognised  because  of  the  impact  of  the 
asset ceiling.

Steamships Annual Report 2018       25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

• 

• 

revises 

 Amendments  to  IFRS  3  –  definition  of  a 
business  (effective  1  January  2020).  This 
amendment 
the  definition  of  a 
business. According  to  feedback  received  by 
the IASB, application of the current guidance 
is commonly thought to be too complex, and 
it  results  in  too  many  transactions  qualifying 
as business combinations.

 Amendments  to  IAS  1  and  IAS  8  on  the 
definition  of  ‘material’  (effective  1  January 
2020).  These  amendments 
IAS  1, 
‘Presentation of financial statements’, and IAS 
8, ‘Accounting policies, changes in accounting 
estimates  and  errors’,  and  consequential 
amendments to other IFRSs:

to 

i) 

 use  a  consistent  definition  of  materiality 
throughout  IFRSs  and  the  Conceptual 
Framework for Financial Reporting

resulted  in  changes  in  accounting  policies  and 
adjustments  to  the  amounts  recognised  in  the 
financial statements. The new accounting policies 
are  set  out  below  (Note  1  e)).  The  Group  has 
adopted IFRS 15 using the modified restrospective 
method.  Comparative  figures  have  not  been 
restated and the cumulative adjustments arising on 
adoption have been adjusted against the opening 
balance of retained earnings as at 1 January 2018.

 The  primary  impact  of  adoption  of  IFRS  15  has 
been  a  change  in  the  timing  of  recognition  of 
freight  and  salvage  revenue  within  the  Group’s 
logistics  segment  to  align  revenue  recognition 
with satisfaction of the performance obligations in 
the contractual arrangements. 

 The total impact of adjustments made at the date 
of initial application (1 January 2018) is presented 
below.

ii)   clarify the explanation of the definition of 

K’000 

material; and

31 December 
2017 

IFRS 15 
adjustment 

1 January 
2018

iii)   incorporate some of the guidance in IAS 1 

about immaterial information.

• 

 IFRS  17  ‘Insurance  contracts”  (effective  1 
January  2021)  replaces  IFRS  4.  IFRS  17  will 
fundamentally  change  the  accounting  by 
all  entities  that  issue  insurance  contracts 
and  investment  contacts  with  discretionary 
participation features. 

 The  Group  does  not  consider  that  there  are  any 
measurement  or  recognition  issues  arising  from 
the release of these new pronouncements that will 
have a significant impact on the reported financial 
position or financial performance of the Group.

(iii)  Changes in accounting policies

 The  Group  has  adopted  the  following  standards 
from  1  January  2018:  IFRS  15  ‘Revenue  from 
Contracts  with  Customers’  and  IFRS  9  ‘Financial 
its 
Instruments’.  The  Group  has  changed 
accounting policies following the adoption of IFRS 
9 and IFRS 15. This note explains the impact of the 
adoption of IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with 
Customers’ and IFRS 9 ‘Financial instruments’ on 
the Group’s financial statements.

 IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ 
replaces IAS 18 ‘Revenue’ and IAS 11  ‘Construction 
Contracts’. IFRS 15 shifts revenue recognition from 
a risk and rewards model to a control model, with 
revenue  recognized  as  performance  obligations 
are met. 

 The  adoption  of  IFRS  15  from  1  January  2018 

Receivables and 
  prepayments 
Deferred tax liability 
Retained earnings 

161,655 
22,332 
817,764 

2,485 
745 
1,740 

164,140
23,077
819,504

 IFRS  9  replaces  the  provisions  of  IAS  39  that 
relate 
to  classification  and  measurement  of 
financial instruments and impairment of financial 
instruments,  refer  to  Note  1  k.  The  adoption  of 
IFRS  9  from  1  January  2018  resulted  in  changes 
in accounting policies in the financial statements. 
The  new  accounting  policies  are  set  out  below. 
The Group has adopted IFRS 9 using the modified 
restrospective method. 

 In  terms  of  classification  and  measurement  of 
financial  instruments,  IFRS  9  did  not  impact 
the  amounts  reported  in  the  Group’s  financial 
statements, as there were no changes under IFRS 
9 in the measurement category of financial assets 
and  liabilities  measured  at  amortized  cost  (cash 
and cash equivalents, trade and other receivables, 
and loans to related companies). 

 The primary change for the Group on adoption of 
IFRS 9 from 1 January 2018 has been the assessment 
of impairment of financial assets at amortised cost 
using  an  expected  credit  loss  model.  Previously 
impairment of financial assets was assessed using 
an  incurred  credit  loss  model.  From  1  January 
2018 the Group has to assess on a forward-looking 
basis the expected credit losses associated with its 
financial  assets  instruments  carried  at  amortised 
cost. For financial assets carried at amortised cost, 
the Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach 

26       Steamships Annual Report 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

to  measuring  expected  credit  losses,  which  uses 
a  lifetime  expected  impairment  provision  for  all 
trade  receivables,  other  receivables  and  loans  to 
related  companies.  The  change  in  impairment 
methodology  did  not  have  a  material  impact  on  
the Group’s financial statements. 

(b)  Foreign currency

is 

functional  and  presentation 
 The  Company’s 
the  Papua  New  Guinea  Kina.  
currency 
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 
Steamships  Trading  Company  Limited  as  at  31 
December 2018 and the results of all 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).

balances 

transactions, 

 Intercompany 
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.

interests 

 Non-controlling 
the  results  and 
equity of subsidiaries are shown separately in the 
consolidated statement of comprehensive income, 

in 

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 
12).

 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 
post-acquisition 
cumulative 
income. 
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.

The 

 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.

Steamships Annual Report 2018       27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

 When  the  Group  ceases  to  have  control  or 
significant  influence,  any  retained  interest  in 
the  entity  is  re-measured  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.

(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 
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.

in 

 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 

28       Steamships Annual Report 2018

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 re-measured 
to fair value with changes in fair value recognised 
in profit or loss.

 Predecessor  accounting  is  applied  for  business 
combinations  among  entities  under  common 
control, 
including  acquisitions  of  entities. 
Assets  and  liabilities  of  the  acquired  entity  are 
stated  at  predecessor  carrying  values.  Fair  value 
measurement is not required and no new goodwill 
arises  in  predecessor  accounting. Any  difference 
between 
the 
aggregate  book  value  of  the  assets  and  liabilities 
of the acquired entity at the date of the transaction 
is included in equity in retained earnings.

the  consideration  given  and 

(e)  Revenue recognition

Accounting policies applied from 1 January 2018

 Revenue  which  represents  income  arising  in 
the  course  of  the  Group’s  ordinary  activities 
to  each  distinct 
is  recognised  by  reference 
performance  obligation  promised  in  the  contract 
with the customer when or as the Group transfers 
the  control  of  the  goods  or  services  promised  in 
a  contract  to  the  customer.  Depending  on  the 
substance  of  the  respective  contract  with  the 
customer,  the  control  of  the  promised  goods  or 
services  may  transfer  over  time  or  at  a  point  in 
time. A contract with a customer exists when the 
contract  has  commercial  substance,  the  Group 
and its customer have approved the contract and 
intend to perform their respective obligations, the 
Group’s  and  the  customer’s  rights  regarding  the 
goods or services to be transferred and the payment 
terms can be identified, and it is probable that the 
Group  will  collect  the  consideration  to  which  it 
will be entitled to in exchange of those goods or 
services.  At  the  inception  of  each  contract  with 
a  customer,  the  Group  assesses  the  contract  to 
identify  distinct  performance  obligations,  being 
the units of account that determine when and how 
revenue  from  the  contract  with  the  customer  is 
recognised. A performance obligation is a promise 
to transfer a distinct good or service (or a series of 
distinct goods or services that are substantially the 
same  and  that  have  the  same  pattern  of  transfer) 
to  the  customer  that  is  explicitly  stated  in  the 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

contract  and  implied  in  the  Group’s  customary 
business practices. A good or service is distinct if:

 Dividend  income  -  Dividends  are  recognised 
when the right to receive payment is established.

- 

- 

 the customer can either benefit from the good 
or  service  on  its  own  or  together  with  other 
readily available resources; and

 the  good  or  service  is  separately  identifiable 
from  other  promises  in  the  contract  (e.g. 
the  good  or  service  is  not  integrated  with, 
or  highly  interrelated  with,  other  goods  or 
services promised in the contract)

 If  a  good  or  service  is  not  distinct,  the  Group 
combines it with other promised goods or services 
until  the  Group  identifies  a  distinct  performance 
obligation consisting of a distinct bundle of goods 
or services.

 As  disclosed  in  Note  25,  revenue  from  external 
customers comes from the logistics business, hotels 
& property business, and commercial business.

 Revenue from the logistics business includes revenue 
from  providing  the  following  services:  freight  and 
shipping activities, land transport activities, towage 
and salvage activities, and sale of goods. 

 Revenue from freight and shipping services, land 
transport services and towage services is recognised 
over  time  as  the  performance  obligation  (in  this 
case transport or towage activity) is performed. In 
case of sale of goods (such as containers), revenue 
is recognized at a point of time.

 Salvage  revenue  is  recognised  over  time  as  the 
performance  obligation  (in  this  case  salvaging 
activity) is performed or at a point of time (upon 
completion of the salvage job), depending on the 
nature of the salvage activity and the contractual 
terms. The Group typically has a right to payment 
based on work performed until the reporting date. 
Where salvage work is completed but proceeds are 
not finalized and received, revenue is determined 
on  the  basis  of  expected  proceeds  taking  into 
account estimation uncertainty.  

 Revenue from the hotels business from provision 
of services is recognised over time, while revenue 
from sale of goods is recognized at a point in time. 
Revenue from the property business is recognized 
on a straight line basis over the term of the lease.  

 Revenue from the commercial business relates to 
sale of goods and is recognized at a point of time 
in  the  period  in  which  the  customer  accepts  the 
delivery of the goods. 

 The following other income is recognized across 
the Group as follows:

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

 Accounting  policy  applied  until  31  December 
2017

 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.

 Freight  -  Freight  revenue  is  recognised  as  the 
service has been provided. 

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

 Dividend  income  -  Dividends  are  recognised 
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 benefit 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 
future  taxable  profit  will  be  available,  against 
which the temporary differences can be utilised.

(g)  Cash and cash equivalents

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

 For  the  purpose  of  the  statement  of  cash  flows, 
cash and cash equivalents includes cash on hand, 

Steamships Annual Report 2018       29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

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  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  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 

30       Steamships Annual Report 2018

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.

 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

Accounting policies applied from 1 January 2018

 From  1  January  2018,  the  Group  classifies  all  of 
its  financial  assets  in  the  measurement  category 
‘Financial  assets  at  amortised  cost’  (previously 
classified as loans and receivables). 

 The  Group  classifies 
its  financial  assets  at 
amortised  cost  when  the  asset  is  held  within  a 
business  model  whose  objective  is  to  collect  the 
contractual cash flows and the contractual terms 
give rise to cash flows that are solely payments of 
principal and interest (“SPPI”). Financial assets of 
the  Group  that  fall  under  this  category  are  trade 
and  other  receivables,  bank  balances,  deposits 
and cash, and loans to related companies.

 At  initial  recognition,  the  Group  measures  a 
financial asset at its fair value plus transaction costs 
that  are  directly  attributable  to  the  acquisition 
of the financial asset. Interest income from these 
financial  assets  is  included  in  finance  income 
using the effective interest rate method. Any gain 
or  loss  arising  on  derecognition  is  recognised 
directly  in  profit  or  loss  and  presented  in  other 
gains  and  losses  together  with  foreign  exchange 
gains and losses.

 As  of  31  December  2018,  the  Group  had  no 
financial 
instruments  classified  as  financial 
assets  at  fair  value  through  other  comprehensive 
income (“FVOCI”) - Equity instruments (previously 
classified  as  available-for-sale  financial  assets)  or 
financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 
(“FVTPL”). 

 Regular  way  purchases  and  sales  of  financial 
assets  are  recognised  on  trade-date,  the  date  on 
which the Group commits to purchase or sell the 
asset. Financial assets are derecognised when the 
rights  to  receive  cash  flows  from  the  financial 
assets have expired or have been transferred and 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

the Group has transferred substantially all the risks 
and rewards of ownership.

receivables  have  been  grouped  based  on  shared 
credit risk characteristics, such as days past due.  

 Financial assets are classified as current assets for 
those  having  maturity  dates  of  not  more  than  12 
months after the end of the reporting period, and 
the balance is classified as non-current.

Impairment of financial assets

 The Group recognises an allowance for expected 
credit losses (“ECLs”) for all debt instruments and 
financial  guarantee  contracts  issued.  ECLs  are 
based  on  the  difference  between  the  contractual 
cash  flows  due  in  accordance  with  the  contract 
and  all  the  cash  flows  that  the  Group  expects  to 
receive,  discounted  at  an  approximation  of  the 
original effective interest rate. The expected cash 
flows  will  include  cash  flows  from  the  sale  of 
collateral held or other credit enhancements that 
are integral to the contractual terms. For financial 
guarantee  contracts,  the  ECL  is  the  difference 
between  expected  payments  to  reimburse  the 
holder of the guarantee debt instruments less any 
amounts the company expects to recover from the 
other party. 

is  measured  based  on  general  3-stage 

 ECL 
approach and simplified approach. 

 General  3-stage  approach  for  loans  to  related 
parties and financial guarantee contracts issued.

 ECLs  are  recognised  in  two  stages.  For  credit 
exposures  for  which  there  has  not  been  a 
significant  increase  in  credit  risk  since  initial 
recognition,  ECLs  are  provided  for  credit  losses 
that  result  from  default  events  that  are  possible 
within the next 12-months (a 12-month ECL). For 
those  credit  exposures  for  which  there  has  been 
a  significant  increase  in  credit  risk  since  initial 
recognition, a loss allowance is required for credit 
losses  expected  over  the  remaining  life  of  the 
exposure, irrespective of the timing of the default 
(a lifetime ECL).

 Simplified approach for trade receivables and other 
receivables, including inter-company balances. 

trade  receivables, 

 For 
the  Group  applies  a 
simplified approach in calculating ECLs. Therefore, 
the  Group  does  not  track  changes  in  credit  risk, 
but instead recognises a loss allowance based on 
lifetime  ECLs  at  each  reporting  date. The  Group 
has established a provision matrix that is based on 
its  historical  credit  loss  experience,  adjusted  for 
forward-looking factors specific to the debtors and 
the economic environment.

Collective assessment

 To  measure  ECL,  trade  receivables  and  other 

Individual assessment

 Trade receivables, other receivables and amounts 
due  from  related  parties  which  are  in  default  or 
credit-impaired are assessed individually.

 Accounting  policies  applied  until  31  December 
2017

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 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.

Steamships Annual Report 2018       31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

 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.

there 

is  objective  evidence 

 The  Group  assesses  at  each  balance  sheet  date 
whether 
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:

Land and buildings 
Ships 
Plant and fittings 

  Motor vehicles 

0 - 10% 
5 - 10%
10 - 33%
20 - 33%

 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 buildings 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 

32       Steamships Annual Report 2018

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  the  Note  11.  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. 

is  capitalised  and  assessed 

for 
 Goodwill 
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.

(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.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

 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 
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 
departures and periods of service. Expected future 
payments are discounted using 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.

accepts  voluntary  redundancy  in  exchange  for 
these benefits. The Group recognises termination 
benefits  at  the  earlier  of  the  following  dates:  (a) 
when the Group can no longer withdraw the offer 
of those benefits; and (b) when the entity recognises 
costs for a restructuring that is within the scope of 
IAS  37  and  involves  the  payment  of  termination 
benefits. In the case of an offer made to encourage 
voluntary  redundancy,  the  termination  benefits 
are measured based on the number of employees 
expected  to  accept  the  offer.  Benefits  falling  due 
more than 12 months after the end of the reporting 
period are discounted to their present value.

(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 depreciation 
or  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 flows (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 4.5% (2017 – 4.6%).

(iii)	Termination	benefits	

(u)  Segment reporting

benefits 

 Termination 
payable  when 
employment is terminated by the Group before the 
normal retirement date, or whenever an employee 

are 

 Operating  segments  are  reported  in  a  manner 
consistent  with  the  internal  reporting  provided 
to  the  chief  operating  decision  maker. The  chief 

Steamships Annual Report 2018       33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

 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 impairment of ships and other plant 

and equipment 

 The  Group  tests  periodically  the  recoverable 
amount of ships and other plant and equipment. 
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 
12.5%.

(iii)  Deferred  tax  assets  relating  to  carry  forward 

tax losses

losses 

  The analysis of the recognition and recoverability 
of the deferred tax assets relating to carry forward 
tax 
judgmental  and 
estimating  future  taxable  income  is  based  on 
assumptions  that  are  affected  by  expected  future 
market or economic conditions.

is  complex  and 

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.

operating  decision  maker,  who  is  responsible  for 
allocating resources and assessing performance of 
the operating segments, has been identified as 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.

(w)  Goods and services tax (GST)

 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)  Leases

 Leases  under  which 
the  Group  assumes 
substantially all the risks and rewards incidental to 
ownership have been classified as finance leases 
and are capitalised. The asset and corresponding 
liability  are  recorded  at  inception  of  the  lease 
at  the  fair  value  of  the  leased  asset,  at  amounts 
equivalent  to  the  discounted  present  value  of 
including  residual 
minimum 
values.

lease  payments 

 The  finance  cost  is  charged  to  the  profit  or  loss 
over the lease period so as to produce a constant 
periodic rate of interest on the remaining balance 
of the liability for each period.

 Capitalised  leased  assets  are  depreciated  over 
their  expected  lives  in  accordance  with  rates 
established for other similar assets.

 Operating lease payments are representative of the 
pattern of benefits derived from the leased assets 
and accordingly are charged to the profit and loss 
account in the periods in which they are incurred.

(y)  Rounding of amounts

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

(z)  Critical accounting estimates and judgments

34       Steamships Annual Report 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

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

 At  31  December  2018,  if  interest  rates  on  PNG 
Kina-denominated borrowings had been 1% higher/
lower  with  all  other  variables  held  constant,  post-
tax profit for the year would have been K2,192,000 
(2017: K2,569,000) lower/higher, mainly as a result 
of  higher/lower  interest  expense  on  floating  rate 
borrowings.

(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. Where  credit  limits  were  exceeded 
during the reporting period management has made 
provision for amounts considered uncollectible.

 The Group has the following types of financial assets 
that are subject to the expected credit loss model: 
trade receivables, other receivables (including inter-

company receivables) and loans to related parties. 
While cash and cash equivalents are also subject to 
the impairment requirements of IFRS 9, impairment 
loss is immaterial.    

losses, 

 The Group applies the IFRS 9 simplified approach 
for  all 
to  measuring  expected  credit 
financial assets, other than loans to related parties. 
To  measure  the  expected  credit  losses,  trade 
receivables  have  been  grouped  based  on  shared 
credit  risk  characteristics  and  the  days  past  due. 
The expected loss rates are based on the payment 
profiles of sales over a period of 36 months before 
31 December 2018 or 1 January 2018 respectively 
and  the  corresponding  historical  credit  losses 
experienced  within  this  period. The  historical  loss 
rates  are  adjusted  to  reflect  current  and  forward-
looking  information  on  macroeconomic  factors 
affecting  the  ability  of  the  customers  to  settle  the 
receivables.  The  Group  has  analyzed  GDP  and 
employment  rate  of  PNG  to  be  the  most  relevant 
factors,  and  accordingly  adjusts  the  historical  loss 
rates  based  on  expected  changes  in  these  factors. 
Management concluded that impairment provision 
for  trade  receivables  is  not  materially  affected  by 
changes in GDP and employment rate.

(c)  Liquidity risk

liquidity 

risk  management 

 Prudent 
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 were 
as follows:

2018 
K’000 

2017
K’000

Undrawn Facilities 

255,000 

194,000

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.

Steamships Annual Report 2018       35

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

  At 31 December 2018 

  Borrowings 

  Borrowings from minority shareholders 

  Borrowings from related parties 

  Trade and other payables 

  At 31 December 2017 
  Borrowings 
  Borrowings from minority shareholders 
  Borrowings from related parties 
  Trade and other payables 

Less than 
1 year 
K’000 

Between 1 
& 2 years 
K’000 

Between 2 
& 5 years 
K’000 

Over 5 
years 
K’000 

(124,682) 

(19,503) 

(47,394) 

(104,277) 

(295,856) 

(31,718) 

(19,503) 

(54,512) 

(108,170) 

(213,903) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(182,000) 

- 

- 

- 

(182,000) 

(8,340) 

(326,947) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

(8,340) 

(326,947) 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

Total
K’000

(306,682)

(19,503)

(47,394)

(104,277)

(477,856)

(367,005)

(19,503)

(54,512)

(108,170)

(549,190)

The Group does not hold derivative financial instruments.
All loan covenants associated with borrowing arrangements have been met.

(d)  Capital risk management

(e)  Fair value estimation

 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.

 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).

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

 The Group does not hold any financial assets at fair 
value.

The gearing ratios at each balance date were as follows:

2018 
K’000 

2017
K’000

373,579 
193,521 
180,058 
940,028 
1,120,086 
16% 

441,020
12,021
428,999
878,154
1,307,153
33%

  Total external borrowing &  
unsecured loans 

  Less: Cash & Cash equivalents 
  Net debt 
  Total equity 
  Total capital 
  Gearing ratio 

36       Steamships Annual Report 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s)

3.  Operating results

(a)  Revenue and other income comprises:

Revenue from contracts with customers  

- Revenue from sale of goods 

- Revenue from provision of services 

Lease income 

Dividend income 

Total Revenue 

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

36,726 

415,907 

108,184 

- 

39,224 

408,292 

110,521 

- 

560,817 

558,037 

- 

- 

-

-

59,634 

59,634 

13,051

13,051

* Other income (net)  

- 

15,244 

37,609 

2,828

*   Other income principally represents a nil gain in 2018 (2017: gain of K15.7M on sale of shares). 

 The Group’s revenue from contracts with customers are recognized at a point in time and over time. Most of revenue from provision 
of services is recognized over time, while revenue from sale of goods is recognized at a point in time. Further disaggregation of 
revenue by segment is provided at Note 25. 

(b)  Expenses comprise:

Cost of sales 

Staff costs (note 3c) 

Depreciation and amortisation 

Impairment of fixed assets  

Impairment of other assets 

Hotel & property development cost write off 

Electricity and fuel 

Other operating expenses 

Total operating expense 

(c)  Staff costs:

  Wages and salaries 

Retirement benefit contributions 

Accommodation and other benefits 

81,225 

122,217 

82,974 

11,710 

- 

1,498 

48,772 

139,999 

488,395 

101,116 

5,235 

15,866 

122,217 

71,452 

131,820 

94,616 

12,261 

1,445 

6,742 

45,976 

142,938 

507,250 

112,562 

5,461 

13,797 

131,820 

Number of staff employed by the Group at year end: 

Full Time 

2,685 

3,165 

- 

- 

-

-

2,064 

2,229

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

-

-

-

300 

2,364 

(198)

2,031

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

-

-

-

-

Steamships Annual Report 2018       37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

3.  Operating results (continued)

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

(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 

Impairment of property, plant & equipment 

Impairment of other assets 

Loss on sale of fixed assets 
After crediting: 

Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment 

Net foreign exchange transaction gains 

Bad debt recovery 

(e)  Cost of financing – net: 

Expense* 

Income 

Net finance costs 

10 

10

1,050 

708 

943 

2,206 

11,710 

- 

390 

- 

1,373 

2,550 

1,050 

710 

2,964 

2,343 

12,261 

1,445 

851 

1,586 

413 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

15,492 

(5,199) 

10,293 

18,109 

(4,640) 

13,469 

- 

(72) 

(72) 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

(72)

(72)

*The interest expense excludes capitalised interest of K1.7M (2017 - K1.4M).   

(f)  Earnings per share 

 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 & discontinued) 

Basic earnings per share (continuing) 

69,529 

31,008 

224t 

64t 

41,516

31,008

134t

111t

38       Steamships Annual Report 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

4. 

Investments in subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

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

Investments in subsidiary companies (note 20) 

Investments in associates (note 21) 

Investments in joint ventures (note 22) 

(b)  Share of after tax profit in associates and joint ventures 

Share of profit in associates  

Share of profit in joint ventures 

5. 

Income Tax

(a)  Income tax expense
Current tax 

Deferred Tax 

Prior period (over)/under provided 

- 

34,359 

30,917 

65,276 

119 

5,509 

5,628 

- 

127,454 

171,537

38,287 

28,909 

67,196 

- 

36,583 

164,037 

-

36,626

208,163

3,296 

4,229 

7,525 

- 

- 

- 

     -

-

-

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

31,703 

24,964 

(2,781) 

53,886 

  37,137 

(4,642) 

 (2,761) 

29,733   

270 

(168) 

(19) 

83 

298

(23)

(70)

205

(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 on profit before income tax  

20,327    

18,025 

Tax effect of rebateable dividends 

Expenses not deductible for tax 

Tax loss not recognised 

Income not assessable for tax 

Prior year (over)/under provisions 

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

Provisions 

Tax losses 

Prepayments & consumables 

Property, plant and equipment 

Deferred tax asset 

Deferred tax liability 

- 

2,831 

35,921 

(2,412) 

(2,781) 

    53,886 

9,917 

171 

(3,851) 

(23,283) 

(17,046) 

1,683 

(18,729) 

    (17,046) 

- 

6,353 

15,814 

(7,698) 

(2,761) 

29,733 

10,364 

30,565 

(9,750) 

(23,261) 

7,918 

30,250 

(22,332) 

7,918 

28,485 

(17,890) 

4,176

(3,915)

- 

- 

(10,493) 

(19) 

83 

- 

- 

- 

436 

436 

436 

- 

436 

14

-

-

(70)

205

-

-

-

268

268

268

-

268

The group has not recognised deferred tax asset amounting to K51.7M related to carried forward tax losses.

Steamships Annual Report 2018       39

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

5. 

Income tax (continued)

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

Consolidated
Provisions & accruals 
Tax losses 
Prepayments & consumables 
Property, plant and equipment 
Total 

Parent Company 
Property, plant and equipment 
Total 

(e)  Income tax (receivable)/ payable is represented as by:

At 1 January 
Income tax provision 
Income tax over provided 
Disposal of subsidiary 
Others 
Acquiring new subsidiary 
Tax payments made 
At 31 December 

6.  Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and short term deposits 

Beginning 
Balance 

Charge to 
profit 

Ending 
Balance

10,364 
30,565 
 (9,750) 
(23,261) 
 7,918 

(447) 
(30,394) 
5,899 
(22) 
(24,964) 

9,917
171
(3,851)
(23,283)
(17,046)

268 
268 

168 
168 

436
436

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

1,407    
31,703 
(2,781) 
289 
(1,325) 
572 
(30,220) 
(355) 

(716) 
37,602 
 (2,761) 
- 
107 
- 
(32,825) 
1,407 

(85) 
270 
(19) 
- 
- 
- 
(211) 
(45) 

4 
298
(70)
-
-
-
(317)
(85)

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

193,521 
193,521 

12,021 
12,021 

- 
- 

-
-

 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 banks resident in Papua New Guinea who have appropriate long term credit ratings.

7.  Trade and other receivables

Trade receivables 
Provision for impairment 

Other receivables & prepayments 

40       Steamships Annual Report 2018

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

89,849 
(2,379) 
87,470 
104,308 
191,778 

102,209 
(6,186) 
96,023 
65,632 
161,655 

- 
- 
- 
445 
445 

-
-
-
435
435

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

7.  Trade and other receivables (continued)

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

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

Opening balance 

Impairments recognised during the year 

Provision released 

Total 

6,186 

2,279 

(6,086) 

2,379 

3,440 

2,964 

(218) 

6,186 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

-

-

-

 The creation and release of the provision for receivables is included in operating expenses in the statement of comprehensive 
income. 

The ageing of receivables overdue more than 3 months is as follows:

3 to 6 months 

Over 6 months 

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

1,055 

4,076 

5,131 

1,780 

10,432 

12,212 

- 

- 

- 

-

-

-

Individually impaired receivables are included in the above amounts and amount to K2M (2017: K6M).  

 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.

 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 three months. Collateral is not normally obtained.

Prepayments relate to advance payments for expenses not yet incurred.

Steamships Annual Report 2018       41

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

8. 

Inventories

Raw materials 

Finished goods 

Provision for obsolescence 

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

- 

16,180 

(117) 

16,063 

17,175 

32,980 

(2,822) 

47,333 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

-

-

-

 Inventories recognised as an expense during the year ended 31 December 2018 and included in cost of sales and cost of providing 
services amounted to K56M (2017: K115M). The provision for obsolescence of inventories during the year decreased by K2.7M 
(2017: by K0.6M increase).

9.  Loans to/(from) related companies

Non-Current 

Colgate Palmolive (PNG) Limited 

Huhu Rural LLG  

Pacific Rumana Limited 

Harbourside Development Limited 

Croesus Re PCC Limited 

Loans to subsidiaries 

Harbourside Development Limited 

Morobe Terminals Limited 

Consort Express Lines Limited’s associates 

  Wonye Limited  

Loans from subsidiaries 

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

500 

1,587 

29,530 

34,114 

- 

65,731 

- 

65,731 

(7,968) 

(9,543) 

(29,883) 

- 

(47,394) 

- 

500 

- 

31,905 

33,679 

7,707 

73,791 

- 

73,791 

(3,083) 

(9,192) 

(40,291) 

(1,946) 

(54,512) 

500 

500

- 

- 

- 

- 

500 

5,212 

5,712 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

-

-

-

500

5,212

5,712

-

-

-

-

-

- 

(105,775) 

(218,274)

(47,394) 

(54,512) 

(105,775) 

(218,274)

 The loan to Harbourside Development Limited is secured and earns interest at 6.5%. The loan to Pacific Rumana Limited is unsecured 
and earns interest at 9%. The loan from Consort Express Lines Limited’s associates are unsecured and incur interest at 3-4%.

42       Steamships Annual Report 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

10.  Property, plant & equipment

Property 

Ships 

Plant and 
Vehicles 

Total

Consolidated 
2018 

Cost  

Accumulated depreciation (including impairment losses) 

Net book value 

Opening value 

Additions 

Disposals 

Sale of subsidiary 

Transfer to investment properties 

Depreciation  

Impairment 

Assets held for sale 

Closing value 

2017 

Cost 

392,677 

(97,952) 

236,020 

392,010 

1,020,707

(135,831) 

(294,522) 

(528,305)

          294,725 

100,189 

97,488 

492,402

367,573 

4,015 

(131) 

(17,396) 

(48,658) 

(10,678) 

- 

- 

137,098 

4,399 

(12,583) 

- 

- 

(21,139) 

(7,586) 

- 

294,725 

100,189 

123,456 

47,700 

(10,486) 

(24,020) 

- 

(31,675) 

(4,124) 

(3,363) 

97,488 

628,127

56,114

(23,200)

(41,416)

(48,658)

(63,492)

(11,710)

(3,363)

492,402

                        524,216 

250,352 

441,026 

1,215,594

Accumulated depreciation (including impairment losses) 

(156,643) 

(113,254) 

(317,570) 

(587,467)

Net book value 

367,573 

137,098 

123,456 

628,127

Opening value 

Additions 

Disposals 

Depreciation  

Impairment  

Closing value 

Parent Entity 
2018 

Cost  

Accumulated depreciation 

Net book value 

Opening value 

Additions 

Disposals 

Depreciation  

Closing value 

370,391 

10,694 

(3,176) 

(10,336) 

- 

164,387 

148,139 

16,093 

(6,486) 

(26,829) 

(10,067) 

22,713 

(3,336) 

(41,866) 

(2,194) 

682,917

49,500

(12,998)

(79,031)

(12,261)

367,573 

137,098 

123,456 

628,127

75,810 

(51,999) 

23,811 

23,428 

2,061 

- 

(1,678) 

23,811 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

5,703 

(4,959) 

743 

1,117 

78 

(65) 

(387) 

743 

81,512

(56,958)

24,554 

24,545

2,139

(65)

(2,064)

24,554

Steamships Annual Report 2018       43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

10.  Property, plant & equipment (continued)

Property 

Ships 

Plant and 
Vehicles 

Total

Parent Entity 
2017 

Cost  

Accumulated depreciation 

Net book value 

Opening value 

Additions 

Disposals 

Depreciation  

Closing value 

73,755 

(50,327) 

     23,428 

24,550 

583 

- 

(1,705) 

23,428 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

5,689 

(4,572) 

1,117 

79,444

(54,899)

24,545   

1,384 

25,934

338 

(81) 

(524) 

1,117 

921

(81)

(2,229)

24,545

(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 are in the course of construction:

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

Property (classified as investment properties in note 11) 

Plant and vehicles 

Total assets in the course of construction 

34,015 

19,118 

53,133 

53,270 

15,483 

68,753 

- 

- 

- 

-

-

-

The cost of additions in 2018 includes capitalised borrowing costs of K1.7M (2017: K1.4M) in relation to qualifying assets.  

(b)  Impairment losses

 During the year the Directors performed an impairment review on all key assets of the Group.  As a result of this assessment an 
impairment charge of K11.7M (2017: K12.3M) was recorded on ships and equipment, plant and vehicles. 

There are no other further conditions that indicate impairment of property, plant and equipment as at 31 December 2018.

44       Steamships Annual Report 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

11.  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 in ‘Property’ within note 10.

Cost  
Accumulated depreciation 
Net book value 

Opening value 
Additions 
Disposals 
Transfers from property, plant & equipment 
Depreciation 
Closing value 

(a)  Amounts recognised in profit/loss for investment properties

Rental income 
Repairs and maintenance attributable to rental 
  properties under non-cancellable leases 
Operating expenses directly attributable to rental 
  properties under non-cancellable leases 

(b)  Valuation basis

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

 2017

596,542 
(198,369) 
398,173 

368,998 
- 
- 
48,658 
(19,483) 
398,173 

516,759 
(147,761) 
368,998 

385,974 
4,599 
(789) 
- 
(20,786) 
368,998 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

-
-
-

-
-
-
-
-
-

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

104,985 

120,145 

(5,068) 

(4,438) 

(13,203) 

(12,076) 

- 

- 

- 

-

-

-

 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 2018 for a selected sample of representative properties 
and combination of independent professional valuation and discounted value in use assessments for some of the hotel properties.

Included in properties are the following: 

Investment properties 
Other properties (note 10) 
Total  

NBV 

Lower 

Higher

Valuation Range

398,173 
294,725 
692,898 

1,065,552 
737,187 
1,802,739 

1,331,939
921,485
2,253,424

 The management has utilised certain historical facts and available relevant market data in reaching their opinion as to the valuation 
of the properties, including use of comparable sales and capitalisation rates.  
(c)  Non-current assets pledged as security

  Refer to note 15 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:

  Within one year 

Later than one year but not later than five years 
Later than five years 

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

63,428 
150,673 
154,574 
368,675 

120,308 
114,045 
127,799 
362,152 

- 
- 
- 
- 

-
-
-
-

Steamships Annual Report 2018       45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

12.  Intangible assets

Opening balance 

Disposal of Subsidiary 

Goodwill impairment during the year 

Closing balance 

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

80,002 

(3,569) 

   - 

76,433 

80,491 

- 

(489) 

80,002 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

-

-

-

 Goodwill is allocated to the Group’s cash-generating units (CGUs) identified according to operating segment. The goodwill balance 
of K76M (2017: K80M) is attributable to various business acquisitions in the logistics segments including Pacific Towing (K67.4M) 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 5%-8%. A post-tax discount rate of 12.5% per annum has been used 
and reflects specific risks relating to the operating segment.

13.  Trade and other payables

Trade Payables 

Accruals 

Other payables 

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

24,938 

77,851 

1,488 

38,589 

67,410 

2,171 

104,277 

108,170 

- 

- 

10 

10 

-

-

-

-

All trade and other payables are due and payable within 12 months and are recorded at their fair value.

14.  Provisions for other liabilities and charges

Opening value 

Charged to profit & loss 

Disposal of subsidiary 

Acquisition of subsidiary 

Utilised during year 

Closing value 

Current 

Non-current 

Employee 

Dry 
Dock 

Insurance 
Claims 

2018 
Total 

2017 
Total

18,290 

6,466 

(963) 

- 

(6,778) 

17,015 

5,535 

11,480 

17,015 

- 

615 

- 

- 

(115) 

500 

500 

- 

500 

- 

- 

- 

50,650 

- 

50,650 

50,650 

- 

50,650 

18,290 

7,081 

(963) 

50,650 

(6,893) 

68,165 

56,685 

11,480 

68,165 

22,753

6,821

-

-

(11,284)

18,290

6,250

12,040

18,290

A description of employee and dry dock provisions is disclosed in note 1p.

46       Steamships Annual Report 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

15.  Borrowings

Current: 

Bank overdrafts (secured) 

Bank loans 

Other loans (unsecured) 

Non-current: 

Bank loans (secured) 

Total Borrowings 

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

4,682 

120,000 

19,503 

144,185 

182,000 

182,000 

326,185 

23,378 

8,340 

19,503 

51,221 

335,287 

335,287 

386,508 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

 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 4.5% (2017: 4.6%). Bank overdrafts are interest-only with no agreed repayment schedule. Bank loans 
are secured loans with varying 2 to 4 year terms. The effective interest rate on other loans is 7.83% (2017: 7.83%).

 The fair value of borrowings approximates their carrying amounts. Borrowing terms, margins and credit risk factors approximate 
currently obtainable levels for similar facilities.

16.  Issued capital                                                                                        

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

(a)  Issued and paid up capital

Ordinary shares 

24,200 

24,200 

24,200 

24,200

(b)  Number of shares

Number of shares (000’s)

Ordinary shares 

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.

(c)  Dividend

 The Directors advise that a final dividend of 120 toea per share will be paid immediately after the Annual General Meeting on 7 June 
2019.  This brings the total dividend declared for the year to 165 toea per share. Dividends payable to shareholders resident outside 
of Papua New Guinea will be converted to Australian Dollars at the prevailing rate which the Company is able to secure. During the 
year the Company paid dividends totaling 85 toea per share which includes the final dividend of 2017 and totaled K26,356,800.

Steamships Annual Report 2018       47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

17.  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 20, 21 and 22 respectively.                    

(c)  Directors:

G.L. Cundle, M.R. Scantlebury and R.P.N Bray are directors of John Swire & Sons (PNG) Limited.       

(d)  Remuneration: 

 Income received or due and receivable both by Directors and general managers in connection with the management of the 
Group companies is shown in the Directors’ Report.  

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

Key management personnel disclosure

  Wages and salaries 

Other short term benefits 

13,584 
1,340 

13,347 
1,375 

(e)   Material transactions: 

Sales of goods and services 

-  Associates & joint ventures 
-  Key management 
-  Associated Groups 
Lease and rental income  

-  Associates & joint ventures 
-  Key management 
-  Associated Groups 
Management fee received 

-  Associates & joint venture 

Container & charter hire 

-  Associates & joint venture 
-  Shareholders & associate companies 

Purchase of goods and services 
-  Associates & joint ventures 
-  Associated groups 
-  Shareholders of associated companies  

Purchase of assets 

-  Associated groups 

Lease rental expense 

-  Other shareholders 

Finance Cost 

-  Associates & joint ventures 
-  Other shareholders 

Dividends paid 

-  Other shareholders (minority interest) 
-  Controlling shareholder 
-  Significant shareholder 

Loans to/(from) related companies 

-  Other shareholders 

Insurance premiums
-  Affiliated party 

Insurance claims received  

-  Affiliated party 

48       Steamships Annual Report 2018

451 
62 
15,712 

2,271 
- 
- 

133 

1,001 
1,590 

(408) 
(9,937) 
- 

1,622 
59 
21,732 

- 
585 
4,080 

- 

- 
- 

(801) 
(21,986) 
(47) 

- 

(1,064) 

(1,236) 

(2,733) 

(891) 
(1,516) 

(10,639) 
(19,008) 
(7,349) 

(1,100) 
(1,795) 

(8,715)
(23,482) 
(9,077) 

(19,503) 

(19,503) 

- 

- 

(9,809) 

12,717 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 

- 
- 
- 

- 

- 
- 
- 
- 

-
-

-
- 
-

-
-
-

-

-
-

-
-
-

-

-

-
-

(19,008) 
(7,349) 

(23,482)
(9,077)

- 

- 

- 

-

-

-

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

17.  Related party disclosures (continued)

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

All transactions with related parties are made on normal commercial terms and conditions.

Balances with related companies: 
Associates and joint ventures: 
Consort associates (note 9) 
Harbourside Development Limited (note 9) 
Morobe Terminals Limited (note 9) 
Consort shareholders (note 15) 
Basilok Limited (note 15) 
  Wonye Limited (note 9) 

Loans to related companies: 
Colgate Palmolive Limited (note 9) 
Harbourside Development Limited (note 9) 
Subsidiary Companies (note 9) 
Pacific Rumana Limited (note 9) 
Huhu Rural LLG (note 9) 
Croesus Re SPC Limited (note 9) 

18.  Reconciliation of cash flows

(a)   Cash generated from operations

Profit for the year after tax 

Depreciation and impairment 

Dividend and interest income 

Net loss/(gain) on sale of fixed assets 

Gain on sale of subsidiary 

Share of profit of associates and joint ventures 

Change in operating assets and liabilities

(Increase)/decrease in trade debtors 

(Increase)/decrease in inventory 

(Increase)/decrease in deferred tax asset 

Decrease in operating assets 

(Decrease)/increase in trade creditors 

Increase/(decrease) in other operating liabilities 

(Decrease)/increase in income tax payable 

(Decrease) in deferred tax liability 

(29,883) 
(7,968) 
(9,543) 
(19,343) 
(160) 
- 

500 
34,114 
- 
29,530 
1,587 
- 

(40,291) 
(3,083) 
(9,192) 
(19,343) 
(160) 
(1,946) 

500 
33,679 
- 
31,905 
- 
7,707 

- 
- 
- 
- 
- 
- 

500 
- 
5,212 
- 
- 
- 

-
-
-
-
-
-

500
-
5,212
-
-
-

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

63,701 

82,973 

- 

390 

(48,583) 

(5,628) 

(62,092) 

(4,288) 

27,588 

(2,747) 

18,278 

52,099 

(1,407) 

(3,602) 

37,590 

112,078 

- 

(735) 

- 

(7,525) 

(26,846) 

(6,205) 

6,431 

(10,966) 

12,430 

(7,379) 

(2,858) 

(3,986) 

94,868 

2,064 

13,715

2,229

(59,634) 

(13,051)

- 

(34,644) 

- 

- 

- 

(104) 

(9) 

- 

9 

40 

- 

-

-

-

(869)

-

71

-

(680)

-

(182)

-

Net cash inflow from operating activities 

116,682 

102,029 

2,590 

1,233

Steamships Annual Report 2018       49

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

18.  Reconciliation of cash flows (continued)

(b)  Net loan reconciliation 

Net debt as at 31 December 2017 

Borrowing from related parties 

Repayments 

Net debt as at 31 December 2018 

19.  Retirement benefit plans

Bank 
Loans 

Other loans 

Total

(343,627) 

(74,015) 

(417,642)

- 

41,627 

(5,236) 

12,354 

(5,236)

53,981

(302,000) 

(66,897) 

(368,897)

 The  total  cost  of  retirement  benefits  of  the  Group  in  2018  was  K6M  (2017:  K6M). 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 expatriates. 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.

50       Steamships Annual Report 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

20.  Subsidiaries and transactions with non-controlling interests

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 

Kavieng Port Services Limited 

Papua New Guinea 

Kiunga Stevedoring Company Limited 

Papua New Guinea 

Lae Port Services Limited 

Laga Industries Limited*** 

Madang Port Services Limited 

Papua New Guinea 

Papua New Guinea 

Papua New Guinea 

New Britain Shipping Limited** 

Papua New Guinea 

Oro Port Services Limited 

Pacific Towing (PNG) Limited 

Papua New Guinea 

Papua New Guinea 

Palm Stevedoring & Transport Limited 

Papua New Guinea 

Port Services PNG Limited 

Steamships Limited 

Papua New Guinea 

Papua New Guinea 

  Windward Apartments Limited 

Papua New Guinea 

Motukea United Limited 

Papua New Guinea 

Croesus Holdings Limited 

Isle of Man 

Croesus Limited 

Papua New Guinea 

Croesus Re PCC Limited 

Isle of Man 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Ordinary 

Equity  
Holdings* 
2018 

Equity 
Holdings*
2017

70.2 

70.2

60 

100 

51 

- 

60 

50 

100 

100 

60

100

51

100

60

50

100

100

56.7 

56.7

54 

100 

100 

54

100

100

50.9 

50.9

100 

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. As  at  31  December  2018,  Steamships Trading 
Company Limited still has control over this entity.

*** Laga Industries limited was sold on 3 July 2018.

 Shares in subsidiary companies have been stated at cost or fair value on acquisition less dividends received from pre-acquisition 
profits. 

 Steamships Trading Company Limited has granted a call option to a minority shareholder of Consort Express Lines in the event of 
any recovery under a charter performance guarantee to enforce a proportional equity capital buy back. At 31 December 2018, the 
performance guarantee obligations are being met.

Steamships Annual Report 2018       51

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

21.  Investment in associates 

(a)  Movement in carrying amounts

Opening value 

Share of profits before tax 

Income tax expense 

Dividends received 

Closing value 

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

38,287 

170 

(51) 

(4,047) 

34,359 

35,813 

4,709 

(1,413) 

(822) 

38,287 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

-

-

-

-

-

The equity method is used to account for all interests in associates on a consolidated basis. 

(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: 

2018 

Makerio Stevedoring Limited 

Nikana Stevedoring Limited 

Riback Stevedoring Limited 

United Stevedoring Limited 

Morobe Terminal Limited 

2017 

Makerio Stevedoring Limited 

Nikana Stevedoring Limited 

Riback Stevedoring Limited 

United Stevedoring Limited 

Morobe Terminal Limited 

Ownerships 
Interest 
% 

31.7 

31.7 

34.4 

16.9 

43.0 

Ownerships 
Interest 
% 

31.7 

31.7 

34.4 

16.9 

43.0 

Assets 

Liabilities 

1,687 

1,888 

26,860 

602 

9,163 

40,200 

340 

305 

5,582 

601 

(987) 

5,841 

Assets 

Liabilities 

1,211 

1,489 

28,287 

337 

11,350 

42,674 

21 

76 

3,608 

271 

411 

4,387 

Carrying 
Value 

1,347 

1,583 

21,278 

1 

10,150 

34,359 

Carrying 
Value 

1,190 

1,413 

24,679 

66 

10,939 

38,287 

Revenue 

Profit 

217 

136 

7,971 

539 

3,242 

12,105 

99

158

649

3

(790)

119

Revenue 

Profit 

722 

489 

10,924 

4,099 

1,008 

17,242 

50

181

2,738

3

324

3,296

The associates provide stevedoring services to various external and Group shipping entities.

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. 

52       Steamships Annual Report 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

22.  Investment in joint ventures

(a)  Movement in carrying amounts

Opening value 
Share of profits before tax 
Income tax expense 
Dividends received 
Acquisition of interest in joint ventures   

Closing value 

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

28,909 
7,870 
(2,362) 
(3,500) 
- 

30,917 

30,632 
6,041 
(1,812) 
(5,952) 
- 

28,909 

36,583 
- 
- 
- 
- 

36,583 

23,823
-
-
-
12,760

36,583

The interest in joint ventures is accounted for in the financial statements using the equity method of accounting.    

(b)  Information relating to the joint ventures is set out below.

2018 

Colgate Palmolive (PNG) Limited 

Harbourside Development Limited 

Pacific Rumana Limited 

Viva No. 31 Limited 

  Wonye Limited 

Assets 

Liabilities 

Ownership 
Interest 
% 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

13,254 

89,287 

4,112 

10,026 

28,424 

4,168 

86,675 

751 

6,679 

15,913 

Carrying 
Value 

9,086 

2,612 

3,361 

3,346 

12,512 

Revenue 

Profit 

40,309 

5,464

9,974 

2,871 

574 

1,440 

26

566

(299)

(248)

145,103 

114,186 

30,917 

55,168 

5,509

2017 

Colgate Palmolive (PNG) Limited 

Harbourside Development Limited 

Pacific Rumana Limited 

Viva No. 31 Limited 

  Wonye Limited 

Assets 

Liabilities 

Ownership 
Interest 
% 

50 

50 

50 

50 

50 

15,715 

91,213 

3,863 

11,180 

26,200 

8,592 

88,627 

1,069 

7,534 

13,440 

Carrying 
Value 

7,123 

2,586 

2,794 

3,646 

12,760 

Revenue 

Profit 

38,982 

9,586 

3,786 

    - 

    - 

3,324

(232)

1,283

(104)

(42)

148,171 

119,262 

28,909 

52,354 

4,229

The Group’s share of the capital commitments of joint ventures at 31 December 2018 is K4M (2017: K13.6M). 

There are no contingent liabilities arising from the Group’s interests in the joint ventures. 

Steamships Annual Report 2018       53

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

23. Business Combinations

Details of Entities over which control has been gained

 On 10th July 2018, the group bought all shares of Croesus RE PCC Limited from an entity under common control for no consideration 
which resulted in unrealized gain to equity of the Group to extent of value equivalent to net assets of acquired entities. As the 
transactions was between entities under common control, assets and liabilities have been recorded at existing book values at the 
date of acquisition, with a corresponding adjustment recorded in retained earnings.

The assets and liabilities recognised as a result of the acquisition are as follows:

Cash and term deposits  

Receivables  

Other assets 

Insurance reserves 

Other payables  

Net assets acquired  

24.  Discontinuing Activities 

47,632

63,956

190

(64,467)

(13,882)

33,429

 On the 3rd of July 2018, the Group disposed of its 100% interest in Laga Industries Ltd. The 31st December 2018 results (K’000) 
from the discontinued activities are derived from:

(a)  Profit & Loss for the period:

Revenue 

Operating expenses 

Profit before tax 

Profit after tax 

2018 

2017

66,291 

(64,510) 

1,781 

1,247 

147,650

(137,526)

10,124

7,236

(b)   The Group has two subsidiaries pending liquidation and their assests and liabilities are disclosed as Assets & Liabilities 

held for Sale.

Assets held for sale 

Lae Port  
Services Limited 

Port Services 
Limited 

636 

2,727

(c)  An analysis of the cash flows of discontinued operations is as follows:

Operating cash flows 

Investing cash flows 

Financing cash flows 

Net cash flows 

Opening balance 

Cash disposed on sale of Laga Industries 

Closing cash flow balance 

54       Steamships Annual Report 2018

2018

(6,459)

(8,593)

16,487

1,435

204

1,639

-

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

24.  Discontinuing Activities (continued)

 The sale has resulted in an approximate gain of K48.6M profit for the group.

(d)  Restatement of previous year (2017) figures

The 2017 comparative results have been restated to present the results of Laga Industries Limited as discontinued operations.

Statement of comprehensive income – including discontinued operations

31st December  Discontinued 
Operations 

2017 

31st 
December  
2017 (Restated)

705,687 

147,650 

(635,476) 

(137,526) 

(32,621) 

37,592 

(2,888) 

7,236 

558,037

(497,950)

(29,733)

30,354

Revenue (after reclassifications) 

Operating expenses 

Income tax 

Net profit 

25. Segmental reporting

(a)  Description of segments

 The Board monitors the business from a product perspective and have identified three reportable segments. A brief description of 
each segment is outlined below:

• 

 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.

•  Commercial and investment – consists of the commercial, head office administration function and insurance activities. 

(b)  Segment information 

The segment information provided to the Board for the reportable segments for the year ended 31 December 2018 is as follows: 

2018 

External revenue 

Interest revenue 

Interest expense 

Segment results 

Share of joint ventures and associates profit 

Total tax expense 

Profit from continuing operations 

Hotel 
and Property 

Logistics 

Commercial & 
Investments 
(and eliminations) 

230,935 

323,640 

- 

11,837 

65,509 

45 

(18,431) 

47,123 

1,268 

13,201 

2,630 

119 

(38,289) 

(35,540) 

6,242 

3,931 

(9,564) 

(6,010) 

5,464 

2,834 

2,288 

Total 

560,817

5,199

15,492

62,129

5,628

(53,886)

13,871

Segment assets 

Segment liabilities 

Net assets 

703,784 

394,852 

406,142 

1,504,778

(253,291)   

(240,412) 

(71,047) 

(564,750)

450,493 

154,440 

335,095 

940,028

Total assets includes investment in joint ventures 
  and associates  

Capital expenditure 

Depreciation 

21,836 

25,918 

42,078 

34,359 

19,918 

37,239 

9,086 

10,478 

3,657 

65,276

56,114

82,974

Steamships Annual Report 2018       55

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

25. Segmental reporting (continued)

2017 

External revenue 

Interest revenue 

Interest expense 

Segment results 

Share of joint ventures and associates profit 

Total tax expense 

Profit from continuing operations 

Segment assets 

Segment liabilities 

Net assets 

Total assets includes investment in joint ventures 
  and associates 

Hotels & 
Property 

Logistics 

Commercial & 
Investments 
(and eliminations) 

Total 

    227,408 

- 

(17,533) 

59,478 

905 

(20,688) 

39,696 

324,548 

1,383 

(12,570) 

(5,757) 

3,296 

(13,724) 

(16,186) 

6,081 

3,257 

11,995 

(1,159) 

- 

3,324 

6,844 

558,037

4,640

(18,109)

52,562

7,525

(29,733)

30,354

733,408 

410,348 

215,490 

1,469,373

  (300,991) 

(226,179) 

432,417 

184,168 

13,942 

229,432 

(591,219)

878,154

21,786 

38,287 

7,123 

67,196

Capital expenditure 

Depreciation 

25,775 

43,048 

22,084 

47,772 

6,239 

3,796 

54,098

94,616

These figures include non-controlling interests share of operating profits and assets.

 Revenue from hotels & property business mostly relates to provision of services and is recognized over time. Minor portion 
represents revenue from sale of goods and is recognized at a point in time. Similarly, revenue from logistics business mostly relates 
to provision of services and is recognised over time. Revenue from commercial segment relates to sale of goods and is recognized 
at a point in time.

(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 insignificant business operations in the Solomon Islands and in Isle of Man.

56       Steamships Annual Report 2018

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year Ended 31 December 2018 (Amounts in Kina 000’s unless otherwise stated)

26.  Contingent assets and liabilities

(a)  Contingent Assets

 The Company received a salaries and wages tax default assessment of K15.2M, including penalties and interest, from the Internal 
Revenue Commission of PNG (“IRC”) for the periods from 2006 to 2016. The Company has paid the assessment and lodged the 
appropriate objections as required by the IRC. Although management are confident of a successful outcome, the application of IAS37 
requires such recovery to be considered as a contingent asset.

(a)  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.

27.  Commitments

(a)  Capital commitments

Contracts outstanding for capital expenditure: 

- less than 12 months 

- 1-5 years 

(b)  Lease commitments: Group as lessee

 The Group does not have any non-cancellable operating leases.   

28. Subsequent events

Consolidated 

Parent Entity

2018 

2017 

2018 

2017

4,589 

48,532 

53,121 

7,194 

60,758 

67,952 

- 

- 

- 

-

-

-

 In March 2019 the Directors declared a final dividend of 120 toea per share payable immediately after the Annual General 
Meeting on 7 June 2019 amounting to K37.2M.

Steamships Annual Report 2018       57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
to the Shareholders of Steamships Trading Company Limited

Report on the audit of the financial statements of the Company and the Group 

Our opinion 
We  have  audited  the  financial  statements  of  Steamships  Trading  Company  Limited  (the  Company),  which  comprise  the 
statements of financial position as at 31 December 2018, and the statements of comprehensive income, statement of changes 
in equity and statements of cash flows for the year then ended, and the notes to the financial statements which 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 2018 or from time to time during the financial 
year. 

In our opinion, the accompanying financial statements:

• 

• 

 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 2018, and their 
financial performance and cash flows for the year then ended.

Basis for opinion  
We  conducted  our  audit  in  accordance  with  International  Standards  on  Auditing  (ISAs).  Our  responsibilities  under  those 
standards are further described in the Auditor’s	responsibilities	for	the	audit	of	the	financial	statements	section of our report. 

We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion. 

Independence

We are independent of the Group in accordance with the International Ethics Standards Board for Accountants’ Code of Ethics 
for Professional Accountants (IESBA Code), and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these 
requirements. 

Our firm carries out other services for the Group in the areas of taxation and other non-audit services. The provision of these 
other services has not impaired our independence as auditor of the Company and the Group.

Our audit approach   
An  audit  is  designed  to  provide  reasonable  assurance  about  whether  the  financial  statements  are  free  from  material 
misstatement. Misstatements may arise due to fraud or error. They are considered material if individually or in aggregate, they 
could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of the financial statements.

We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial 
statements  as  a  whole,  taking  into  account  the  management  structure  of  the  Company  and  the  Group,  their  accounting 
processes and controls and the industries in which they operate.

PricewaterhouseCoopers 
PwC Haus, Level 6, Harbour City, Konedobu. PO Box 484, PORT MORESBY, PAPUA NEW GUINEA 
T: (675) 321 1500 / (675) 305 3100, F: (675) 321 1428, www.pwc.com.pg 

58       Steamships Annual Report 2018

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
to the Shareholders of Steamships Trading Company Limited

Materiality

Audit scope

Key audit matters

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 For the purpose of our audit of 
the Group we used overall group 
materiality of K4.0 million, which 
represents 5% of the Group’s 
profit before tax after adding back 
certain non-recurring items. 

 We applied this threshold, 
together with qualitative 
considerations, to determine the 
scope of our audit and the nature, 
timing and extent of our audit 
procedures and to evaluate the 
effect of misstatements on the 
financial statements as a whole.

 We chose Group profit before 
tax because, in our view, it is 
the metric against which the 
performance of the Group is most 
commonly measured and is a 
generally accepted benchmark.

 We selected 5% based on our 
professional judgement noting 
that it is also within the range of 
commonly acceptable related 
thresholds.

 We (PwC Papua New Guinea) 
conducted audit work over all the 
subsidiaries which comprise the 
Group consolidation.

• 

 Amongst other relevant topics, we 
communicated the following key 
audit matters to the Audit and Risk 
Committee:

• 

• 

 Non-current asset  
impairment assessment

 Goodwill impairment 
assessment

• 

 These matters are further described 
in the Key audit matters section of 
our report.

 All subsidiaries of the Group 
are incorporated and operating 
in Papua New Guinea with the 
exception of one subsidiary which 
has operations in the Solomon 
Islands and two subsidiaries 
incorporated in The Isle of Man.

 All significant associates of the 
Group are incorporated and 
operating in Papua New Guinea 
and audited by PwC Papua New 
Guinea.

 Our audit focused on where 
the directors made subjective 
judgements; for example, 
significant accounting estimates 
involving assumptions and 
inherently uncertain future events.

Steamships Annual Report 2018       59

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
to the Shareholders of Steamships Trading Company Limited

Key audit matters 
Key audit matters are those matters that, in our professional judgement, were of most significance in our audit of the financial 
statements for the current period.  The key audit matters were addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements 
as  a  whole,  and  in  forming  our  opinion  thereon,  and  we  do  not  provide  a  separate  opinion  on  these  matters.   We  have 
determined the matters described below to be key matters to be communicated in our report.  

Further, commentary on the outcomes of the particular audit procedures is made in that context.

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key matter

Non-current asset impairment assessment

(Refer	to	note	10	of	the	financial	statements)

As there was an indicator of potential impairment we 
have considered and tested the Group’s assessment of the 
estimated sale value of the ships. 

Included within property, plant and equipment are Ships 
with an aggregate net book value of K100.2 million as at 
31 December 2018, after an impairment charge of K7.6 
million recognised during the year.

The Group’s financial performance has been impacted by 
a prolonged weakness in economic conditions in Papua 
New Guinea. These conditions adversely impacted levels of 
shipping throughout the country.

We considered this a key audit matter because economic 
conditions are a potential indicator of impairment in the 
value of the ships. The Group has assessed impairment 
by reference to estimated sales values of the ships. The 
impairment assessment is sensitive to changes in key 
assumptions about the estimated sales value of the ships. 

The sales values have been determined by reference to 
external valuations of the fleet which contain assumptions 
about the global supply and demand for specific ship types 
and dry docking schedules.

In applying the external valuations, the directors have used 
their professional judgement to consider the impact of the 
specific dry docking schedule of the individual ships.

We evaluated the competency, qualifications and 
objectivity of the experts engaged by the Group to provide 
the valuations of the ships. 

We discussed the valuation methodologies and assumptions 
with the experts. This included understanding and 
evaluating the impact of the dry docking schedules on the 
determined values.

We tested, on a sample basis, the accuracy and relevance 
of the input data provided by the Group to the experts.

We compared the valuations of the individual ships with 
the valuations in the previous year. We also compared the 
selling prices of ships sold during 2018 with the most recent 
valuations for each respective ship.

We compared the Group’s assertions and estimates 
regarding estimated useful lives and residual values with the 
previous year. 

We also considered whether the Group’s assessment of the 
condition of the ships and their future operating plans were 
consistent with historical experience and our knowledge of 
the business. 

60       Steamships Annual Report 2018

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
to the Shareholders of Steamships Trading Company Limited

Goodwill impairment assessment

(Refer	to	note	12	of	the	financial	statements)

The Group has goodwill totalling K76.4 million at 31 
December 2018. In accordance with the accounting 
policy in note 1(n) of the financial statements, the Group 
has assessed the goodwill balance for impairment at 31 
December 2018.

The prolonged weakness in economic conditions in a 
number of the markets in which the Group operates in 
Papua New Guinea has increased the risk that the carrying 
values of the components of goodwill may be impaired.

We have considered and tested the financial models used 
by the Group to determine the value of the cash generating 
units. We compared the models with the previous year’s 
models and found them to be consistently structured 
and consistent with the basis of preparation required by 
accounting standards.

We compared the forecast revenues and expenditures to 
approved budgets and obtained an understanding and 
evaluated the Group’s budgeting procedures, upon which 
forecasts are based. We also evaluated the reliability of 
estimates made by comparing forecasts made in prior years 
to actual outcomes.

The Group has calculated the value of the respective cash 
generating units containing goodwill balances based on 
financial models comprising cash flow projections. The 
cash flow projections use a number of forward looking 
assumptions, including revenue and cost growth, and the 
value calculation is sensitive to these.

We benchmarked the assumptions used around revenue 
and cost inflation with external forecasts, and the discount 
rates with our expectation based on the overall Weighted 
Average Cost of Capital (WACC) of the Group. Together 
with our valuation expert we reviewed the methodology 
used in determining the discount rate applied.

We considered this a key audit matter because of the 
significant judgements around future revenues and costs, 
and the discount rate to be applied in determining the value 
of the cash generating units.

We performed sensitivity analysis on assumptions to 
ascertain the extent of change that would be required in 
key assumptions for the respective goodwill balances to be 
impaired. We determined that the calculations were more 
sensitive to inflation assumptions and discount rates and 
focused our testing on these assumptions.

Information other than the financial statements and auditor’s report 

The directors are responsible for the annual report which includes other information. Our opinion on the financial statements 
does not cover the other information included in the annual report and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion 
on the other information.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, 
consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in 
the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated.  If, based on the work we have performed on the other information 
that  we  obtained  prior  to  the  date  of  this  auditor’s  report,  we  conclude  that  there  is  a  material  misstatement  of  this  other 
information, we are required to report that fact. We have nothing to report in this regard.

Steamships Annual Report 2018       61

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
to the Shareholders of Steamships Trading Company Limited

Responsibilities of the directors for the financial statements 

The directors are responsible, on behalf of the company for the preparation of financial statements that give a true and fair view 
in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards and other generally accepted accounting practice in Papua 
New Guinea and the Companies Act 1997 and for such internal control as the directors determine is necessary to enable the 
preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the directors are responsible for assessing the ability of the Group to continue as a going 
concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless 
the directors either intend to liquidate the Group or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements 

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements, as a whole, are free from material 
misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. 

Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with the 
ISAs will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered 
material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users 
taken on the basis of the financial statements.

As part of an audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing, we exercise professional judgement and maintain 
professional scepticism throughout the audit. We also:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

 Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, design and 
perform audit procedures responsive to those risks, and obtain audit evidence that is sufficient and appropriate to provide 
a  basis  for  our  opinion. The  risk  of  not  detecting  a  material  misstatement  resulting  from  fraud  is  higher  than  for  one 
resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of 
internal control.

 Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit 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 Group’s internal control.

 Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of accounting estimates and related 
disclosures made by the directors. 

 Conclude on the appropriateness of the directors’ use of the going concern basis of accounting and, based on the audit 
evidence obtained, whether a material uncertainty exists related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt 
on the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern. If we conclude that a material uncertainty exists, we are required 
to draw attention in our auditor’s report to the related disclosures in the financial statements or, if such disclosures are 
inadequate, to modify our opinion. Our conclusions are based on the audit evidence obtained up to the date of our 
auditor’s report. However future events or conditions may cause the Group to cease to continue as a going concern.

 Evaluate the overall presentation, structure and content of the financial statements, including the disclosures, and whether 
the financial statements represent the underlying transactions and events in a manner that achieves fair presentation. 

 Obtain  sufficient  appropriate  audit  evidence  regarding  the  financial  information  of  the  entities  or  business  activities 
within the Group to express an opinion on the financial statements. We are responsible for the direction, supervision and 
performance of the Group audit. We remain solely responsible for our audit opinion. 

We communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the 
audit and significant audit findings, including any significant deficiencies in internal control that we identify during our audit.

We also provide those charged with governance with a statement that we have complied with relevant ethical requirements 
regarding independence, and communicate with them all relationships and other matters that may reasonably be thought to 
bear on our independence, and where applicable, related safeguards.

62       Steamships Annual Report 2018

INDEPENDENT AUDITOR’S REPORT
to the Shareholders of Steamships Trading Company Limited

From the matters communicated with those charged with governance, we determine those matters that were of most significance 
in the audit of the financial statements for the current period and are therefore the key audit matters. We describe these matters 
in  our  auditor’s  report  unless  law  or  regulations  preclude  public  disclosure  about  the  matter  or  when,  in  extremely  rare 
circumstances, we determine that a matter should not be communicated in our report because the adverse consequences of 
doing so would reasonably be expected to outweigh the public interest benefits of such communication.

Report on other legal and regulatory requirements 

The Companies Act 1997 requires that 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 2018:

•  We have obtained all the information and explanations that we have required;

• 

 In our opinion, proper accounting records have been kept by the Company as far as appears from an examination of those 
records.

Who we report to

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

Christopher Hansor 
Partner

Registered under the Accountants Act 1996

Port Moresby
29 March 2019

Steamships Annual Report 2018       63

DIRECTORS’ REPORT
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2018

Steamships Trading Company Limited and Subsidiary Companies

The Directors submit their Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2018 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 8.  The Group continues to operate in the 
segments of Hotels and Property, Logistics and Commercial & Investments.

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 K69,529,000 (2017: K41,516,000).

Dividend

The Directors advise that a final dividend of 120 toea per share will be paid after the Annual General Meeting on 07th June 
2019. This brings the total dividend declared for the year to 165 toea per share. Dividends payable to shareholders resident 
outside of Papua New Guinea will be converted to Australian Dollars at the prevailing rate which the Company is able to 
secure.

Rounding Off

Amounts in the Directors’ Report and accounts have been rounded off to the nearest thousand Kina.

64       Steamships Annual Report 2018

DIRECTORS’ REPORT
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2018

Experience & Interests Register 

Directors serving at the date of this report 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: 

G.L. Cundle

Chairman since 28th February 2015

Managing Director from 1st January 2013 to 12th January 2015 

Member of the Remuneration Committee 

Member of the Strategic Planning Committee 

Director since 2013 

Mr Cundle 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 General Manager of Steamships Shipping from 1989-1992. He is a Director of John Swire 
& Sons (PNG) Ltd. He was the Managing Director of Steamships Trading Company Limited from 1st January 2013 to 12th 
January 2015. He is Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of John Swire and Sons (Australia) Pty Limited. 

G. Aopi CBE

Director since 1997

Mr Aopi has achieved several tertiary degrees in Papua New Guinea, and a Masters of Business Administration from the 
University of Queensland. Mr Aopi has substantial public service and business experience in PNG, including Secretary of 
Finance and Planning and Managing Director of Telikom PNG Limited. He presently holds the position of PNG Country 
Chairman at Oil Search Limited and President of Chamber of Mines and Petroleum. He was previously the Chairman of 
Telikom PNG Limited and Independent Public Business Corporation (IPBC). Mr Aopi is a Director of Marsh Limited and is 
involved in a number of other private sector and charitable organizations in Papua New Guinea.

R.P.N. Bray

Director since 27th August 2018

Appointed Chief Operating Officer on 27th August 2018, Mr Bray was previously Marine Services Director of Singapore 
based Swire Pacific Offshore Pte Ltd.   He was responsible for Swire Pacific Off shore’s ‘subsea, renewables, logistics, 
seismic, salvage and oil spill divisions.  He was formally Chief Operating Officer of Swire Oilfield Services and held various 
senior operational and commercial positions in Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd in his earlier career. He is a Director of John 
Swire & Sons (PNG) Ltd and various Steamships Trading Company subsidiaries, joint ventures and associated companies. 

Sir M.R. Bromley KBE 

Member of the Audit 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 a Director of Baht Fung Limited, Allway Logistics Limited, 
Pegasus Print Group Pty Ltd, Fasteners & More Pty Ltd, Sonway Asia Ltd, Chemica Ltd, Sig No.1 Ltd, Glock No. 1 Ltd, Maps 
Tuna Ltd, Sek No. 35 Ltd, Hoia Investment Ltd, Venture Ltd and Viva No. 31 Limited. 

Relevant Interest in Steamships shares: 19.99%.

Steamships Annual Report 2018       65

DIRECTORS’ REPORT
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2018

D.H. Cox OL, OBE

Managing Director 2004 to 2012 

Member of the Audit Committee 

Member of the Strategic Planning Committee 

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 Asia-Pacific business environment. He is also a Director of Charles Parsons (Holdings) Pty Ltd, Australia 
Pacific Technical College and holds a MBA in International Hospitality and BSc (Hons) in Accounting & Business 
Management.

G.J. Dunlop

Chairman of the Audit 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 City Pharmacy 
Group Ltd, Mainland Holdings Ltd, and Croesus Re PCC Limited. 

Lady W.T. Kamit CBE

Member of the Audit Committee

Director since 2005

Lady Winifred Kamit is a former Senior Partner, and currently a consultant at Dentons (formerly Gadens Lawyers) in Port 
Moresby. Lady Kamit is a Director of Bunowen Services Ltd, Kamchild Limited, Dentons Administration Services Ltd, Post 
Courier Limited and its subsidiaries, and Chairman of ANZ Banking Group (PNG) Ltd. Lady Kamit also serves on a number 
of private sector and charitable organisations, including as member of Board of Trustees of the Institute of National Affairs, 
Anglicare PNG and Patron of Business Coalition for Women.

M.R. Scantlebury

Managing Director since 27th August 2018

Finance Director & Company Secretary since June 2016  

Mr Scantlebury is a chartered accountant and was previously Director of the Office for Financial Planning at Swire Pacific 
Ltd in Hong Kong and he has held various senior finance and commercial positions in the Swire group in his career. He 
is a Director of John Swire & Sons (PNG) Ltd and various Steamships Trading Company subsidiaries, joint ventures and 
associated companies. 

B.N. Swire

Director from 1 January 2015

Mr. Swire joined John Swire & Sons, Ltd., in 1985 and has since worked at various times in Hong Kong, Papua New Guinea 
and Japan, concentrating on the Group’s marine businesses. He returned to the London Head Office in 1994 and is now the 
Chairman of John Swire & Sons Ltd. Additionally, he was until the end of 2018 the non-Executive Chairman of the China 
Navigation Co. Ltd., and remains a non-Executive Director of Swire Pacific Offshore Holdings Ltd. and of John Swire & Sons 
(Green Investments) Ltd. Mr Swire has direct and indirect beneficial interest 5.6%. 

J.H. Woodrow

Director from 7 September 2015

Mr Woodrow is Managing Director of the China Navigation Company Pte Ltd (Swire Shipping). He was formerly Director 
Cargo for Cathay Pacific (2013-2015) and General Manager Cargo Sales & Marketing for Cathay Pacific (2010-2013). He 
joined John Swire and Sons Ltd in September 1990 and spent 15 years in the sea freight industries in Japan and Australia. 
He was also a Director of various companies across Asia including Air Hong Kong Ltd, Air China Cargo Ltd, Cathay Pacific 
China Cargo Holdings Ltd, Cathay Pacific Services Limited.

66       Steamships Annual Report 2018

DIRECTORS’ REPORT
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2018

Remuneration of Directors

Directors remuneration received or receivable from the Company as directors during the year, is as follows:

P. Aitsi (retired)  
G. Aopi  
Sir M.R. Bromley 
D.H Cox 
G.L Cundle (Chairman) 
G.J. Dunlop 
Lady W.T. Kamit 
B.N. Swire 
J.H Woodrow  
P.W. Langslow* (retired) 
M.R. Scantlebury* 
R.P.N Bray* (appointed) 

2018 
K’000 

106 
124 
223 
223 
223 
247 
135 
124 
124 
  - 
  - 
  - 
1,529 

2017
K’000

124
124
223
223
223
247
135
124
124
  -
  -
  -   

1,547

The directors fees vary in accordance with the required duties on various sub-committees of the board.
* Executive Directors 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 

2018 
No. 

2017 
No. 

Remuneration 
K’000 

2018 
No. 

2017 
No. 

Remuneration 
K’000 

2018 
No. 

2017
No.

100-110 
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 
340-350 
350-360 

5 
2 
3 
5 
3 
2 
3 
2 
4 
2 
3 
- 
1 
1 
2 
1 
1 
3 
- 
- 
- 
2 
2 
- 
1 

7
6
4
4
3
1
2
1
2
5
1
2
-
-
1
3
2
3
2
1
2
2
2
3
4

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 
500-510 
510-520 
520-530 
550-560 
560-570 
570-580 
580-590 
600-610 
610-620 
620-630 
630-640 
640-650 

3 
- 
1 
2 
2 
1 
1 
1 
2 
1 
2 
1 
- 
1 
- 
- 
2 
- 
1 
- 
1 
- 
2 
1 
1 

1
2
2
-
2
1
1
2
1
1
-
1
2
1
2
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
3
-

650-660 
660-670 
670-680 
680-690 
690-700 
700-710 
730-740 
740-750 
750-760 
770-780 
780-790 
800-810 
830-840 
870-880 
890-900 
910-920 
920-930 
990-1000 
1,000-1,010 
1,010-1,020 
1,050-1,060 
1,800-1,900 
2,100-2,300 
2,500-2,600 
2,600-2,700 

1 
2 
- 
- 
1 
1 
- 
- 
- 
2 
1 
1 
- 
1 
1 
1 
1 
- 
1 
- 
- 
1 
- 
- 
1 

-
-
1
2
-
-
1
2
2
-
1
1
1
1
-
2
-
2
1
2
1
-
1
1
-

For and on behalf of the Board: 

Port Moresby 
29 March 2019 

G.L. Cundle 
Chairman 

M.R. Scantlebury 
Managing Director

Steamships Annual Report 2018       67

 
 
 
 
 
 
STOCK EXCHANGE INFORMATION
Steamships Trading Company Limited  Year ended 31 December 2018

Shares are listed on the Australian Securities Exchange and the Port Moresby Stock Exchange.
All shares carry equal voting rights.

Shareholdings
At 28 February 2019, there were 365 shareholders.

265  Holding 
Holding 
71 
Holding 
15 
Holding 
14 

1 
1,001 
5,001 
10,001 

- 
- 
- 
- 

1,000 units
5,000 units
10,000 units 
and over

The number of shareholders holding less than a marketable parcel was 20.

The 20 largest shareholders were: 

Number of shares 

John Swire & Sons (PNG) Limited 
Bell Potter Nominees Ltd 
National Superannuation Fund Ltd 
Berne No 132 Nominees Pty Ltd 
John E Gill Operations Pty Ltd 
Hylec Investments Pty Ltd 
Kelvinside Pty Ltd 
Citicorp Nominees Pty Limited 
Bond Street Custodian Limited 
Mr Ramesh Mahtani 
HSBC Custody Nominees (Australia) Limited 
Intercontinental Assets Pty Ltd 
Engoordina Pty Ltd 
Derrick Charles Whitaker 
Jennifer May Forbes 
Miss Shirin Moayyad 
Custodial Services Limited 
National Nominess Limited 
Mrs Judith Scottholland 
Mrs Mary Patricia Haughton 

22,362,651 
5,760,000 
1,859,446 
446,494 
54,727 
32,500 
25,000 
23,263 
23,067 
21,700 
20,767 
15,000 
11,078 
10,348 
10,000 
10,000 
8,768 
8,688 
8,161 
8,161 

30,719,819 

 %

72.12
18.58
6.00
1.44
0.18
0.10
0.09
0.09
0.07
0.07
0.07
0.05
0.04
0.03
0.03
0.03
0.03
0.03
0.03
0.03

99.07

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.

68       Steamships Annual Report 2018

 
 
 
Steamships Annual Report
COMPANY DIRECTORY 

CHAIRMAN
G. L. Cundle §&

MANAGING DIRECTOR & FINANCE DIRECTOR 
M. R. Scantlebury

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
R.P.N. Bray

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS
G. Aopi CBE
Sir M.R. Bromley KBE §+&
D. Cox OL, OBE +&
G.J. Dunlop +&
Lady W.T. Kamit, CBE +
B.N. Swire &
J . H Woodrow

+  Member of the Audit and Risk Committee 
§   Member of the Remuneration Committee 
&  Member of the Strategic Planning Committee

SECRETARY
M.R. Scantlebury  

REGISTERED OFFICE
Level 5, Harbourside West, Stanley Esplanade
Telephone:  +675 313 7400
P .O . Box 1
Port Moresby, NCD
Papua New Guinea

AUDITORS
PricewaterhouseCoopers
P .O . Box 484
Port Moresby, NCD 
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