Papua New Guinea prime minister visits YWAM medical ship ahead of 2026 outreach

Papua New Guinea Prime Minister James Marape visited the MV YWAM PNG ship ahead of its first voyage of 2026 to Western Province, expressing support for its health and education initiatives serving local communities.

Marape visited at the end of January accompanied by a delegation of government ministers: Miki Kaeok, Minister for Transport; Billy Joseph, Minister for Defence; and Kinoka Feo, Minister for Higher Education.

The ship underwent a refit in the Philippines at the end of 2025.

“The Prime Minister met with volunteers from Papua New Guinea and around the world, including a team from YWAM Norway,” according to YWAM Medical Ships News.

“Conversations during the visit focused not only on the upcoming outreach, but also on the future — particularly the potential for additional ships serving the people of PNG.

“Prime Minister Marape expressed strong enthusiasm for this vision, reaffirming his long-standing support for ship-based services that bring healthcare, training, and development directly to coastal and riverine communities.”

Built in 1999 as a small catamaran cruise liner, the 60-meter vessel—capable of accommodating 130 volunteers—was purchased by YWAM Medical Ships (Australia & PNG) in 2014 and refitted as a specialized medical and training “floating hospital.”

It is officially registered as a health facility in Papua New Guinea and tasked with reaching remote coastal and river communities in notoriously difficult terrain, with more than 5,000 kilometers of coastline and hundreds of inhabited islands.

The prime minister’s wife, Rachael Marape, is the Co-Patron of YWAM Medical Ships PNG and advocates for maternal and child health.

At the time of the visit, about 100 volunteers from 14 nations were on board the MV YWAM PNG. They were preparing to deliver critical health services in partnership with local healthcare workers. Their work includes promoting health and education while strengthening local services and supporting a long-term vision for community wellbeing.

“The Prime Minister’s visit is a powerful affirmation of the partnership between the Government of Papua New Guinea and YWAM Medical Ships – Australia & PNG, united by a shared commitment to improving access to healthcare and investing in the future of PNG’s people, especially in some of the nation’s most hard-to-reach regions,” YWAM Medical Ships News added.

Ken Mulligan, managing director of YWAM Medical Ships, has previously described the story of the MV YWAM PNG as one of “genuine collaboration.”

“Health professionals, leaders, and communities in PNG are driving real change, working alongside Australian and international teams in a spirit of shared learning and respect,” Mulligan said.

“Together, we’re building healthier futures by combining local knowledge, skills, and commitment with broad support, training, and resources.”

YWAM Medical Ships – Australia & PNG has partnered with the National Department of Health and provincial health authorities since 2010. This partnership has resulted in more than 2.3 million healthcare and training services delivered, while also providing hands-on training opportunities for Papua New Guinean health workers.