Shipping registration formally records vessels under the Papua New Guinea flag, establishing legal status, supporting maritime safety oversight, and ensuring compliance with national and international obligations.
Vessels on Register
Ports of Registry
Registration Steps
National Register
The PNG Ship Register is the official national record of all vessels operating under the Papua New Guinea flag. It establishes a vessel’s nationality, ownership, and regulatory compliance status, and is used by NMSA for safety oversight, enforcement, and international reporting obligations.
Registration confers PNG flag status, confirming the vessel's nationality for international maritime law purposes.
Formal registration creates a legal record of ownership and establishes the vessel's standing under national law.
Registered vessels are subject to NMSA safety inspections, survey requirements, and compliance monitoring.
PNG registration satisfies international obligations under IMO conventions for vessels on international voyages.
Registration under the PNG flag is available to the following categories of owner or operator. All applicants must satisfy NMSA’s eligibility assessment before a registration will be approved.
Follow these five steps to register a vessel under the PNG flag. Contact the NMSA Shipping Division if you need assistance at any stage of the process.
Verify that you meet the ownership eligibility criteria and that the vessel satisfies NMSA's statutory requirements for PNG flag registration.
Gather all required documents including proof of ownership, vessel particulars, and current safety certificates. See the Required Documents section below.
Lodge your completed application form and supporting documents with the NMSA Shipping Division in person or by email at shipping@nmsa.gov.pg.
NMSA will assess your application, verify documentation, and may conduct a vessel inspection or survey as part of the approval process.
Upon successful assessment, NMSA will issue a Certificate of Registry. The vessel is formally entered onto the PNG Ship Register and may operate under the PNG flag.
All applications must include the following documents. Incomplete applications will not be processed. NMSA may request additional documents depending on the vessel type or ownership structure.
The following vessels are listed on the PNG Ship Register where approved for publication, supporting transparency and verification for port authorities, insurers, and the public.
| Vessel Name | IMO Number | Vessel Type | Gross Tonnage | Port of Registry | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MV Pacific Star | 9123456 | General Cargo | 4,850 GT | Port Moresby | Active |
| MV Island Trader | 9234567 | Passenger | 1,200 GT | Lae | Active |
| MV Kokopo Pioneer | 9345678 | General Cargo | 2,100 GT | Rabaul | Active |
| MV Madang Spirit | 9456789 | Ferry | 650 GT | Madang | Active |
| MV Coral Prince | 9567890 | Tanker | 8,300 GT | Port Moresby | Active |
| MV Gulf Trader | 9678901 | General Cargo | 980 GT | Kimbe | Active |
| MV Milne Explorer | 9789012 | Fishing Vessel | 180 GT | Alotau | Active |
| MV Bismarck Carrier | 9890123 | General Cargo | 3,450 GT | Lae | Active |
NMSA registration fees are determined by vessel gross tonnage. All fees are in Papua New Guinea Kina (PGK). Confirm current fees with NMSA before submitting an application, as fees are subject to revision.
| Vessel Category | Gross Tonnage (GT) | Initial Registration Fee (PGK) | Annual Renewal Fee (PGK) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small Craft | Under 50 GT | 500 | 250 |
| Coastal Vessel | 50 – 299 GT | 1,500 | 750 |
| Medium Vessel | 300 – 999 GT | 3,500 | 1,750 |
| Large Vessel | 1,000 – 4,999 GT | 7,500 | 3,750 |
| Ocean-Going Vessel | 5,000 GT & above | 15,000 | 7,500 |
Download the application form and contact the NMSA Shipping Division to begin the process.
