Five ships to serve Irian

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Image Maria Pty of Australia and local company PT Avinusa Jati Perkasa will jointly operate passenger ships to serve important seaports in Irian Jaya province.

Paulus Sumino, a senior member of the local council, said here recently that the operation of the five ships, each with a capacity of between 150 and 200 passengers, was needed to improve sea transportation services in the province.

The ships will serve the province's main towns of Serui, Jayapura, Manokwari, Sorong, Fakfak, Nabire, Timika and Merauke.

Sumino said that one of the ships will also serve a route linking Serui, Jayapura and Papua New Guinea.(aba)