The 30m-long MV Fly Explorer is custom built for the job and houses a laboratory, loading ramp, workshop, office and 12 cabins for scientists.
Paid for by Ok Tedi Community Mine Continuation Agreements trust investment funds, the vessel is on dry hire to the Ok Tedi mine which will earn an 8% per annum return on investment to provide more funds for CMCA communities.
OTDF brought in the passenger ferry MV Fly Hope in April under similar arrangements while a bulk cargo and fuel carrier MV Fly Warrior is expected to be delivered later this year.