SPECIAL REPORT

Troubled times in paradise

The global financial crisis is having a disproportionate impact on Pacific islands economies, although resource-rich Papua New Guinea is faring better. For shipping lines, business is down, competition is up and there’s not much optimism on the horizon, reports Dale Crisp

The kaleidoscope rotates

THE PAPUA New Guinea and Pacific Islands regions play host to a complex and ever-changing pattern of shipping services, such that it is not surprising to find not all carriers in these markets know exactly what their competition is up to at any one time.