Ela Motors Officiates Groundbreaking Ceremony for the Lae Boat Factory

May 19, 2025

Business Stakeholders and Ela Motors Team Members in front of the Project Signboard

Ela Motors PNG proudly marked a major milestone with the official groundbreaking ceremony of the new
Boat Factory in Lae, Morobe Province.

Held on Monday, 19th May 2025, the event signified a bold step forward in marine manufacturing and
reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to innovation, local development, and community
empowerment in Papua New Guinea.

In his keynote address, Mr. Masaru Mikami, Chief Executive Officer of Ela Motors PNG, announced the
Company’s investment of approximately PGK50 million into the new factory, which is set to become a hub
for boat manufacturing in the region

“Through this project, we aim to foster even greater coexistence with the local community. I would
like to express my gratitude to everyone present at this ceremony and to all the stakeholders involved
in this great project. I am excited to see the development of our business with the people of Papua
New Guinea.”

Mr. Mikami reiterated Ela Motors’ longstanding dedication to safety, quality, and service excellence. With
water travel critical to PNG’s more than 600 inhabited islands, the new facility will significantly boost
production capacity—from 1,200 to over 3,000 boats annually—and provide technical training, employment
opportunities, and increased economic participation for the people of Lae and beyond.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by several high-profile guests and dignitaries, including:
• Deputy Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, The Honourable John Rosso, MP
• Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to Papua New Guinea, Mr. Hisanobu
Mochizuki
• Governor of Morobe Province, Honourable Luther Wenge, MP
• Group Manager – South Pacific Group Area, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd, Mr. Hirofumi Matoba
• Assistant to the Managing Director, Yamaha Motors Australia Pty Ltd, Mr. Yuji Nakao
• Chief Executive Officer, Manufacturers Council of Papua New Guinea, Mr. Chey Scovell

Group Manager – South Pacific Group Area, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd, Mr. Hirofumi Matoba echoed these
sentiments, highlighting Yamaha Motor’s long-standing partnership with Ela Motors and its role in advancing
marine transport and fisheries in PNG.

The Honorable Governor, Mr. Luther Wenge, welcomed the investment as a visionary move that would
position Morobe Province as a leader in boat manufacturing.

His Excellency, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to PNG, Mr. Hisanobu
Mochizuki, took the opportunity to highlight the 50th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan
and Papua New Guinea, describing the Lae Boat Factory as a symbol of mutual trust, economic
partnership, and sustainable development.

“Let us move forward with hope, unity, and determination, recognizing that the new Lae boat factory is more than just a structure; it is a vessel for opportunity, growth, and shared success.”

Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. John Rosso, commended Ela Motors and its partners for creating over 100 new
job opportunities, stating:

“On behalf of the people of Lae, Morobe Province, and Papua New Guinea, I sincerely thank Toyota
Tsusho for ensuring that Lae becomes the hub and focus of this manufacturing plant.”

The factory is scheduled to start operation in the latter half of the financial year 2026, with the capacity to supply local and exploration of the export markets.The Lae Boat Factory stands as a testament to Ela Motors’ mission to deliver happiness through mobility and to support Papua New Guinea’s economic growth through sustainable industrial development.