PNG Ports Limited (PNG Ports) has enhanced its maritime infrastructure, by completing a pre-bid site inspection with potential contractors for the Kimbe Port Upgrade Project in West New Britain Province in Papua New Guinea.
This significant project is set to receive a substantial boost through part of the K1.5 billion Australian Government funding, facilitated by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).
CEO of PNG Ports, Neill Papenfus, underscored the importance of this development, saying these contractors were invited to bid for the Marine Package of the Kimbe Port Upgrade Project which is currently in its bid stages.
"The inspection will give the contractors a fair idea of the physical features of the site, scope of work and raise any queries before the bidding period ends.”
“The Land Package for the Project is currently in the evaluation stage and will follow soon after the awarding of the Marine Package.” He added.
Papenfus further emphasized that the project marks a significant milestone, being the first of several ports earmarked for comprehensive upgrades to ensure alignment with global industry standards.
“Kimbe Port Upgrade Project will be the first of a number of selected ports to undergo similar upgrading to ensure that the ports are fit for purpose and on par with global industry standards.”
Acknowledging the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, Papenfus extended gratitude to the Australian Government and its agencies, alongside key local entities including port services providers, PNG Government Departments, and regulatory bodies such as the Conservation Environment Protection Authority and National Maritime Safety Authority.
“I would like to acknowledge all stakeholders involved in the planning and implementation of the project, including the Australian Government and its agencies, port services providers, PNG Government Departments in Treasury, Transport, the Conservation Environment Protection Authority, and National Maritime Safety Authority, among others.”
Furthermore, PNG Ports expressed its commitment to collaborative endeavors with the West New Britain Provincial Government and leaders to ensure the successful completion of the project, ultimately benefiting the people of the province.
Representatives from AIFFP and the Australian Transport Sector Support Program (ATSSP) were also present during the site inspection, underscoring the multinational support and collaboration driving this endeavor forward.
The beginning of this transformative project traces back to the AIFFP’s K1.5 billion blended financial package, and to PNG Ports' comprehensive 20 Year Port Infrastructure Master Plan, launched four years ago by PNG Ports. This strategic blueprint identified the pressing need for rejuvenating port facilities across the country to accommodate increasing sea trade demands and capitalize on emerging economic opportunities.
The Kimbe Port Upgrade Project, emblematic of this broader initiative, is poised to revitalize critical maritime infrastructure, ensuring sustainable development and positioning PNG Ports to thrive in the evolving global trade sector.
As PNG Ports progresses towards the realization of this ambitious vision, stakeholders anticipate tangible socio-economic benefits to the region, underscoring the transformative potential of strategic infrastructure investments in PNG.
