TOWNSVILLE-based Pacific Marine Group has secured a multi-million dollar project to upgrade Papua New Guinea’s third-largest port, Kimbe.
PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNG Ports) this morning [17 January] announced the commencement of the Kimbe Port Rehabilitation and Upgrade Project with the awarding of its Marine Package contract to PMG.
Valued at K260 million (A$100.85 million), the contract was awarded following a comprehensive evaluation process, PNGPC said. The official signing took place yesterday, with work expected to commence at the end of Q1 this year and becompleted within 16 months.
The Land Package component of the project is currently under evaluation and will follow soon.
Kimbe Port is the first of several ports slated for upgrades under the K1.5 billion blended financial package provided to PNG Ports by the Australian Government through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) in 2022.
PNG Ports CEO Neil Papenfus hailed the project as a significant milestone, highlighting its importance for enhancing trade, connectivity, and commercial opportunities for West New Britain Province and Papua New Guinea as a whole.
“We sincerely thank the Australian Government for its financial support, which has made this development possible. We also acknowledge the West New Britain Provincial Government for their partnership in advancing this initiative,” said Mr. Papenfus.
“Kimbe Port is our third-largest port and a priority in our 30-Year Port Infrastructure Master Plan. Located in PNG’s largest producer and exporter of crude palm oil, the port is critical to our economy. This project will bring key benefits, including local job creation and economic engagement.”
“Our ports must remain fit-for-purpose, capable of meeting future business demands, and resilient to climate challenges. This project is an important step in achieving those goals,” Mr Papenfus said.
Mr. Papenfus also expressed excitement about collaborating with PMG, a leader in marine contracting and commercial diving with over three decades of experience across Northern Australia, PNG, and the Pacific region.
“Pacific Marine Group’s expertise will be vital in building reliable and sustainable infrastructure for the province and the nation,” he said. Mr Papenfus added that the rehabilitation of the port would lead to increased economic activity for Kimbe based businesses over the construction period.
The project signals a significant step forward in PNG Ports’ mission to modernize port facilities and foster economic growth, he said.
PMG was founded 30 years ago and has bases in Townsville, Cairns and Mackay. The Group this week celebrated its contribution to the widening of Townsville’s main shipping channel and construction of new berthing infrastructure when Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth became the largest cruise ship to visit the port.
