Safety and security upgrades at Motukea Port were officially launched by Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Senator the Hon Zed Seselja, and Papua New Guinea’s Minister for State Enterprises, the Hon William Duma, in Port Moresby today.
These works are part of a A$10 million (PGK 26.2 million) grant from the Australian Government for upgrades at 15 ports across PNG.
This will include perimeter fencing and solar security lighting at all ports, as well as installation of CCTV and vessel tracking systems at Motukea and Lae, PNG’s two international gateway ports.
The upgrades will enhance safety features at PNG’s ports and will support compliance with international regulations including the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Ship and Port Facility (ISPS) codes.
“The fences have been an immediate need at all ports and PNG Ports are thankful to the Australian Government for this grant,” Minister Duma said.
This event follows the recent signing of an MOU between the Government of PNG, Government of Australia and the PNG Ports Corporation on maritime infrastructure cooperation.
“Strategic and high-quality infrastructure projects are vital for economic prosperity, and this investment is a concrete demonstration of our support for ports in PNG,” Minister Seselja said.
“The Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) is already working closely with PNG Ports Corporation on preparing proposals for a potential loan to support up to A$400 million (PGK1.1 billion) in critical ports upgrades across PNG,” Minister Seselja said.
“We are grateful for the support of our Australian partners in advancing the rehabilitation of our critical maritime infrastructure,” said Minister Duma.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100