Earlier this week, two barges loaded with plant and equipment critical for the maritime works at Kimbe port departed from Townsville, Queensland, Australia. The journey will take approximately 12 days and will deliver equipment to commence construction at Kimbe port in West New Britain.
The Kimbe marine works are part of the Ports Infrastructure Investment Program (PIIP) funded by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), which will upgrade five ports across PNG (Kimbe, Oro Bay, Daru, Kavieng, and Lae).
Earlier this year, Pacific Marine Group Pty Ltd (PMG) was contracted to undertake the complex marine works at Kimbe, with the contract valued at PGK260 million. This project is anticipated to boost to the local economy and provide opportunities for local Papua New Guinean firms delivering benefits to the local community. The work is expected to support access to greater economic opportunity to the people of West New Britain through local employment and skills development opportunities.
CEO of PNG Ports Corporation Ltd, Mr Neil Papenfus says that he’s happy to see significant progress with mobilisation of PMG into Kimbe.
“It is exciting to see. As we draw closer to commencement of work, we are committed to ensuring the project is delivered on time, on budget and to international standards for the benefit of the people of Papua New Guinea,” he said.
Business Development Manager for PMG Mr Andrew Morris is also pleased to see this collaboration advance.
“We’ve officially moved into the mobilisation phase of the Kimbe Port Redevelopment with a strong team and a clear vision for the future of this critical infrastructure,” he said.
The project involves the demolition and construction of a new wharf structure as well as restoration works to the existing wharf and revetment walls with works scheduled to conclude in 2026.
In the coming months local firm Global Constructions Ltd will also mobilise to Kimbe and commence the shore-based works at the port through a contract valued at PGK79 million.
The deployment of this equipment is a very welcome first step just ahead of Papua New Guinea’s golden jubilee celebrations for the 50th Independence Anniversary in September. Progressing this work and enhancing vital maritime links to Kimbe is an important milestone and a great tribute to the very close relationship that PNG shares with Australia.
In the coming months local firm Global Constructions Ltd will also mobilise to Kimbe and commence the shore-based works at the port through a contract valued at PGK79 million.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100