Prime Minister, Hon. James Marape MP, together with Australian Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Richard Marles MP, have officially opened His Majesty’s Papua New Guinea Naval Base (HMPNGS) Tarangau.
The opening of HMPNGS Tarangau, also known as Lombrum Naval Base, follows the completion of an extensive redevelopment under a joint initiative by Papua New Guinea and Australia – the largest security infrastructure project delivered by Australia in the Pacific.
HMPNGS Tarangau provides PNG with a sovereign capability to protect its borders and maritime resources. The Naval Base is owned by and for the benefit of the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF).
It’s new facilities include:
- Working and living accommodation for the PNGDF;
- A medical centre for the base and local community;
- Water and sewerage services to supply the base;
- New power infrastructure providing reliable electricity to the base and local community;
- Upgraded maritime infrastructure, including barge landing ramps;
- Office infrastructure, including a guard house and headquarters building; and
- Combined mess facilities, able to accommodate around 200 sailors and officers.
The completion of HMPNGS Tarangau will also provide further opportunities between Australia and PNG to increase interoperability and cooperation through joint training, exercises and ship visits.
This initiative demonstrates the natural progression of Australia’s longstanding partnership with PNG through our Defence Cooperation Program.
Australia has delivered four Guardian class patrol boats to the PNGDF through the Pacific Maritime Security Program – with many of those to be based out of HMPNGS Tarangau.
Australia and PNG are committed to working together to address shared security challenges. The Pacific family is stronger when we respond together, by enhancing coordination, sharing information and improving interoperability between our countries.
Quotes attributable to Prime Minister James Marape:
“This is a tangible example of the PNG-Australia partnership in action.
The security of Papua New Guinea is directly linked to the security of the Pacific, and this facility will be central to joint exercises, maritime surveillance , and disaster response operations.”
Quotes attributable to Australian Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles:
“Papua New Guinea is a close partner and friend of Australia and we are proud to officially open the redeveloped HMPNGS Tarangau.
“The completion of the Lombrum Joint Initiative represents another major milestone in the increasingly close defence relationship between Australia and Papua New Guinea.
“As a result of these works, Papua New Guinea now has an increased ability to monitor and protect its borders and maritime approaches.”
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Richard Marles inspecting the guard of honour at the opening of HMPNGS Tarangau.
For further information, including access to related materials, please contact the Australian High Commission media team: +675 7090 0100