Kimbe Port in West New Britain Province is amongst 15 other ports nationwide set to be upgraded soon.
It will be funded using part of the K1.5 billion Australian Government funding awarded to PNG Ports, through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).
The project, when completed, will to meet the increasing demands in sea trade, and be positioned to take advantage of economic possibilities which may come with it.
CEO of PNG Ports, Neill Papenfus said PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNG Ports) has completed a pre-bid site inspection with potential contractors for the Kimbe Port Upgrade Project in West New Britain.
CEO of PNG Ports, Neill Papenfus, says 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,” he said.
“The Land Package for the Project is currently in the evaluation stage and will follow soon after the awarding of the Marine Package.”
“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.”
“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.”
“PNG Ports also looks forward to working in collaboration with these stakeholders and the West New Britain Provincial Government and the leaders in ensuring that the project is completed for the benefit of the people in the province,” he said.
Also on site for the inspection were representatives from AIFFP and the Australian Transport Sector Support Program.
The AIFFP’s K1.5 billion blended financial package to PNG Ports was prompted by a 20-Year Port Infrastructure Master Plan launched by PNG Ports four years ago.
The Master Plan, which highlighted the deteriorating conditions of the ports, will guide the rehabilitation and transformation all 15 ports owned by PNG Ports in order to meet the increasing demands in sea trade, and be positioned to take advantage of economic possibilities which may come with it.