By ORCHY REX in Manus
Papua New Guinea has entered a new era in maritime security with the official opening of the fully restored Lombrum Naval Base, now His Majesty’s Papua New Guinea Ship (HMPNGS) Tarangau in Manus yesterday.
Prime Minister James Marape has hailed the facility’s transformation as a “historic and strategic leap” in the nation’s defence capability as the most significant military infrastructure investment in PNG’s 50 years of independence.
Standing alongside Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister, Richard Marles, PM Marape expressed deep gratitude to the Government and people of Australia, and especially Australian taxpayers, for funding the AUD $500 million redevelopment through a joint security initiative.
“This is not just a refurbishment; it is a game-changing investment,” Mr Marape declared. “Papua New Guinea is a nation blessed with over 3 million square kilometers of sovereign territory both land and sea. Our maritime zone is rich in fisheries, forestry, energy, and biodiversity, but it is also vulnerable to illegal fishing, illicit trade, drug trafficking, unauthorized migration, and other forms of transnational crime. A strong, well-resourced Navy is not optional but it is essential and the restored Lombrum Naval Base is at the heart of building that strength.”
Once a pivotal Allied base during World War II, Lombrum had, for much of PNG’s post-independence history, suffered from decades of neglect and only piecemeal improvements due to limited resources.
The Prime Minister acknowledged that while past governments had made small interventions over the years, the base had never received the major overhaul it truly needed until now.
The comprehensive redevelopment has modernized HMPNGS Tarangau into a state-of-the-art naval facility capable of hosting modern defence assets and supporting large-scale maritime operations.
Upgraded features now include:
• Modern living and working accommodation for PNG Defence Force (PNGDF) personnel
• A new medical centre for both the base and the surrounding Manus community
• Reliable water and sewerage systems to service the base
• A robust new power infrastructure delivering consistent electricity to both the base and local residents
• Enhanced docking, maintenance, and maritime operational infrastructure, including barge landing ramps
• Improved office facilities, a guard house, and a headquarters building
• Combined mess facilities able to accommodate up to 200 sailors and officers
Mr Marape reiterated his government’s goal of expanding the PNGDF to 10,000 personnel by 2035, comprising 7,000 regular soldiers and 3,000 reservists, to meet the security demands of PNG’s vast maritime and land territories.
“This investment is part of a bigger picture,” he said. “We are developing both our air and sea wings so that our Defence Force can operate effectively across all domains. Our goal is to give our men and women in uniform the right tools, the right facilities, and the right conditions to perform at their very best.”
HMPNGS Tarangau will also become a hub for greater PNG and Australia defence cooperation, boosting interoperability and readiness for joint operations. This includes joint naval exercises, ship visits, maritime surveillance, and coordinated disaster response missions.
Through the Pacific Maritime Security Program, Australia has already delivered four Guardian-class patrol boats to PNGDF many of which will be based at Lombrum. The facility’s redevelopment ensures these vessels have the operational support they need to protect PNG’s maritime approaches.
“This is a tangible example of the PNG–Australia partnership in action,” PM Marape stressed. “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.
Deputy PM Marles described the opening as a defining moment in the close and enduring relationship between the two nations.
He acknowledged the presence of dignitaries, including PNG’s Chief of Defence Force Rear Admiral Philip Polewara, the Vice Chief of the Royal Australian Navy, Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG His Excellency Ewen McDonald, and representatives from the United States and praised Manus Island’s historic contribution to national and regional security.
“This island, this province, has played such a significant role in the 50 years of Papua New Guinea,” Mr Marles said. “Time and again, I come across Manusians who are deeply patriotic to their nation, making an extraordinary contribution to Papua New Guinea, but utterly parochial about their hometown, about their home island, their province, this island, Manus Island.”
The Deputy Prime Minister reflected on Lombrum’s strategic importance during World War II, when Seadler Harbor became the largest US naval base outside continental United States.
“Just as the strategic significance of this place was well understood in the Second World War, it is understood again today,” Mr Marles said.
“At over 500 million Australian dollars, more than a billion kina, this represents the most significant infrastructure project that the Australian Government has ever pursued in the Pacific.”
He described the PNG–Australia relationship as one of family, not just friendship. “We are two countries, walking step by step, side by side, forever.”
Mr Marles also emphasized that the completion of the Lombrum joint initiative represented another major milestone in the increasingly close defence relationship between Australia and PNG. As a result of these works, PNG now has an increased ability to monitor and protect its borders and maritime approaches.
The timing of Lombrum’s restoration aligns with PNG’s golden jubilee celebrations, marking 50 years of independence.
“As we celebrate our 50th anniversary of independence, this is a powerful reminder that we must continue to strengthen the foundations of our sovereignty,” PM Marape said. “The restored Lombrum Naval Base is a statement to the world that Papua New Guinea is serious about defending its people, resources, and future.” “On behalf of the people of Papua New Guinea, I thank the Australian taxpayers for their generosity. Your investment is not just in infrastructure, it is in the security and prosperity of an entire nation and the wider Pacific region,” he concluded.