PAPUA New Guinea Port Corporation Limited (PNGPCL) in its continues partnership with the government of Australia launched its major Safety and Security Upgrade Project at the Motukea International Terminal (Port) in Port Moresby.
The project is funded by the Australian government, through the Transport Sector Support Program (TSSP), at a total cost of AUD$10 million (K26 million).
The project will see an upgrade of 14 Kilometers of carbonize paradise fencing, 450 solar security lights, a bank of 50 CCTV security cameras, and three vessel tracking cameras procured and installed.
Speaking during the launching, Chairman of PNG Ports Board, Kepas Wali said the project is part of the implementation of PNG Ports 30-year infrastructure master plan.
He said the funding from the Australian government in improving PNG Ports security and safety upgrades is in line with PNGPCL aim to deliver safe secure facility to meet global standards.
“PNG Ports are being modernized and our aim is to deliver safer and secure facilities that meet global standards which will make PNG as a maritime leader and a regional shipping hub for the Pacific whilst contributing to the PNG government revenue and providing first class service to the people of PNG,” Mr Wali said.
Also speaking during the launch was the Minister for State Enterprises, William Duma.
Minister Duma said the upgrade is an immediate need for all the 15 ports as well as the two major ports which is Lae and Motukea.
He said the CCTV security cameras and the vessel tracking cameras are requirement under the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Ship and Port Facility (ISPF) in which the government is the signatory.
“The vessel tracking cameras will enable all international and domestic cargo vessels that will be entering Motukea and Lae to be tracked and monitored safely into the port and out again providing vital information to the pilot and the captain’s vessel at the time of its vessel’s arrival and departure,” Mr Duma said.
He added that the vital structural changes will also be done to ensure that the country is on par with the rest of the world and the cause to comply with the Laws and to comply with the IMO and ISPS standards.
“There is definitely a great need for our country to be equipped and ready security wise as the demand for sea trade increases.
“This will be the first time since PNG gained independence that PNG Ports will be undertaking such a large scale security upgrade of its ports,” Mr Duma said.
Minister Duma further acknowledged the continuous support from the Australian government through the TSSP program to help bring the project forward after years of delay.
The Australian government has also committed an amount of AUD$400 million (PGK 1.1 billion) which will be allocated to the funding of the 30-year PNG Ports Infrastructure Master Plan which was recently launched.
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,” said Australia’s Minister for International Development and the Pacific Zed Seselja .
“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.