By ORCHY REX in Lombrum, Manus
The Lombrum Naval Base in Manus Province is to be officially opened today, marking a major milestone in Papua New Guinea’s efforts to strengthen its maritime security capabilities and regional defence partnerships.
The redevelopment of the base is the result of a joint commitment made between Papua New Guinea and Australia during the 2018 APEC Leaders’ Summit in Port Moresby.
On November 1, 2018, both Prime Ministers signed a joint statement pledging to work together under the long-standing Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) of 1978, with strategic guidance from PNG’s Defence White Paper 2013.
The project supported by the governments of PNG, Australia, and the United States is aimed at transforming Lombrum into a modern naval facility capable of supporting the Papua New Guinea Defence Force’s (PNGDF) maritime operations. The initiative is designed to house four Guardian-class patrol boats provided by Australia under the Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP).
According to the PNG Government, the vision for the PNGDF is to be “a professional and cost-effective force that is responsive to national security policies and able to operate with neighbouring and international forces to promote regional stability and national security.” The upgraded Lombrum facility is central to achieving this vision.
The Lombrum Development Project was implemented in two stages. Phase One was the Early Works which commenced in 2020 and included perimeter fencing, the renovation of the community chapel and health facility, and improvements to the antenna farm.
Phase Two is the Main Works that involved major infrastructure overhauls, including the demolition and rebuilding of single officers’ quarters, accommodation facilities, and other essential base infrastructure.
PNGDF officials say the transformation will not only improve living and working conditions for naval personnel but will also significantly enhance operational readiness.
While the project’s primary aim is to bolster PNG’s maritime capability, it has also delivered a significant economic boost to Manus Province. Local companies were contracted during the construction phase, and employment opportunities were created for the local community.
Project records show that 85% of the workforce came from Manus Island, 10% from other parts of Papua New Guinea, and only 5% were expatriates.
Defence analysts point out that the redeveloped base will serve as a critical asset for PNG’s maritime security, enabling the country to better patrol its seas and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
It will also strengthen PNG’s role in regional security cooperation, particularly in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and in responding to maritime security threats.
The PNGDF will benefit from a program of tailored training, mentoring, and ongoing support from Australia through the Defence Cooperation Program. Australia’s Defence Department describes the initiative as “a natural extension of our longstanding partnership with PNG,” noting that cooperation at Lombrum dates back to before the Second World War and continued through PNG’s independence in 1975.
Once fully operational, the redeveloped Lombrum Naval Base will stand as a symbol of PNG’s growing capacity to protect its maritime domain, safeguard marine resources, and contribute to regional stability.
Officials from both governments say the facility will also enhance interoperability between the PNGDF and the Australian Defence Force (ADF), deepening maritime security ties in the Pacific.
“This base belongs to Papua New Guinea,” the joint statement from 2018 affirmed. “It is for the benefit of the PNGDF, to respond to PNG’s security needs and priorities.”