K260m contract signed for Kimbe port upgrade

**Kimbe port updgrade contract signing between PNG Ports** and Pacific Marine Group. *(Image: Supplied)*

A K260 million contract was awarded to Pacific Marine Group for the rehabilitation and
upgrade of Kimbe Port.

The contract was awarded following a comprehensive evaluation process, with work
expected to commence at the end of the first quarter of 2025 and completed within 16
months.

Kimbe Port is the first of several ports slated for upgrades under the K1.5 billion blended
financial package provided to PNG Ports by the Australian Government through the Australian
Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) in 2022.

PNG Ports Chief Executive Officer, Neil Papenfus, hailed the project as a significant
milestone, highlighting its importance for enhancing trade, connectivity, and commercial opportunities for West New Britain and Papua New Guinea as a whole.

Papenfus commended the Australian Government for its financial support, which has made this development possible.

"We also acknowledge the West New Britain Provincial Government for their partnership in
advancing this initiative,” Papenfus said.

He said the rehabilitation of the port would lead to increased economic activity for Kimbe based businesses over the construction period.

“This K260 million rehabilitation for Kimbe is not merely a physical upgrade – it represents a
strategic investment in Papua New Guinea’s future,” State Own Enterprise Minister William Duma said.

Minister Duma said the project will increase the port’s capacity and efficiency, enhance
safety standards, and align operations with modern environmental and technological requirements.

Australian High Commissioner John Feakes said this economic boosting project will stimulate economic growth and strengthen PNG's role in regional trade.

“Kimbe will be the first of five major Port upgrades supported by Australia in PNG,” Feakes said.
“The project is structured to maximise opportunities for local workers and suppliers…these outcomes for PNG are only possible where high quality contractors with proven track records, like Pacific Marine Group, deliver works that put PNG first”

Duma gave assurance that the Government of PNG and PNG Ports Corporation will continue to nurture and expand this vital partnership to deliver world-class port infrastructure for the benefit of all Papua New Guineans.