Posted on January 22, 2025
Papua New Guinea port operator PNG Ports Corporation has confirmed the commencement of the Kimbe Port Rehabilitation and Upgrade Project with the awarding of its marine package contract to Australia-based marine construction and commercial diving firm the Pacific Marine Group (PMG).
Valued at PGK260 million (US$64 million), the contract was awarded to PMG following a comprehensive evaluation process. Work is scheduled to commence at the end of the first quarter of 2025 and completed within 16 months.
The land package component of the project is currently under evaluation and will follow soon.
Kimbe Port is the first of several ports slated for upgrades under the PGK1.5 billion (US$370 million) blended financial package provided to PNG Ports by the Australian Government through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) in 2022.
“Kimbe Port is our third-largest port and a priority in our 30-Year Port Infrastructure Master Plan,” said Neil Papenfus, PNG Ports Chief Executive Officer. “Located in PNG’s largest producer and exporter of crude palm oil, the port is critical to our economy. This project will bring key benefits, including local job creation and economic engagement.”
