Two barges loaded with plant and equipment have departed Townsville, Queensland in Australia for Kimbe, West New Britain for the re-construction of a K260 million worth wharf.
The journey will take approximately 12 days.
The Kimbe marine works are part of the Ports Infrastructure Investment Program (PIIP) funded by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP). AIFFP which will upgrade five ports across PNG (Kimbe, Oro Bay, Daru, Kavieng, and Lae).
Earlier this year, Pacific Marine Group Pty Ltd (PMG) was contracted to undertake the complex marine works at Kimbe, with the contract valued at PGK260 million.
The project is anticipated to be the boost to the local economy it will increase access to greater economic opportunity to the people of West New Britain through local employment and skills development opportunities.
PNG Ports Corporation Ltd CEO Neil Papenfus says that he is glad to see significant progress with mobilization of PMG into Kimbe.
“It is exciting to see. As we draw closer to commencement of the work, we are committed to ensuring the project is delivered on time, on budget and to international standards for the benefit of the people of Papua New Guinea,” Papenfus said.
Business Development Manager for PMG Mr Andrew Morris is also pleased to see this collaboration advance.
“We’ve officially moved into the mobilization phase of the Kimbe Port Redevelopment with a strong team and a clear vision for the future of this critical infrastructure,” Morris said.
The project involves the demolition and construction of a new wharf structure as well as restoration works to the existing wharf and revetment walls with works scheduled to conclude in 2026.
In the coming months local firm Global Constructions Ltd will also mobilize to Kimbe and commence the shore-based works at the port through a contract valued at PGK79 million.
The deployment of this equipment is the first step ahead of Papua New Guinea’s golden jubilee celebrations for the 50th Independence Anniversary in September. Progressing this work and enhancing vital maritime links to Kimbe is an important milestone and a great tribute to the very close relationship that PNG shares with Australia.
