Papua New Guinea’s Lae Port has completed the initial phase of an upgrade project to modernise its operations.
The upgrade will enhance the safety and efficiency of port operations with new facilities, including a tidal basin, multipurpose berth and terminal works, as well as buildings, storage areas, roads, drainage, water, electricity and sewerage services.
Following the improvements, the port will have a visible increase in its cargo-handling capacity.
The project has been carried out by the government’s executing agency Independent Public Business Corporation (IPBC), with financial support provided by Asian Development Bank (ADB).
ADB PNG Resident Mission director (Papua New Guinea) Marcelo Minc said: "ADB has maintained a long and active presence in PNG, supporting priority infrastructure investments such as the Lae Port development project, which aims to boost inclusive and environmentally sustainable economic growth.
"The strong partnership between ADB, the Government of PNG and IPBC resulted in the project being delivered ahead of time and on budget."
The port has significant role in the economy of Papua New Guinea, a country that has 15 of its 20 provinces on coastal areas and more than 60% of its seven million people widely dispersed.
IPBC managing director Wasantha Kumarasiri said: "Infrastructure developments such as the Lae Tidal Basin are crucial to the development of Papua New Guinea.
"The Lae Tidal Basin, with two additional container berths, will result in the tripling of capacity of the Lae Port, as a third berth has also recently been added to the existing facility."
Image: The improvements will enhance the port’s cargo-handling capacity. Photo: courtesy of Asian Development Bank.
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