Supporting Papua New Guinea's maritime infrastructure growth

The Albanese Government is supporting a $95 million upgrade of Papua New Guinea’s Kimbe Port to improve freight services and resilience to climate change, while fostering economic growth and creating local jobs.

The upgrade is financed by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), and will involve the demolition and reconstruction of wharf structures and the rehabilitation of existing facilities.

This project forms part of the broader AIFFP-funded PNG Ports Infrastructure Investment Program, which aims to strengthen connectivity and supply chain efficiency across Papua New Guinea.

The program, developed in partnership with the PNG Government, will also upgrade Oro Bay, Daru, Lae and Kavieng facilities.

Pacific Marine Group Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract by PNG Ports Corporation Ltd for Kimbe Port Marine improvement works.

The Kimbe Port upgrade is supporting local jobs via local construction companies and supply chains, with a minimum target of 30 percent expenditure on local content.

The works are scheduled to begin in early 2025 and conclude in 2026.

More information can be found on the AIFFP project page.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Foreign Affairs Penny Wong:

“Since the Albanese Government was elected, we have made the Pacific, including our relationship with Papua New Guinea, a priority.

“Through this project, and the broader Ports Program, we are responding to PNG priorities, and helping our neighbour become more economically resilient and secure.

“Australia is a trusted partner for major infrastructure projects in the Pacific, with transparent investment to support high quality construction and utilising local labour to create jobs and support the local economy.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for International Development and the Pacific Pat Conroy:

“The Albanese Government has been working hard with Pacific nations to shape a peaceful, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific.”

“With more than 90 per cent of internationally traded goods in Papua New Guinea transported by sea, maritime infrastructure is critical.”

“Pacific countries look to us first to support their development and economic needs. Australia is proud to support the re-development of Kimbe Port, particularly as PNG marks the historic milestone of 50 years of independence.”