Kimbe Port in Papua New Guinea’s West New Britain Province is set for a significant upgrade, with a PGK80 million contract awarded to local firm Global Construction Ltd to deliver critical land side upgrades.
The project is supported by the Australian Government through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) and delivered in partnership with the Government of Papua New Guinea and PNG Ports Corporation Limited.
The upgrades will improve core port infrastructure, including pavement reconstruction, drainage, terminal lighting, and firefighting systems.
Key buildings such as the port office, cargo shed and passenger terminal will also be refurbished to improve safety, functionality and user experience.
The works are expected to create over 300 local jobs, with 70 per cent of the workforce to be sourced locally, providing employment and skills development in West New Britain.
Speaking at the signing, the Hon. William Duma MP, Minister for State Enterprises, noted the significance of Australian support.
“For the people and Government of Australia to be able to come back and help us with the AIFFP program means a lot to us. If you look at the history of Kimbe, Bialla, Rabaul, even Manus, nearly all of them were built by the Australians themselves more than 50 years ago the fact that the Government and the people of Australia decided to help us reflects the long and enduring relationship we have with our closest neighbour, the people of Australia,” he said.
The Governor of West New Britain, the Hon. Sasindran Muthuvel MP, welcomed the project and added that developing the port to international standards would improve business and support employment opportunities and bring much-needed development.
The Australian High Commissioner to Papua New Guinea, Mr Ewen McDonald said the PGK80 million contract will create employment and provide skills development opportunities for both West New Britain and Papua New Guinea more broadly.
“Using projects to provide opportunities for national industry should be a goal for all development partners in Papua New Guinea. Relying only on international firms misses opportunities for lasting economic gains,” he added.
The land side contract follows the earlier award of marine works to Pacific Marine Group Pty Ltd.
Together, the contractors will deliver a modern, fit-for-purpose facility that meets the growing needs of the province and its people. Construction is expected to begin shortly and be completed by 2026.
The Kimbe Port project is part of AIFFP’s PGK1.6 billion Ports Infrastructure Investment Program, which is supporting upgrades at ports across Papua New Guinea, including in Kavieng, Daru, Oro Bay and Lae.
These investments are improving connectivity, enhancing trade, and supporting inclusive growth across the country.
Learn more about Australia’s investment in Upgrading ports across Papua New Guinea.
Local and international partners come together to deliver critical port infrastructure
Signing marks the start of Kimbe Port upgrades under Australia–PNG partnership.
Kimbe Port set for major transformation under AIFFP-supported project.