Papua New Guinea’s Kimbe Port is poised for a major transformation under an AUD 32 million (PGK 80 million) infrastructure upgrade contract awarded to local construction firm Global Construction Ltd. The project forms part of a broader initiative backed by the Australian Government through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), and is being delivered in collaboration with PNG Ports Corporation and the Government of Papua New Guinea.
The contract covers critical landside works, including the reconstruction of port pavements, drainage improvements, upgraded terminal lighting, and installation of new firefighting systems. In addition, key buildings such as the cargo shed, port office and passenger terminal will be refurbished to enhance safety, functionality and user experience.
The project is expected to generate more than 300 local jobs, with 70 per cent of the workforce to be recruited from within West New Britain Province. Governor Sasindran Muthuvel MP said the project would elevate Kimbe’s standing to international port standards, boosting regional commerce and creating employment opportunities.
At the contract signing, Minister for State Enterprises Hon. William Duma MP praised Australia’s continued investment in PNG’s infrastructure, noting historical ties dating back to the original construction of Kimbe and other northern ports. “For the Government and people of Australia to help us through the AIFFP means a lot to us,” he said.
Australia’s High Commissioner to PNG, Ewen McDonald, reinforced the importance of local capacity-building in infrastructure projects. “Relying only on international firms misses opportunities for lasting economic gains,” he said, adding that national industry participation should be a key focus for all development partners in PNG.
The landside contract follows an earlier marine works contract awarded to Australian firm Pacific Marine Group Pty Ltd. Both companies will work in tandem to deliver a modernised, fit-for-purpose port by 2026.
Kimbe Port is one of several PNG ports benefiting from AIFFP’s PGK1.6 billion Ports Infrastructure Investment Program, which is also supporting upgrades in Kavieng, Daru, Oro Bay, and Lae. The program aims to improve port connectivity, strengthen supply chains, and stimulate economic growth across the country.
With work set to begin shortly, the Kimbe upgrade represents a key milestone in Australia and PNG’s infrastructure partnership—one that combines regional development goals with long-term commercial benefits.
Papua New Guinea Ports Corporation Ltd has commenced a major K1.5 billion infrastructure investment programme to overhaul six of the country’s key maritime gateways. Funded with support from the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP), the programme combines AUD521 million in concessional loans with a AUD100 million grant. The ports slated for upgrade are Lae, Kimbe, Kavieng, Daru, Oro Bay and the Lae Tidal Basin.
The initiative, which kicked off in May 2025, will run until 2029 and is expected to significantly improve trade capacity, boost local employment, and create more climate-resilient infrastructure. PNG Ports Acting CEO Rodney Begley said the project will contribute to sustainable economic development by improving cargo handling capacity, reducing turnaround times, and enabling larger ships to berth safely.
The upgrades include dredging, breakwater extensions, new wharves, and cyclone-resilient features. At least 30% of the labour force will be Papua New Guinean, creating local job opportunities and skills development.
Photo caption: Signing marks the start of Kimbe Port upgrades under Australia–PNG partnership. Courtesy: AIFFP.
