Growing vessel calls and cargo volumes have prompted ICTSI South Pacific to invest K8.1 million in new cargo-handling equipment at Lae, with further upgrades planned for both Lae and Motukea.
International Container Terminal Services Inc’s Papua New Guinea operation is expanding cargo-handling capacity at Lae following increased vessel traffic during 2026.
ICTSI South Pacific has invested K8.1 million in new equipment for the South Pacific International Container Terminal and operations at Lae Main Wharf.
The investment includes a reach stacker, two empty-container handlers and five terminal trucks and trailers. The new equipment complements the mobile harbour crane already operating at Lae Main Wharf.
Lae Main Wharf is being used as an overflow berth for the Lae Tidal Basin as increased vessel calls and cargo volumes place additional demands on port capacity.
ICTSI South Pacific Chief Executive Officer Robert Maxwell said the additional equipment would help the company respond to growing demand while maintaining safe, reliable and efficient operations.
“By adding capacity and improving how we handle cargo, we can better serve our customers as trade activity continues to grow,” Maxwell said.
Further investment is planned at both the South Pacific International Container Terminal in Lae and Motukea International Terminal outside Port Moresby.
ICTSI intends to introduce rubber-tyred gantry cranes, which can allow terminals to stack containers more efficiently, increase yard storage density and improve truck turnaround times.
A new gate camera system is also planned to record the condition and status of containers as they enter and leave the terminals.
Lae is PNG’s principal industrial and logistics hub and provides an important gateway for cargo moving to and from the Highlands and other major economic centres. Port efficiency therefore has broader implications for supply chains, freight costs and businesses across the country.
ICTSI operates both the Lae and Motukea international terminals under concessions with PNG Ports Corporation.
The latest equipment programme reflects continuing investment in Papua New Guinea’s maritime logistics infrastructure as cargo demand grows.
For importers, exporters and transport operators, increased terminal capacity and faster container handling can help reduce congestion and improve the reliability of supply chains, making port infrastructure an important component of Papua New Guinea’s wider trade competitiveness.
