A PAIR of barges is bringing essential equipment for the Kimbe Port Rehabilitation Project in Papua New Guinea from Townsville in North Queensland.
The two barges are from Pacific Marine Group.
The first barge is expected to arrive around Sunday 20 July. A second barge is expected to arrive in late August or early September.
The voyage time to West New Britain province is just under two weeks.
The first barge is carrying a cargo including:
The second barge is to carry mostly precast components for marine works.
According to PNG Ports, this marks “a major milestone” in delivering a modern, efficient and safer port for West New Britain, for Papua New Guinea.
PNG Ports chief executive Neil Papenfus said Kimbe Port was PNG Ports’ third most profitable port and a key hub in their 30-year Port Infrastructure Master Plan.
This marks the first of several major upgrades under the AIFFP program of investment.
“The port’s marine works, in particular the construction of a bigger, modern, and climate-proofed wharf will bring the port up to global standards, enable it to better handle future business and extreme weather,” Mr Papenfus said.
“The Kimbe Port upgrade is expected to boost trade, improve connectivity and increase commercial opportunities for the people of Kimbe, West New Britain Province and Papua New Guinea as a whole.”
As the busiest port in PNG’s Island’s Region, the improvements are to support key regional industries such as agriculture (including palm oil, fisheries and timber), as well as tourism—unlocking significant local economic potential.
“The actual construction works are anticipated to create around 300 local jobs with contractual obligations to engage with Papua New Guinea and Kimbe based suppliers and services providers,” Mr Papenfus said.
For more insights into the economy and logistics sector of Papua New Guinea, read the feature article from the June-July 2025 edition of DCN Magazine.