PNG’s international ports among top 50 in Oceania

South Pacific International Container Terminal, Port of Lae

Port Moresby and the Port of Lae, Papua New Guinea’s two international maritime ports, are among the top 50 ports in the Oceania region in terms of turnaround time according to the Container Port Performance Index 2023: A comparative assessment of performance based on vessel time in port report by the World Bank. 

Publicly disclosed in July, the Container Port Performance Index analyzed the total container ship time in port, which is directly affected by the type of cranes and the speed at which they operate. Both ports are operated by ICTSI South Pacific, a subsidiary of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI).

For Port Moresby and Lae, the significant improvements in operational efficiency result from ICTSI South Pacific’s continuing investments in port equipment, technology, infrastructure and manpower. Last year, ICTSI South Pacific introduced two ship-to-shore cranes in Lae—the first in the country. The STS cranes have since ramped up efficiency at the port, resulting in faster turnaround times for vessels.

ICTSI South Pacific also introduced real-time electronic data interchange and reports to both ports, phasing out manual processes like invoicing and payments. These improvements have made both gateways more globally competitive compared to seven years ago, benefitting the local supply chain.

ICTSI South Pacific remains committed to driving progress across Papua New Guinea’s maritime port industry, ensuring that the country’s two international seaports operate under international standards.