New Lae Port underutilized

The Lae tidal basin, the extension of the existing Lae port, has not been fully used for the last two years and must go into full opetion as soon as possible.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said this yesterday in Lae when opening the National Planning Consultation Summit.

The Lae tidal basin only came into operation just over a month ago when new port operator International Container Termonal Services Incorporation (ICTSI) settled in but it is not yet catering to increased shipping activities.

Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said this is affecting the state in repaying loan deals made to secure this massive project and is also affecting the economy.

Mr O’Neill’s last cabinet signed a 25 year terminal operations agreement deal with PNG Ports to operate the Motukea port in Port Moresby and also the country’s largest port of Lae as container handling facilities.

The company is set to expand the port’s facilities and improve its capabilities as it opens up to increase shipping and container traffic and handling.

NBC News - Gabriel Lahoc