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In support of international
transshipment port in NI
I AM pleased to read the article “Sir
Julius Chan’s support to build an international transshipment port
in Kavieng” (July 31).
The National Government must take a bold step to support the
veteran statesman to reactivate this issue to boost the major
maritime and the shipping industries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Papua New Guinea must venture into partnership with other major
maritime companies such as the Singapore Port Authority (PSA).
Sir Julius may have other plans for building an international
wharf and I want to share in the concept of international
transshipment seaport wharf facility to be built in Kavieng to
cater to international transshipments of cargo/containers across
the Atlantic/Pacific Oceans.
We may not have network connections, expertise and major financial
resources for such a major investment.
But the National and New Ireland Governments can take ownerships
of the proposal and investments to invite major foreign companies
such as the PSA to build and manage the facility.
Vessels from around the world use the Singapore port to land and
reload millions of containers as transshipments.
That is how Singapore is making billions of dollars by offering
its port facilities and we can do the same in Kavieng.
I was in Kavieng last year and vigorously pursued the matter with
the local port advisory committee under the chairmanship of
Sugihenua Apawa and the president of the New Ireland Chamber of
Commerce and Industry Pedi Anis, supported by then Ports Corp CEO
Kepas Wali.
We made numerous approaches to administrator Sirambat and Governor
Ian Ling-Stuckey but no response was forthcoming
Sir Julius is on the right track and the National Government must
support the proposal in order to make PNG a major player in the
maritime industry in the Asia-Pacific region.
Shipping and stevedoring industries would provide employment
opportunities for our ever-increasing population.
In fact, the Minister for Public Enterprises Arthur Somare had
initiated some plans and directed Wali to push the proposal but
there was no positive feedback from the provincial government.
I call on Sir Julius and the National Government to pursue the
proposal and turn it into a reality.
Tony Aelingian Willie
Lae Port
 
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