PNGPCL: Activities at Lae port have increased

ACTIVITIES at Lae port have increased and the future is looking positive for the PNG Ports Corporation Ltd, chief executive officer Stanley Alphonse said last Thursday in Lae, Morobe.
Outlining the corporation’s strategy to improve its port infrastructure, he said the country’s most important port was undergoing remodelling.
Alphonse and senior members of his management team met with representatives from freight forwarders, overseas shipping companies, land transport, customs, consignees, coastal shipping companies, stevedoring companies and the National Agriculture Quarantine Inspection Authority.
“Lae port is undergoing significant remodelling valued at over K30 million, with the ultimate objective to increase port productivity, the result of which will increase efficiency for all stakeholders,” he said.
“As the port and the supporting processes change, we are asking out stakeholders to work with us in this transformation process to the benefit of the industry in PNG,” Alphonse said.
The corporation’s 20-year strategic plan will be launched next month.
He said other plans were development of tanker berth to service long and heavier tanks, especially tanker berth three, which would be extended.
He said berth occupancy rates were between 85% and 100%  and the corporation was working to minimise congestion as a result.
“Significant challenges remaining are berth producti­vity improvement, yard management improvement, port security enhancements, improvement in corporate governance and stakeholder relations and recruitment of appropriate personnel,” he said.
Other developments initiated by the corporation are:
* New receiving and delivery office;
* new entrance and exit gate;
* new stevedores mess and ablution block;
* new traffic plan;
* new lighting and IT connectivity;
* new passenger terminal, and,
*  Introduction of new IT terminal operating system.