Ports need upgrade, says official

PORT facilities have to be upgraded to accommodate much larger vessels, according to PNG Ports managing director Fego Kiniafa.
Large vessels arriving at Motukeia in Port Moresby and Lae should prompt the Government and PNG Ports to fast track the second phase of the Lae Tidal Basin project.
“We have to create facilities at our ports that are conducive and safe to accommodate such advancements, especially, the inclusions of bigger vessels,” Kiniafa said.
He said it was time to plan the extension of berthing and other facilities at the Lae Tidal basin as one of the major ports in the country.
Kiniafa said in the next three to five years, these project should have started.
PNG Ports plans to bring in a ship-to-shore crane.
“This is the first thing we want to do with the international container terminal services incorporated as it is much quicker in getting the containers on and off the ship while at our ports in Lae and Port Moresby,” Kiniafa said.