Tidal basin in Lae under control of PNG Customs

By GLORIA BAUAI
THE Lae Tidal Basin has been declared a Papua New Guinea Customs-controlled area, according to commissioner David Towe.
He said with basin receiving more than 51 per cent of cargo coming into PNG, a full declaration was needed to give Customs the power to enter, search and perform all necessary functions on the property.
On Friday, Towe handed over the Government gazetted notice to port owner, PNG Ports, and port operator, International Container Terminal Services Inc in Lae.
“We have mapped out its exact coordinates, and under the Customs Act, it is now a fully declared port,” he said.
Chief Operating Officer George Gware described it as the highest standard of transparency, efficiency and compliance with PNG Customs regulation.
“A declared port enables a streamlined process of clearance, reduces delayed time and efficiency in the overall supply chain,” Gware said.
“This Customs declaration is not a culmination of development but a stepping stone to greater achievement.”
PNG Ports acting chief operating officer Felix Bauri said the declaration and of the Motukea port in Port Moresby and the Lae Tidal Basin was in line with the development of both ports.
He said it was a significant milestone for both ports, ensuring a safe and secure maritime trade.
“We recognise that collaboration with our industry partners is vital in meeting current and future demand in maritime trade,” he said.