ICTSI transforms PNG ports into high-performing trade gateways
Three years after commencing operations in Papua New Guinea, International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI) has successfully transformed the ports of Lae and Motukea into high-performing gateways.
The PNG Ports Corporation Limited granted ICTSI a 25-year concession in 2017 to manage and operate South Pacific International Container Terminal (SPICT) and Motukea International Terminal (MIT) as part of Government efforts to modernize PNG’s international ports to sustain the country’s economic development and expanding international trade over recent years.
“The country’s decision to modernize our two international terminals has achieved results over the last three years. The government has planned for continued growth and development in the international trade arena and PNG Ports is pleased to have entered a productive partnership with ICTSI,” said Fego Kiniafa, PNG Ports Managing Director.
Leveraging global expertise and advanced port technology, ICTSI has improved the efficiency levels of both ports–cutting ship waiting time to an average of one hour from the 16-hour average in 2015. Cargo loading and offloading, which used to take two days on the average, now only takes less than a day.
The current average vessel turnaround time is 18 hours compared to the previous average of 38 hours, while truck turnaround time has been cut by half to 25 minutes from 50 minutes. Berth productivity and document processing time have also vastly improved, while electronic data exchange and vessel productivity reports now only take two hours, down from the previous average of 12 hours.
“We look towards enhancing our partnership over the next two decades as we work together to maximize both ports’ potential of bringing high standards of operational efficiency operational efficiency for the greater benefit of our port users and the country,” added Mr. Kiniafa.
SPICT and MIT continues to deliver strong results and were among the more notable performers in the ICTSI Group’s Asia Pacific operations in 2019. ICTSI’s success in PNG comes from its three decades of experience in port development, management, and operation, as well as its ability to establish mutually sustainable partnerships with local stakeholder communities.
