PNG Ports signs agreement with Singapore operator

Port Strategy

03 Dec 2012

Port Moresby looks set to up its efficiency

Singapore based operator, Portek International Ltd, has signed a collaborative agreement with Papua New Guinea Ports Corporation Ltd (PNGPCL) to jointly operate its two largest container terminals.

Lae Port container terminal handles more than 140,000 teu annually, whilst Port Moresby, located in the country’s capital, handles more than 79,000 teu.
The five year collaboration at the two ports will include training of PNGPCL personnel in the entire spectrum of port operations, including the use of Portek’s in-house terminal management system (TMS). The deployment of personnel is expected in January 2013.
This is a strategic move on both sides. PNGPCL wants to benefit from Portek’s team of experts in the field of operation, maintenance and port information technology. Meanwhile, Portek, which tends not to market its TMS independently but as a part of a holistic solution to its partners, wants to increase efficiency at the ports.
Ms Aline Wong, corporate development executive, Portek International, said to Port Strategy: “Our solution is a total solution (for the ports). There will be port professionals who will assist in the process of re-engineering PNGPCL’s current operations. These efforts will be captured and customised into the terminal management system which Portek will be implementing at the ports of Lae and Moresby.”
PNGPCL first worked with Portek 18 months ago when it supplied 10 refurbished rubber-tyred gantry cranes to the same ports. Ms Wong added that since then, PNGPCL and Portek have been in close consultation to see how else they may collaborate in raising the levels of operating efficiency at the ports.