Prime Minister opens new Lae Port Overseas Wharf extension

Prime Minister Peter O'Neill yesterday opened the new Lae Port Overseas Wharf extension and commended PNG Ports for their effort in getting the project.

He said he was impressed with the new facilities and work would continue into the second phase including the commissioning of the Lae Tidal Basin Project.

 "This wharf is going to be the hub of trading activity for the Pacific, as well as Australia and New Zealand, as it can cater for large ships that carry bigger loads and would continue to serve out of this port," O'Neill said.

"It is very important that the second stage of the project is completed as planned so that it can facilitate growing business activities in Lae and many other parts of the country."
He said the expanded facility would work in with other major projects such as the Wafi Golpu mine and other mining projects that are taking place in the vicinity of the port.
Speaking to PNG Ports staff and management, O`Neill encouraged all people involved with the port expansion to think big and work to continually to increase their efficiency as the port expands.
"You have been given the authority to operate this port according to best commercial practices, and it is up to you to improve your level of service to your customers," he said.

"I know staff and management will work together to improve services and the efficiency of the facilities to meet the consumer demand.
"We can spend millions of Kina on projects like this, but to make it work we have to go beyond old practices and work at world standards."
O`Neill said while the government had inherited a range of infrastructure deficiencies following decades of neglect, he said the National Government was working through these problems and allocating funding to key projects.
The Prime Minister cut the ribbon to officially open the port.