LNG cargoes big challenge to ports

THE increasing volume of shipment destined for the liquefied natural gas project (LNG) is now causing big stress on the country’s major ports, but wharf operators are gearing up to handle it.“The impact is already here,” PNG Port Corp chairman Dr Ila Temu said during an interview at the Yacht Club last Thursday, where a shareholders’ “get to know” night was held.“Our big challenge is how prepared are we to support the economy … PNGPC is a stakeholder responsible for providing efficient port services in the country in light of commodity booms,” Temu said.“The heavy equipment and machineries destined for the LNG project have already put a massive strain on our port facilities.“Nevertheless, PNG PC has positioned itself to take up the challenge.“We are determined to handle that,” Temu told The National. PNGPC is restrategising itself to meet the demand by improving its port facilities, especially the Port Moresby and Lae ports.“Already, at least K40 million has been approved for two hub ports of Lae and Port Moresby to boost capabilities to handle the growing volume of cargoes being unloaded at the two wharves,” Temu said.“The volumes of containers with heavy machineries coming into Lae and Port Moresby ports were really huge and are putting stress on our facilities … but we are determined to face the challenge.“We already have scanning machines in place and Lae port is under expansion also,” Temu said.PNGPC is the former PNG Harbours Board which was privatised to operate as the government’s unit for port operations.