ICTSI South Pacific Terminals handle largest ship in PNG

THE International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) operations at the South Pacific International Container Terminal (SPICT) in Lae and the Motukea International Terminal (MIT) welcomed the largest container ship to ever dock in Papua New Guinea.

Operated by Mariana Express Line Ltd., as part of the North Asia Express (NAX) service, the 2,754-TEU gearless ship Kota Gabung connects major ports in China to Papua New Guinea (PNG ) and Northern Australia.

ICTSI South Pacific Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Robert Maxwell said: «This milestone highlights the growing confidence in ICTSI South Pacific terminals for delivering best-in-class service. It is aligned with our recent strong investment in pursuit of our vision of making our facilities the most modern and efficient port terminals in the Pacific Islands region.»

Equipped with two post-Panamax ship-to-shore cranes, SPICT can handle vessels up to 6,000 TEUs, representing the largest port equipment in PNG. MIT doubled its waterside capability by adding a mobile harbor crane for safer and faster ship turnaround.

«We appreciate Mariana Express Line Ltd., a subsidiary of Pacific International Lines, for trusting us to ensure the success of this gearless vessel addition to the PNG trade. We are looking forward to seeing more gearless vessels being deployed in the future,» Maxwell said.

Established in 2017, ICTSI South Pacific, a wholly-owned subsidiary of ICTSI, has invested over 200 million kina ($53.12 million) in empowering local communities. It operates MIT in Port Moresby and SPICT in the Lae Tidal Basin.