Papua New Guinea Maritime Transport Profile 2026
Outline
PAPUA NEW GUINEA
MARITIME TRANSPORT PROFILE
Supported by:
Maritime assets
Port area in 2025
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Ships built by country of building, annual
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Merchant fleet by country of beneficial ownership, annual
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Trade - Navigation total
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Water transport employment
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Activity
Container port throughput
Port call and performance statistics
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Trade mode share
Port Activity
Trade openness index
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Seafarer supply
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Top 10 Freight Transport Expenditure in USD (Import)
Source: UNCTAD & World Bank. (n.d.). TransportCosts. UN Trade & Development Data Hub - Trade-and-Transport Dataset, Annual, 2016 Onward. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://unctadstat.unctad.org/datacentre/dataviewer/US.TransportCosts
Top 10 Freight transport work in thousand ton-km (Import)
Source: UNCTAD & World Bank. (n.d.). TransportCosts. UN Trade & Development Data Hub - Trade-and-Transport Dataset, Annual, 2016 Onward. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://unctadstat.unctad.org/datacentre/dataviewer/US.TransportCosts
Top 10 Freight Transport Expenditure in USD (Export)
Source: UNCTAD & World Bank. (n.d.). TransportCosts. UN Trade & Development Data Hub - Trade-and-Transport Dataset, Annual, 2016 Onward. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://unctadstat.unctad.org/datacentre/dataviewer/US.TransportCosts
Top 10 Freight transport work in thousand ton-km (Export)
Source: UNCTAD & World Bank. (n.d.). TransportCosts. UN Trade & Development Data Hub - Trade-and-Transport Dataset, Annual, 2016 Onward. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://unctadstat.unctad.org/datacentre/dataviewer/US.TransportCosts
Connectivity and performance
LPI
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Liner shipping connectivity index
Port liner shipping connectivity index
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Bilateral liner shipping connectivity index
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Trade cost
Container port performance index
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Remoteness index
Sustainable freight transport index
Percent of firms identifying transport as a major constraint
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Shipping emissions
EDGAR GHG 2025
Transport energy consumption
EDGAR AP 8.1
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GAINS emissions
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Adaptation and resilience
Average annual loss
Port risk
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Investment on ports
Development financing
Private participation in infrastructure
Policy Targets
Inland waterways (IWT) improvement - General
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | Triple capacity Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2030 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | 1 day handling times at PNG‟s two principal ports , Port Moresby and Lae | 2030 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2030 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | Triple capacity Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2030 |
Reference to domestic financing mechanisms
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | Triple capacity Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2030 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | 1 day handling times at PNG‟s two principal ports , Port Moresby and Lae | 2030 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2030 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | Triple capacity Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2030 |
Rural transport infrastructure
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | Triple capacity Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2030 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | 1 day handling times at PNG‟s two principal ports , Port Moresby and Lae | 2030 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2030 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | Triple capacity Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2030 |
Shipping efficiency improvements
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | Triple capacity Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2030 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | 1 day handling times at PNG‟s two principal ports , Port Moresby and Lae | 2030 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2030 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | Triple capacity Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2030 |
Shipping improvement - General
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | Triple capacity Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2030 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | 1 day handling times at PNG‟s two principal ports , Port Moresby and Lae | 2030 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2030 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | Triple capacity Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2030 |
Shipping port infrastructure improvements
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | Triple capacity Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2030 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | 1 day handling times at PNG‟s two principal ports , Port Moresby and Lae | 2030 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2030 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | Triple capacity Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2030 |
Transport access improvement - General
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | 2025 | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2028 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | Triple capacity Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2030 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | 1 day handling times at PNG‟s two principal ports , Port Moresby and Lae | 2030 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2030 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | 2010 | Triple capacity Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2030 |
Policy Measures
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | Transport access improvement - General | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP), another key enabler, is improving maritime connectivity for rural coastal populations, addressing the country's reliance on sea transport for inter-island trade and mobility. Programs such as the Transport Sector Support Program and the National Shipping Services Program jointly supported by the Australian government have focused on maintaining road and maritime infrastructure critical to enhancing urban accessibility and sustainability. The World Bank- and China EXIM Bank–supported road works in the Highlands, which have facilitated trade and movement in PNG's most populous and agriculturally productive region. | 2025 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | Transport access improvement - General | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2025 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | Development of logistics plan/policy | The Freight Subsidy Policy Development complements this (transport investment initiatives) by seeking to reduce transportation costs and improve access (to rural areas). | 2025 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | International cooperation | The Transport Sector Support Program (TSSP), delivered in partnership with the Australian government, has strengthened the governance and operational performance of PNG's Road and transport services, enhancing resilience and service delivery capacity. These road upgrades are reinforced by the World Bank's Resilient Transport Project, which targets climate-resilient corridors such as Ramu and Hiritano. Programs such as the Transport Sector Support Program and the National Shipping Services Program jointly supported by the Australian government have focused on maintaining road and maritime infrastructure critical to enhancing urban accessibility and sustainability. The CCDA, supported by global partners, is leading training programs on MRV systems, sustainable land use, and emissions reporting. Strengthening Partnerships: Enhancing partnerships with other countries for technical knowledge transfer and collaborative research. This should include the establishment of a mechanism for regular data and information sharing, as well as the development of regional early warning systems and other cooperative climate initiatives. The ADB's Bridge Replacement for Improved Rural Access Program has continued to enhance rural connectivity. The World Bank- and China EXIM Bank–supported road works in the Highlands, which have facilitated trade and movement in PNG's most populous and agriculturally productive region. | 2025 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | Infrastructure improvements - General | Programs such as the Transport Sector Support Program and the National Shipping Services Program jointly supported by the Australian government have focused on maintaining road and maritime infrastructure critical to enhancing urban accessibility and sustainability. | 2025 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | Rural transport infrastructure | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2025 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | Shipping improvement - General | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP), another key enabler, is improving maritime connectivity for rural coastal populations, addressing the country's reliance on sea transport for inter-island trade and mobility. Programs such as the Transport Sector Support Program and the National Shipping Services Program jointly supported by the Australian government have focused on maintaining road and maritime infrastructure critical to enhancing urban accessibility and sustainability. | 2025 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | Shipping improvement - General | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2025 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | Development of transport asset management plan/policy | Programs such as the Transport Sector Support Program and the National Shipping Services Program jointly supported by the Australian government have focused on maintaining road and maritime infrastructure critical to enhancing urban accessibility and sustainability. | 2025 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | Reduction of transport/ logistics costs | The Freight Subsidy Policy Development complements this (transport investment initiatives) by seeking to reduce transportation costs and improve access (to rural areas). | 2025 |
| Voluntary National Review 2025 - PNG | Reference to domestic financing mechanisms | The National Shipping Services Program (NSSP) backed by K250 million over five years supports rural maritime connectivity, with an additional K15 million allocated in 2024 and K20 million annually planned until 2028 for continued expansion. | 2025 |
| Medium Term Development Plan IV 2023-2027 | Education curriculum sensitizing about transport subsector | Elevate Madang Maritime College to a National Maritime University to cater for the increasing tertiary education demand | 2023 |
| Medium Term Development Plan IV 2023-2027 | Shipping port infrastructure improvements | The Connect PNG Sea / Water Transport Program will construct or rehabilitate strategic Provincial and District ports, wharves and jetties. It specifically aims to upgrade the port facilities of Lae, Motukea, Aitape, Alotau, Buka, Daru, Kavieng, Kieta, Kimbe, Lorengau, Madang, Oro Bay, Rabaul, Vanimo and Wewak to commercial status with the focus on pilotage, surveillance, line handling, berthage and storage services and facilities. Other ports operated by private entities, including mining firms, will also be supported. The MTDP IV supports the construction of new wharves in Wewak, Vanimo, Kikori, Arafura Port and Manus, rehabilitate five national ports, upgrade and maintain 24 wharves and jetties, equip five ports with safety standards and compliance requirements (ISP Code) and train at least nine Master-3 Captains by 2027. | 2023 |
| National Adaptation Plan | Shipping port infrastructure improvements | Design and/or management of the 4 wharves in partnership with development partners. | 2023 |
| Updated NDC - PNG | Budget/ identification of shipping projects | By 2030, US$85m (PGK 302m) value of 4 wharves rehabilitated according to climate resilient codes. Design and/or manage ment of the 4 wharves in partnership with develop ment of the 4 wharves in - ment partners | 2020 |
| Updated NDC - PNG | Development of shipping/ maritime/ inland water transport (IWT) plan/ policy | Incorporate cli-mate change adaptation goals into National Ports policies and support policy implementation | 2020 |
| Climate Change (Management) Act 2015 (No. 19 of 2015) | Shipping efficiency improvements | A regulation to be known as the Fuel Standards Regulation shall - (a) prescribe the standard of refining and maximum permissible content of sulphur and other targeted greenhouse gas pollutants in all fuel for use in road, sea and air transport and power generation; | 2015 |
| National Transport Strategy | Shipping improvement - General | increase the number of jetties and wharfs in all maritime provinces, and reintroduce government work boats Consider relocation of port facilities and inland freight terminals in selected cases Cabotage - There will be stricter conditions and limits on permits for international shipping to carry coastal cargo (cabotage) to avoid damage to the PNG flagged coasting trade and its associated onshore industries A fee-based system will be introduced for cabotage privileges to be applied to developing the PNG domestic shipping industry and potentially to CSO services to small ports Price Control - Price control on coastal shipping freight rates will be removed but operators will be required to structure their charges to transparently reflect actual costs. ICCC will periodically monitor freight rates through case studies | 2013 |
| National Transport Strategy | Transport international conventions - General | Through NMSA/NMA, PNG will endeavour to come into full compliance with the IMO conventions to which it is signatory and will accede to future conventions as appropriate | 2013 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | Inland waterways (IWT) improvement - General | Triple capacity Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2010 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | Shipping efficiency improvements | 1 day handling times at PNG‟s two principal ports , Port Moresby and Lae | 2010 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | Shipping improvement - General | Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2010 |
| Development Strategic Plan 2010-2030 | Shipping port infrastructure improvements | Triple capacity Triple number of routes serviced and number of vessels, and upgrade ports | 2010 |
| PNG Vision 2050 | Shipping port infrastructure improvements | Increase the number of jetties and wharfs in all maritime provinces, and reintroduce government work boats; | 2009 |