PNG Government to relocate PNG Defence Force Landing craft base

The PNG Government has endorsed plans to relocate the PNG Defence Force’s Landing Craft Base, HMPNGS Basilik, from its current site at the Fairfax Harbour in Port Moresby to a new site.
Prime Minister Peter O’Neill said a Memorandum of Understanding is already in place between the PNGDF and the owner of the Port Moresby wharf, Kumul Consolidated Holdings for the relocation project.
“With the port area to undergo redevelopment planned by KCP, the continued use of the landing craft would seriously inhibit the capability and capacity of the PNGDF navy.
“The relocation project is timely, and in line with the mandated directions contained in the National Security Policy and Defence White Paper.
‘It’s relocation will improve the PNGDF maritime element to conduct surveillance of the country’s 200 miles Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) from undesirable predators such as illegal fishing,” Prime Minister O’Neill said.
The Prime Minister said the relocation costs is captured under the State owned Kumul Consolidated Holding’s (KCH) overall funding and administrative arrangements.
The Prime Minister said NEC has also directed Kumul Consolidated Holdings (KCH) to factor the PNGDF Basilik relocation, site, planning, funding and construction requirements as part and partial of KCH’s funding for the whole Port Moresby Wharf redevelopment and expansion plan.
“This is a win-win situation for both the PNGDF and KCH because the Defence Force as an organization was unable within its capacity to secure sufficient funding to commence the relocation program.
“The Government is implementing such plans to ensure that the PNGDF is positioned to counter any maritime security threats when our country is ready to host international meetings like the APEC Summit in 2018,” the Prime Minister said.