South Pacific International Container Terminal (SPICT) and Motukea International Terminal (MIT), International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s (ICTSI’s) operations in the ports of Lae and Motukea, respectively, established a record as they welcomed the largest boxship to ever dock in Papua New Guinea and the Pacific Islands region.
The 2,754 TEU gearless vessel Kota Gabung made its inaugural call in Lae on 12 November and in Motukea, close to Port Moresby, on 17 November.
The ship is operated by Mariana Express Line, as part of the North Asia Express (NAX) service, which is a vessel-sharing agreement with Swire Shipping Line. The NAX service connects Eastern and Southern China main ports to Papua New Guinea and Northern Australia.
SPICT is now equipped with two post-Panamax ship-to-shore cranes, which can service up to 6,000 TEU vessels. Additionally, MIT has doubled its waterside capability this year by adding another mobile harbor crane to ensure safer and faster turnaround of ships.
“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,” said Robert Maxwell, ICTSI South Pacific CEO.
