Port Moresby: A Shipper’s Guide to Freight Through PNG’s Capital
Port Moresby is the gateway to PNG’s capital and the country’s main international air hub. Here’s how freight moves through Motukea and Jacksons, and what to watch for if your cargo is headed beyond the city.
In this guide
- International container traffic moved from the old city wharf to Motukea Island in 2018.
- Motukea International Terminal is about 12 kilometres from the central business district.
- Port Moresby handles roughly a quarter of PNG’s cargo, mainly for the capital and Central Province.
- There’s no road from Port Moresby to Lae or the Highlands.
- Jacksons International Airport is PNG’s main gateway for international air freight.
What Port Moresby serves
As the national capital, Port Moresby is home to government, head offices, major retailers, construction activity and a large share of the country’s services economy. Its port handles roughly a quarter of PNG’s cargo, most of it consumed in the National Capital District and Central Province.
If your cargo is going to an address in or around the city, Port Moresby is almost always the right choice. If it’s going anywhere else on the mainland, read on before you book.
Motukea International Terminal
In 2018, Port Moresby’s international cargo operations moved from the old city wharf to Motukea Island, about 12 kilometres from the central business district. The new terminal sits on a larger site than the old wharf.
Motukea International Terminal (MIT) is operated by ICTSI under a 25-year concession with PNG Ports Corporation, the same arrangement that applies to the container terminal in Lae. The terminal has added mobile harbour cranes to improve vessel turnaround. PNG Customs also operates a container examination facility at Motukea, where selected containers can be scanned or inspected.
Arrival, clearance and collection
The clearance process is the same as at any PNG port. A licensed customs broker lodges the import entry, Customs assesses it and may select the cargo for scanning or examination, NAQIA checks biosecurity requirements, and duties and charges are paid before the container is released.
Lodging the entry before arrival, which is allowed up to five working days ahead, and making sure documents match, are the two simplest ways to avoid delays. If your cargo is selected for examination, allow extra time for it to be moved, inspected and released.
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Facilities and charges
Port facilities in Port Moresby include container storage, a container freight station for LCL cargo, refrigerated container points and customs-controlled storage. If you’re shipping chilled or frozen goods, confirm reefer plug availability and monitoring arrangements before the vessel arrives.
Charges follow the same pattern as other PNG ports: terminal handling, PNG Ports wharfage and port charges, which are capped by the Independent Consumer and Competition Commission, shipping line delivery order fees, customs brokerage, duties and GST, plus storage or detention if cargo or containers are held too long.
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Air freight through Jacksons International Airport
Jacksons International Airport is PNG’s main international gateway, with regular services from Australia and Asia. Urgent spare parts, medical supplies, documents and high-value goods typically arrive here.
From Jacksons, domestic flights connect to Lae, Mount Hagen, Rabaul and other regional centres, so air cargo can be cleared in Port Moresby and moved on quickly. For larger or remote consignments, charter flights are also available.
Moving cargo beyond the city
Roads such as the Hiritano Highway reach parts of Central Province, but there’s no road from Port Moresby to Lae, the Highlands or the north coast. Cargo bound for those regions has to continue by sea or air, adding cost and time.
Coastal shipping from Port Moresby serves much of the southern coast, and domestic air freight covers smaller, urgent loads.
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A checklist for Port Moresby imports
- Confirm the delivery address is in Port Moresby or Central Province, or plan the onward leg before booking.
- Appoint a licensed customs broker and lodge the entry before the vessel arrives.
- Check that the invoice, packing list and bill of lading match exactly.
- Have any NAQIA permits and import licences in hand before the goods are shipped.
- Arrange funds for duties, GST and destination charges in advance.
- Book secure transport and plan the empty container return within the free time.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Port Moresby’s container port?
International containers are handled at Motukea International Terminal on Motukea Island, about 12 kilometres from the central business district.
Can I truck cargo from Port Moresby to the Highlands?
No. There’s no road connection from Port Moresby to Lae or the Highlands, so cargo has to continue by sea or air.
Is Port Moresby the best entry point for air freight?
Usually, yes. Jacksons International Airport is PNG’s main international air gateway, with domestic connections across the country.
Will my container be X-rayed?
It may be. PNG Customs operates a container examination facility at Motukea, and selected containers can be scanned or inspected before release.
More on ports and inland logistics
Sources
Philip Thomas
Philip is the lead author and editor at Phantom8. He writes practical guides to shipping freight into Papua New Guinea, with a focus on choosing the right port, clearing customs and planning the inland leg.
General information only. This guide is general in nature and isn’t legal, customs or logistics advice for your specific shipment. Port operations, road conditions, schedules and charges change, so confirm the details with your freight forwarder, transport operator or the relevant authority before you ship.