A K120 million (approximately US$32.4 million) redevelopment of the National Fisheries College’s waterfront training facilities has entered the implementation phase, marking a major investment in Papua New Guinea’s fisheries value chain and long-term revenue diversification strategy.
The National Fisheries Authority confirmed that the shorebase training facilities contract, valued at K92 million (about US$24.8 million), was signed on 19 February 2026 at the Papua New Guinea Embassy in Tokyo between the authority and Dai Nippon Construction. The signing was witnessed by the secretary for the Department of National Planning and Monitoring, Koney Samuel. Construction of the shore-based facilities is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2028.
The redevelopment forms part of the Project for the Improvement of Facilities and Training Equipment of the National Fisheries College, conceived more than three years ago and now progressing into full delivery. The broader initiative includes procurement and construction of a modern training vessel alongside new waterfront infrastructure to support advanced fisheries training.
Japan is providing grant assistance valued at 3,255,000,000 yen (approximately K90.37 million, or about US$24.4 million), formalised under an Exchange of Notes and Grant Agreement executed on 20 June 2025. Combined with the Papua New Guinea government’s contribution, the total project value stands at K120 million. The initiative builds on a bilateral partnership dating back to 1974, when Japan supported construction of the college’s students auditorium under its overseas development assistance programme.
The redevelopment aligns with the government’s policy direction to broaden the fisheries sector beyond its traditional reliance on tuna. By strengthening domestic training capacity and expanding technical expertise in areas such as bottom fishing and longline operations, the project is expected to increase local participation across the fisheries value chain — from harvesting to processing and downstream activities — while enhancing direct revenue generation for the state.
The training vessel component remains under procurement, with the contractor announcement expected soon. Construction and delivery are projected over a three-year period, with completion anticipated in 2029. Arrangements for the vessel are expected to be finalised later this year.
NFA managing director Justin Ilakini described the project as a critical step in repositioning the National Fisheries College as a higher-level learning institution capable of supporting both national workforce development and growing regional training demand.
“This project represents a transformational investment in the future of fisheries education and workforce development in Papua New Guinea. Through modern facilities, expanded practical training and strengthened international partnership, the National Fisheries College will be positioned to serve as a leading regional centre of excellence in fisheries training,” Ilakini said.
For Papua New Guinea’s fisheries industry — one of the country’s key renewable resource sectors — the redevelopment signals a shift towards capacity building, skills localisation and industry diversification. By investing in infrastructure and technical training, the government and its development partners aim to lay the foundation for a more resilient, competitive and domestically driven fisheries economy.
The Department of National Planning and Monitoring is working alongside the National Fisheries Authority to ensure all state obligation requirements are met to facilitate smooth project implementation. A groundbreaking ceremony is anticipated later this year, subject to scheduling arrangements.
