deugro is expanding its local capabilities, strategic partnerships and project resources to support the long-term logistics requirements of the Papua LNG project in Papua New Guinea. At the same time, the company is creating opportunities for local participation, workforce development and capability building. For nearly two decades, deugro has supported major energy and infrastructure projects across Papua New Guinea. Since establishing its local presence in 2007, the company has developed extensive regional expertise, built strong relationships with local suppliers and partners, and delivered complex logistics solutions in some of the country’s most remote and challenging environments.
deugro Brings Extensive PNG LNG Experience
A key milestone in deugro’s Papua New Guinea operations was its involvement in ExxonMobil’s PNG LNG project. The company managed complex logistics requirements and coordinated one of the most notable air logistics operations undertaken for a major energy project. Within approximately 105 days, deugro coordinated more than 100 Antonov AN-124 flights to transport critical equipment to the remote project area. The achievement remains an unbeaten world record.
In addition, deugro deployed specialized heavy-haul equipment, including hydraulic axle lines, trucks, trailers and cargo-handling assets. As the only logistics provider to mobilize this specialized heavy-lift equipment and dedicated personnel into Papua New Guinea for the project, deugro enabled the safe transportation of oversized and heavy-lift cargo under demanding conditions. Overall, the company managed and shipped more than 3,000 purchase orders from locations around the world to Papua New Guinea, representing approximately 300,000 FRT of project cargo.
Experience Supports Papua LNG Logistics Strategy
deugro has also gained valuable experience through its work on the Lombrum Infrastructure Project on Manus Island, Papua New Guinea. “Our involvement in ExxonMobil’s PNG LNG Project and our award-winning project solution and performance in support of the Lombrum Infrastructure Project have provided us with a clear understanding of the unique logistical, operational and stakeholder requirements associated with delivering major developments in Papua New Guinea,” said Mark van der Molen, Project Director PNG at deugro. He added that experience in supporting remote construction sites, managing diverse project cargo and coordinating large on-site workforces has helped shape deugro’s approach to major projects in the country. The company has also focused on maintaining high standards for quality, health, safety, environment and security.
New Project Entities Strengthen Local Capabilities
Building on this experience, deugro is now expanding its capabilities and resources to support the Papua LNG development. The company has established three dedicated project entities to provide specialized solutions and support the project’s long-term execution requirements. One of the key initiatives is Purari Project Services Limited (PPSL), a strategic joint venture established by deugro and Jerilai Pujari Transport Limited (JPTL), which represents local landowner interests within PRL-15. Through close collaboration with local landowners, PPSL will support safe marine transportation from Port Moresby to construction sites along the Purari River. This approach aims to align the project’s logistics requirements with local participation and community benefits.
Specialized Marine Equipment for Purari River Operations
To meet the anticipated logistics requirements of the Papua LNG project, deugro and its partners will import a substantial fleet of specialized marine equipment. The equipment will be designed to support safe and efficient river transportation across the challenging Purari River system. Meanwhile, deugro is mobilizing and developing a skilled workforce to support activities such as marine transportation, yard management, project management and coordination. This workforce development strategy will also create opportunities for local employees to gain skills and experience while contributing to the project’s long-term logistics operations.
Focus on Local Participation and Long-Term Value
“Papua New Guinea has been an important part of deugro’s story for nearly two decades,” said Klaus Strahmann, Co-CEO of deugro. According to Strahmann, the company’s experience supporting the PNG LNG project, combined with its established local presence and partnerships, provides a strong foundation for supporting the Papua LNG development.
“Through strategic partnerships, investments in specialized equipment and the development of local talent, we are creating a foundation that will help deliver long-term value not only for the project, but also for the communities that will be involved in it,” he added. As per the press release, through its expanded logistics capabilities, specialized equipment and local partnerships, deugro aims to support the Papua LNG project while contributing to workforce development and greater local participation in Papua New Guinea.
