PNG Ports Corporation Limited (PNGPCL) was launched on the 13th November 2006. PNGPCL as we know it today has evolved from PNG Harbours Board (1963-1969), PNG Harbours Board (1970-2002) and PNG Harbours Board Limited (2002-2006).

Despite the name changes over the years, the organization was established by virtue of the Harbours Board Act 1963, as amended, to be regulator and licensing authority of general Port Services at all maritime ports within PNG.

PNGPCL is a fully corporatized entity owned by the State. IPBC holds shares of the company in trust for the State.

The overall management and operations of PNGPCL are dictated by the PNG Harbours Act, as well as by policy directives of the National Executive Council (NEC); through the Ministry of Information & State Enterprises.

PNGPCL is the gateway to the country’s economy. It operates 16 ports out of the 21 declared ports throughout PNG with two ports under agency management. It is also delegated with powers as a Pilotage Authority under the Merchant Shipping Act. PNGPCL has pilot launches in the main ports and is responsible for the issuance and administration of all stevedoring licenses.