Global Gateway: EU and Papua New Guinea enhance port infrastructure and water services

The EU and Papua New Guinea (PNG) deepened their partnership, advancing new investment projects in port and water infrastructure under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy. The projects will modernise the Rabaul port and expand access to safe water, strengthening trade flows and climate resilience, biodiversity, public health and creating jobs. The two projects were taken forward during a visit by high-level European representatives to PNG from 8 to 10 July. 

European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela said: “From transforming the Rabaul port into Papua New Guinea’s first green port to improving access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene, the partnership between the European Union and Papua New Guinea is delivering real impact — boosting trade, jobs, health, and climate resilience. These flagship initiatives reflect the EU’s Global Gateway investment strategy in action, driving sustainable economic growth and improving lives for local communities. I look forward to my visit to the Pacific region in September to strengthen our mutual cooperation.”

The modernisation of the Rabaul port

European and PNG partners discussed next steps in upgrading and greening the Rabaul port, which is a major commercial hub and international port in the region. It highlights the strong European commitment to modernising Papua New Guinea’s port infrastructure to meet growing trade demands and address environmental challenges. In partnership with the European Investment Bank (EIB) and the French Development Agency (AFD), this EU-backed project aims to bolster the port's resilience against climate change and natural disasters, improve security and safety measures, transition towards greener port operations (including environmental standards, water quality, waste management, and renewable energy integration), and generate new sources of income.

Water, sanitation and hygiene 

Papua New Guinea and the EU signed a Financing Agreement for a new €3 million project. It will provide capacity building and support to Water PNG Limited to improve access to safe, reliable water and reduce water loss for communities. This agreement is an addition to a wider cooperation package totalling €39.7 million between PNG, the EU and EIB.

The project will deliver safe, affordable, and sustainable water services in four district towns, Namatanai, Kupiano, Misima, and Kurumul, while also helping reduce non-revenue water — water that is lost through leaks, theft, or unbilled use in selected areas of Port Moresby.

The visit to PNG took place in a Team Europe format: represented by the Deputy Director General for International Partnerships at the European Commission, Myriam Ferran, and the EIB Vice-President, Ambroise Fayolle.

Background

Global Gateway is the EU's positive offer to reduce the worldwide investment disparity and boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems.

The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions. Together, we aim to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.

EU – Papua New Guinea partnership