Global project logistics specialist deugro has joined forces with Jerilai Pujari Transport Limited (JPTL) to support a major LNG development in Papua New Guinea, creating a new joint venture designed to bring local landowners directly into the project’s transport and logistics operations.

 

The partnership, formalized through the incorporation of Purari Project Services Limited (PPSL), was marked by an official ceremony in Port Moresby attended by senior representatives from both sides and local stakeholders.

 

PPSL was established by deugro and JPTL, which represents the local landowners of PRL-15 through Jerilai Pujari Holdings Limited (JPHL) and Native Industries Limited.

 

The new company will facilitate the movement of materials, goods and equipment from Port Moresby to construction sites along the Purari River. Its joint venture structure could also pave the way for future participation by recognized river- and pipeline-affected landowner joint ventures.

 

The partnership brings together deugro’s more than 100 years of global project logistics experience and nearly two decades of operations in Papua New Guinea with JPTL’s local knowledge, capabilities and landowner connections.

 

Deugro has operated in Papua New Guinea since 2007 and has supported major energy and infrastructure projects across the country, including extensive logistics support for the construction of Papua New Guinea’s largest LNG project to date. The company was also recognized with the 2024 BIFA Project Forwarding Award for a landmark project in Papua New Guinea.

 

“For deugro, this project represents an important strategic opportunity to build on nearly two decades of operations in Papua New Guinea. Since 2007, we have supported major energy and infrastructure developments across the country, including extensive support for the construction of Papua New Guinea's largest LNG project to date. 

 

"Drawing on this experience, our local presence, and strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors, we are well positioned to provide turnkey marine and logistics support across the various project packages,” said Mark van der Molen, deugro’s appointed director of Purari Project Services Limited.

 

For JPHL and its landowner shareholders, the venture is also being positioned as a pathway to wider economic participation and improved access for remote communities.

 

“Jerilai Pujari Holdings Limited and its landowner shareholders wish to thank JPTL and deugro for this opportunity to be an integral part in bringing reliable transport services to the remote project area. Our participation in supporting the project enables the realization of our long time dream of bringing goods and services to the remote communities and provide an opportunity for them to export their produce,” said Trevor Birney, Executive Director, JPHL.

 

Deugro CEO Klaus Strahmann said the venture would combine international logistics expertise with strong local participation as the LNG development moves forward.

 

“This major LNG development project is of particular importance to deugro. Through Purari Project Services Limited, we are combining our global expertise as a project solutions provider and extensive experience in Papua New Guinea with strong local participation. Together, we are creating a platform that can support the project’s logistics requirements while delivering long-term value to local communities."

 

Strahmann said the new company also underlined deugro’s focus on ensuring local stakeholders have a meaningful role in the project.

 

“Purari Project Services Limited reflects our commitment to meaningful local engagement and partnership. By working closely with landowner representatives and local stakeholders, we are helping to ensure that Papua New Guinea’s communities can actively participate in and benefit from this major LNG development project."

 

The JV is expected to provide a dedicated platform for marine and logistics services supporting the project while creating opportunities for local landowners and communities to participate in the economic activity generated by the development.