Through the Department of Defense, the United States has signed a contract worth approximately $400 million (K1.6 billion) to construct a large-scale fuel storage facility near Port Moresby Harbor. When completed, the facility will store more than 1.6 million barrels (264 million liters) of fuel. This investment in Papua New Guinea comes at the request of the Government of PNG. The project will support fuel storage needs and has the potential to increase the diversity of fuel available for the PNG market. “This investment reflects the importance we place in our bilateral relationship, and the results of continued discussion and collaboration,” said Ann Marie Yastishock, U.S. Ambassador to Papua New Guinea. On April 25, 2025, Commander of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, Admiral Paparo, personally called Deputy Prime Minister John Rosso and Foreign Minister Justin Tkatchenko to inform them of the almost half billion U.S. dollar award and to discuss the project. Throughout the construction process, the U.S. Embassy is committed to maintaining careful and transparent communication with the Government of PNG on its progress. The contract implementer, DGCI Corporation, a United States company, has a successful history of constructing and operating large scale fuel facilities in Africa, South America, the Middle East, and Central Asia. DGCI offers mission-critical and innovative solutions by fostering enduring partnerships with the countries and communities they work in founded on mutual trust and respect, with a focus on advancing economic development. This award comes in the year leading up to PNG’s 50th Anniversary of Independence and the 50th Anniversary of U.S. and PNG formal diplomatic relations. It reaffirms our nations’ close partnership as we support a Pacific region that is peaceful, secure, prosperous, and resilient. The Defense Cooperation Agreement, signed and entered into force in 2023, forms the foundational framework for our nations’ security cooperation. Since 2023, the United States has been delivering on our promises by providing training courses, engaging in bilateral exercises and continued engagement with the PNGDF. The relationship between the United States and PNG is built to last, grounded in shared history, shared values, and a shared future.