Ship Lift sub-contractor packages providing work for Territorians

30 March 2024

The Territory Labor Government is establishing Darwin as a thriving maritime services industry hub, both nationally and internationally.

The first $16.9 million sub-contractor package has been awarded to local Territory business, Wilga Indigenous Corporation, to supply approximately 430,000 tonnes of rock for the construction of the Darwin Ship Lift Facility Project.

Over the coming weeks, head contractor, Clough BMD JV, will be awarding further sub-contractor packages for further quarry supply, site surveying, site facilities and plant equipment and hire, among others.

Clough BMD JV will also continue project works on site in April, with site clearing activities, undertaking a dilapidation survey, temporary fencing and preparation of the dredge disposal ponds at East Arm Port.

Since the award of the head contract to Clough BMD JV, a number of milestones have been reached including contractors environmental and project development approvals as well as finalisation of the key design elements.

During the peak of Ship Lift construction, over 250 workers will be employed, with an average of 100 workers on-site throughout construction. Upon completion, the ship lift facility will perpetuate hundreds of local jobs within the maritime support sector, contributing significantly to the region's economic growth and stability.

Further works packages are expected to be awarded in April, including the award of the ship lift and vessel transfer equipment supplier contracts. This has been the result of a 12 month long international procurement process with three international vendors capable of providing the specialist equipment requirements for the Darwin Ship Lift Facility.

The ship lift and transfer system supply contracts will provide the new winch system and transfer vehicle to lift ships up to 5,500 tonne and manoeuvre them around the facility. This highly specialised equipment will be manufactured outside of Australia and shipped to Darwin a no domestic vendors were able to meet the supply requirements.

Engineering consultant WGA has worked with the NT Government, operators Paspaley and the Australian Navy over the past 12 months to develop and finalise the design through vigorous value engineering, constructability and feasibility reviews.

The final design includes five berths, with flexibility to cater for vessels up to 190 metres long, such as the Hunter class, over two berths.

Quotes attributable to Chief Minister and Minister for Territory Development, Eva Lawler:

“The Territory Labor is investing and creating long term quality infrastructure which will open a new industry within the NT. Getting the project underway has taken time. This is because we have needed to get the best deal for Territorians and make sure we are ready to go full steam ahead on the project.

“The first $16.9 million sub-contractor package has been awarded to a local Territory business, with more to follow shortly. This is the effect major projects like the Ship Lift have on our economy. A positive flow on effect, which will bring millions into the economy each year. It will employ 250 workers at the peak of construction, and will generate and maintain hundreds of local jobs in the maritime support sector. The ship lift is also key enabling infrastructure for the Territory’s future marine industry park.

“Work is continuing on the Ship Lift project. It will be built, and create ongoing economic benefits for Territorians.”

Quotes attributable to Peter Bennett, CEO, Clough:

“The Clough BMD JV is delivering the Darwin Ship Lift Facility project with a local first approach, and we’re committed to making a positive impact across the Territory through education, jobs, business opportunities and community initiatives.

“Today, we are proud to showcase our commitment to this approach by announcing the first sub-contractor package being awarded to local Wilga Indigenous Corporation for one of a number of quarried material supply packages required for initial construction activities. The balance of quarry material supply packages are anticipated to be awarded in the coming weeks.

“We’re looking forward to getting boots on the ground, with on-site works including site establishment and preparation to commence from early April, to support subsequent initial construction activities of dredging, rock placement for reclamation works and sheet piling for caisson construction.

“Clough BMD JV’s focus remains on concurrently progressing procurement activities, working closely with the Territory Government to provide opportunities for Territorians to be involved in this milestone project and world-class facility.”

Northern Territory Government