Territorians begin work on the Ship Lift with System Contract awarded

7 May 2024

The Lawler Labor Government is continuing to back projects that get the Territory working, with work commencing on the Darwin Ship Lift and a major tender awarded.

Around 250 Territory workers are expected to secure work on the project during construction and another 100 Territorians are expected to secure ongoing work at the Ship Lift after construction is complete.

The Lawler Labor Government is establishing Darwin as a thriving maritime services industry hub. 

The Pearlson ShipLift Corporation has been awarded a $48 million contract to supply the ship lift operating system, steel trestles and design and supply an integrated self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) system. 

The Ship Lift will be capable of lifting vessels up to 5,500 tonnes, enabling vessels in the defence, energy, pearling, fishing and coastal cruising industries to be serviced in Darwin.

One of only three companies worldwide who were identified as possible compliant suppliers for the operating system, Pearlson ShipLift Corporation has the expertise to undertake this piece of work, and has delivered a number of ship lifts worldwide. This is one of the contracts anticipated to be awarded outside of the Territory, as there are no compliant vendors for these systems in the NT.

The ship lift system is the componentry that physically lifts and lowers the vessels in and out of the water. The SPMT is a modular system used to move vessels around the facility once they are out of the water. The steel trestles are used to support the vessels when they are lifted out of the water and transferred onto land.

The Ship Lift project has a local contractor component as it is supported by the local contractors undertaking the facility works. 

During the peak of construction, the Ship Lift project will support over 250 workers, with an average of 100 workers on-site throughout construction.

Upon completion, the Ship Lift will boost the Territory’s maritime capabilities and economy. 

To date, $17.8 million in contracts have been awarded to local Territory businesses, including $16.9 million to Wilga Indigenous Corporation to supply 430,000 tonnes of rock to construct the Darwin Ship Lift facility.

Wilga Indigenous Corporation will start transporting the rock quarry material to the ship lift site in East Arm this month.

In April, head contractor Clough-BMD Joint Venture began construction activity at the Ship Lift site at East Arm, including identifying underground services and demolishing existing concrete structures, and constructing a temporary access to the ship lift site for construction vehicles.

Work off site with sub-contractors has also commenced, including conducting preparatory works for dredge spoil placement in the ponds at Darwin Port on Berrimah Road and establishment of the site facilities on the adjacent LDC Common User hardstand area.

Additional sub-contracts are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

Quotes from Chief Minister, Eva Lawler:

“My Government will always back the projects that get the Territory working and hundreds of Territorians will be working on the Ship Lift as construction ramps up.”

“The Ship Lift will provide wet and dry berths for vessels wash down, blasting, painting and general maintenance facilities and will help position Darwin and the Territory as a critical maritime maintenance centre for the Asia Pacific region.”

“I’ll always talk up the Territory and work tirelessly everyday to deliver projects that help the Territory realise its economic potential.”

Quotes from the Federal Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling:

“Today’s announcement will be music to the ears of industry, Territory suppliers and our local workforce.

“Our strategic location means that an Australian-owned and operated Ship Lift is vital for our national defence and security.

“Unlike Darwin Port – which should have never been leased for a century to a Chinese company by the CLP – the Ship Lift will be a Northern Territory Government-owned facility.”

Quotes from Luke Munro, Project Manager, Clough-BMD Joint Venture

“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.

“We look forward to liaising closely with the NT Government to on board Pearlson Shiplift Corporation into the project and collaborating with them to identify project efficiencies.  

“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.

“Site works commenced in April with a focus on site establishment and prep works ahead of dredging and construction activities.”

Quotes from Douglas Pearlson Founder of Pearlson Shiplift Corporation:

“We are excited to design and supply this new state-of-the-art Shiplift and Transfer System for the Northern Territory Government.  Pearlson understands the strategic location of Darwin for both Defence and Commercial work.  The Darwin Shiplift system will be capable of lifting 5,500 tonne vessels, making it the largest lifting drydock in Northern Australia.”

Northern Territory Government