Ship Lift Construction Preparation Works Begin

19 September 2022

The Territory Labor Government is building a Ship Lift in Darwin, paving the way for hundreds of jobs and positioning Darwin as a major international and national player in the marine services industry.

In July, the Territory Government announced Clough-BMD Joint Venture as the preferred contractor to deliver the design and construction works for the project.

Preparation activity is now underway in the proposed area of the Ship Lift to check for and safely remove any potential objects that may interfere with the build.

Items of heritage significance are being searched for along with any Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) from World War II.

Local business Aurecon is managing these works, with an initial survey identifying potential areas of interest. A magnetometer, side scanner and hand-held metal detectors are also being used to locate potential metallic targets. Divers then further investigate targets with support from maritime archaeologists to ascertain any objects of heritage significance.

Objects of heritage significance which are found, will be catalogued for consideration and appropriate management with the Territory Government’s Heritage Branch. 

The Northern Territory Government has budgeted $515 million to deliver this project which includes the construction costs as well as other ancillary works being undertaken by the Northern Territory Government -  a $300 million NAIF loan has also been secured for this project.

The ship lift at East Arm will bring millions into the NT economy every year. It will employ 250 Territorians 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 future marine industry park.

Capable of servicing large vessels of up to 5500 tonnes, the ship lift will be used for multiple industries including offshore petroleum, fishing, pearling, Defence and Border Force.

Quotes from Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:

"There will be a ship lift built in the Northern Territory – it is exciting to see the beginning of preparation works. 

“The ship lift is a major national infrastructure project. As a key piece of enabling infrastructure, the ship lift will establish Darwin as a key maritime maintenance hub and create the opportunity to grow a thriving marine service and supply sector in Darwin, to create jobs and grow businesses and is key to establishing a marine service precinct at East Arm.

“250 local jobs will be supported throughout the build, and we should start seeing the facility being used from late 2024.”

Quotes from the Minister for Territory Development, Eva Lawler:

“Infrastructure investment is key to growing our economy and population, and crucial to attracting private sector investment, while balancing the social needs of our growing community.

“This is a very significant investment by the Territory Government into our future.

“The facility will be fit for purpose to service vessels from multiple sectors - Defence, Border Force, offshore petroleum, pearling, fishing and tourism – as well as other maritime industries.”

Northern Territory Government