The head contract for the construction of a new ship lift facility at East Arm has been awarded to Clough-BMD Joint Venture, in a push to establish Darwin as a maritime services hub.
Navigation simulations and 3D hydraulic modelling were completed in June 2023 for the ship lift design, to ensure it is fit for purpose, and vendors have been engaged to supply critical machinery ahead of construction.
“The Clough-BMD Joint Venture is proud to have been selected to deliver the engineering, procurement and construction scope (EPC) for the development of the Darwin Ship Lift Facility by the Northern Territory (NT) Government. This facility will be constructed to meet the current and long-term needs of the Department of Defence and the Australian Border Force and the needs of the general fishing and maritime sector," said Clough CEO, Peter Bennett.
“The ship lift will have the capacity to lift vessels up to 5,500 tonnes such as the new fleet of offshore patrol vessels procured by the Australian Defence Force. As part of this project, the Clough-BMD Joint Venture will ensure to make a positive impact through business opportunities, jobs and community initiatives in the Territory.”
Set to commence construction soon, the ship lift facility will span 26 metres in width and 103 metres in length. Wet berths will accommodate vessels for in-water maintenance, while hard stand areas will facilitate ship repair and maintenance works.
“This is an exciting time for the maritime industry as a whole, the Darwin Ship lift will act as a key maintenance centre for the region. Over the past 12 months, we have been working hard to ensure construction can begin as soon as the head contract is awarded," said Eva Lawler, Minister for Territory Development.
“As we progress with the Darwin Ship Lift, we create more jobs for Territorians and strive towards our goal of a $40 billion economy by 2030.”