The Northern Territory Government has announced Clough-BMD Joint Venture as the preferred contractor for the design and construction of a new ship lift in Darwin.
The Territory Government has budgeted $515 million to deliver the project, which includes the construction costs as well as other ancillary works.
The selection of Clough-BMD Joint Venture follows a three-stage procurement process which spanned two years.
The ship lift, to be built at East Arm, is expected to bring millions into the Northern Territory economy every year, employ 250 people at the peak of construction, and generate and maintain hundreds of local jobs in the maritime support sector.
Natasha Fyles, Chief Minister, said the announcement was symbolic, historic, and would position the Territory’s marine industry on the national and international stage.
“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,” she said.
Capable of servicing large vessels of up to 5000 tonnes, the ship lift will service multiple industries including offshore petroleum, fishing, pearling, Defence and Border Force.
Works for the project will include the construction of the 26-metre-wide, 103-metre-long, six-metre-long ship lift, wet berths, hard stand areas for ship repair and maintenance, a blast and paint building, self-propelled modular transporter units and an administration building.
Eva Lawler, Minister for Territory Development, said infrastructure investment was key to growing the territory’s economy and population.
“The preferred contractor, Clough-BMD Joint Venture, has demonstrated experience in delivering significant projects in the Territory and we will negotiate with them over the coming weeks to finalise the design and construct contract,” she said.
The ship lift funding includes a $300 million concessional loan from the Northern Australian Infrastructure Facility (NAIF), with the remainder contributed by the Northern Territory Government.
The Territory Government is also committing $15 million towards upgrading utilities at East Arm to support the ship lift and broader marine industry park development.
The ship lift is due to begin operation by the end of 2024.
For more information, visit: cmc.nt.gov.au
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