The Northern Territory government announced that it has awarded the head construction contract for the Ship Lift Facility to the Clough-BMD Joint Venture.
The East Arm facility in Darwin will be 26 metres wide and 103 metres long and will include four wet berths for in-water maintenance and a hardstand area of 20 hectares for ship repair and maintenance.
In a news release, the government said the businesses that make up the Clough-BMD Joint Venture have proven capabilities to complete significant infrastructure projects in the Territory and combine regional experience with national and international reach.
In June 2023, the ship lift design’s navigation simulations and 3D hydraulic modelling were finished to guarantee its suitability.
Over 250 individuals will be engaged during peak construction, with an average of 100 workers on-site throughout the process.
When completed, the ship lift facility will sustain hundreds of local employment in the marine support industry, contributing considerably to the region’s economic growth and stability.
Minister for Territory Development Eva Lawler stated that the announcement heralds an exciting period for the marine industry as a whole.
“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,” the minister said.
She noted that the government has been working hard over the last year to guarantee that construction can commence as soon as the head contract is granted.
“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,” Lawler remarked.
Meanwhile, Clough CEO Peter Bennett expressed his pride in having the Clough-BMD Joint Venture 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,” Bennett said.
The CEO noted that the ship lift will be capable of lifting boats weighing up to 5,500 tonnes, such as the Australian Defence Force’s new fleet of offshore patrol vessels.
Bennett added that the Clough-BMD Joint Venture will ensure a beneficial effect on the Territory through commercial possibilities, jobs, and community activities as part of this project.
Environmental concerns were prioritised during the project’s construction. The Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority (NT EPA) conducted a thorough review of the Environmental Impact Statement for the ship lift, eventually approving it in August 2023.
The government said this decision demonstrates the project’s dedication to achieving a balance between progress and the environment.
