Another major contract awarded for $515m Darwin Ship Lift Facility project

The $515 million Darwin Ship Lift Facility project in the Northern Territory has marked another milestone with the award of another major work contract. 

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

This contract was anticipated to be awarded outside of the Territory as there are no compliant vendors for these systems locally. 

“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 Ship Lift system will be capable of lifting 5,500 tonne vessels, making it the largest lifting drydock in Northern Australia,” Founder of Pearlson Shiplift Corporation Douglas Pearlson said. 

The ship lift system is a major component of the facility as it will physically lift and lower vessels in and out of the water. Meanwhile, the SPMT is a modular system utilised to move vessels around the facility once they are out of the water. The steel trestles, on the other hand, will be used to support the vessels when they are lifted out of the water and transferred onto land. 

Not only will this project improve the Northern Territory’s maritime capabilities, but it will also provide a significant boost to the local economy. 

The Darwin Ship Lift project is expected to employ over 250 workers at peak construction, with an average of 100 workers on-site throughout this period. This project has a local contractor component as it is supported by the local contractors carrying out the works. 

To date, about $17.8 million in contracts have been awarded to local businesses. This includes $16.9 million to Wilga Indigenous Corporation for the supply of 430,000 tonnes of rock for the construction of the Darwin Ship Lift Facility. 

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

“Our strategic location means that and Australian-owned and operated Ship Lift is vital for our national defence and security,” Federal Member for Solomon Luke Gosling said. 

The project’s head contractor, the Clough-BMD Joint Venture, commenced construction of the Ship Lift at the East Arm site. Works include identifying underground services, demolition of existing concrete structures, and building temporary access for construction vehicles to the project site. 

Wilga Indigenous Corporation has also started transporting rock quarry material to the East Arm project site this month. 

Works off site have also commenced as sub-contractors carry out preparatory works for dredge spoil placement in the ponds at Darwin Port on Berrimah Road along with the establishment of site facilities on the adjacent LDC Common User hardstand area. 

Over the coming weeks, more sub-contracts for the project are set to be announced. 

“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 activitied, 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,” Clough-BMD Joint Venture Project Manager Luke Munro said. 

The Darwin Ship Lift Facility is set to establish Darwin as a thriving maritime services industry hub once it is up and running. 

The $515 million project will deliver: 

• A ship lift 26 metres wide, 103 metres long and with a vessel lifting capability of 5,500 tonnes 
• Wet berths to allow vessels to undertake in-water maintenance 
• Hard stand areas for ship repair and maintenance works 
• Self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) units that transport the ships around the facility once they are out of the water 
• An administration building, SPMT shed and Blast and Paint Facility 
• East Arm utilities upgrades to support the ship lift and broader marine industry park development 

This project is funded by a $215 million investment from the Northern Territory Government and a concessional loan of $300 million from the Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF). 

Several components of the Darwin Ship Lift Facility are due to be completed in early 2025 and the balance of work to be completed in 2025-26. 

“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,” Chief Minister Eva Lawler said. 

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom; Investment Territory; Clough