Darwin ship lift update: $10.8M contract, local firms benefit

The Darwin Ship Lift Facility has hit a series of significant construction milestones.

Recent updates indicate steady progress on the major maritime infrastructure project, which the Northern Territory Government says is needed to establish Darwin as a regional maritime services hub.

The ship lift should support industries including defence, energy, pearling, fishing, and coastal cruising. The facility will feature a 26-metre-wide, 103-metre-long ship lift with a 5,500-tonne lifting capacity, offering wet and dry berths for vessel maintenance.

Key project updates from April 2025 include the completion of critical dredging operations with BHD Nulla Nulla and BHD Woomera in February.

The design of self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) systems was finalised in March, alongside the completion of temporary access bunds and delivery of sheet piles.

Ongoing work includes quarry material stockpiling and land reclamation for the ship hardstand area, environmental monitoring, and service relocations.

A $10.8 million subcontract was awarded to Bhagwan Marine, which will provide specialist marine vessels and crews to support the construction of the facility’s caissons.

This contract, awarded by head contractor Clough-BMD Joint Venture, includes supplying a Multicat/Anchor Handling Barge, a crew transfer vessel, a tug, and modular construction barges.

To date, the total value of subcontracts awarded to local businesses has reached $69.6 million.

Upcoming activities include the fabrication of the SPMT system, caisson cell construction starting in May 2025, and the start of landside building construction in the second quarter of 2025.

The facility is expected to become operational by 2026, positioning Darwin as a critical maritime maintenance hub for northern Australia and Southeast Asia.