First subcontractor named for Darwin Ship Lift facility project

A Territory business has been named the Darwin Ship Lift facility project’s first subcontractor, as plans go ‘full steam ahead’. Read the latest details.

Key stakeholders have been involved in design, navigation simulations, 3D hydraulic modelling and planning for the ship lift facility, including Department of Defence, Port of Darwin, Land Development Corporation and Paspaley as the facility operator.

The first subcontractor for the NT government’s long-awaited Darwin Ship Lift Facility project has been named.

Wilga Indigenous Corporation was awarded $16.9m to supply approximately 430,000 tonnes of rock for the construction of the project.

It comes barely more than a week after it was revealed the dust had only just settled following lengthy land title negotiations.

Head contractor Clough BMD JV will award more packages – including for the ship lift and vessel transfer equipment – to subcontractors in April as on-site work continues.

Clough BMD JV chief executive Peter Bennett said it was important to deliver the ship lift project with a “local first approach” and was proud to showcase its commitment to that cause with its first subcontractor.

He said awards for sheet piles and precast concrete subcontractors would also be awarded in the coming weeks.

Press Conference at Parliament House with Nicole Manison, Michelle Landry, Senator Dr Sam McMahon, Mark Monaghan revealing the 5 concept designs for the ship lift. Picture: Katrina Bridgeford.

“We’re committed to making a positive impact across the Territory through education, jobs, business opportunities and community initiatives,” Mr Bennett said.

“We’re looking forward to getting boots on the ground, with on-site works including site establishment and preparation to commence from early April, to support subsequent initial construction activities of dredging, rock placement for reclamation works and sheet piling for caisson construction.”

About 250 people will be employed during the peak construction period for the project.

Territory Development and Chief Minister Eva Lawler said getting the project underway had “taken time” but she hoped to see high-quality, long-lasting infrastructure emerge now that the project was “full steam ahead”.

She said the time taken to give the project the green light was to ensure Territorians got “the best deal”.

“The first $16.9 million subcontractor package has been awarded to a local Territory business, with more to follow shortly,” Ms Lawler said.

“This is the effect major projects like the Ship Lift have on our economy. A positive flow on effect, which will bring millions into the economy each year.”