Future NT: Darwin Port masterplan to map out future of key economy driver

A key Northern Territory economic asset is reviewing its operations almost a decade after privatisation. Read what’s planned.

Darwin Port’s crucial enabling role during Exercise Pitch Black reflects the facility’s rise from government ownership to privatisation over almost a decade.

Leased for 99-years in November 2015 by the Territory Government to Landbridge, port chief executive Peter Dummett said the evolution from public to private operation had brought significant benefit to the facility and the broader Territory economy.

The port is in the process of preparing its first masterplan in the post-privatisation phase, almost 15 years after the last one recommended, among other measures, development of a marine supply base at East Arm.

Live cattle exports are a major part of Darwin Port. Picture: Keri Megelus

It’s expected to be finalised by the end of the year.

“A lot has evolved in the 14 years since the last masterplan,” Mr Dummett said.

“There has been significant stakeholder engagement and we have got a pretty good idea of what might be coming on through the port well into the future.

“There are a lot of moving parts as we’re a multi-industry, multi-commodity port and the masterplan will need to find that balance between all the operations conducted out here.”

The port employs about 90 workers, 10 per cent more than before the pandemic, with at least another five employees tipped to commence later this year.

Activity in 2024 passed pre-Covid levels and with a slew of potential projects expected to reach financial investment decision in coming years including the Beetaloo Basin and Arafura Rare Earths Nolan’s project, he is optimistic the facility has capacity to properly service its stakeholders.

He said the port was making a return and in FY24 achieved record cargo volumes in some areas with live cattle exports and containers up 20 per cent on the previous year, motor vehicle imports increasing from an average 6000 to 8000, an eight per cent increase in total cargo tonnage and total vessel visits up 10 per cent to 1751.

Darwin Port chief executive Peter Dummett aboard the Ultra-Luxury Yacht Scenic Eclipse II. Picture: Fia Walsh

Mr Dummett was the port’s trade and property general manager for a decade before becoming chief executive two years ago, with a vision to consolidate and maximise the facility’s economic contribution to the Territory.

He acknowledged the port’s future rested on the major projects that come to Darwin, with Santos’ Barossa project already delivering benefits, as well as the emerging fracking industry at the Beetaloo Basin near Elliott.

This however needs to be balanced with the other industry sectors the port looks after.

The port is hosting Ospreys during Exercise Pitch Black.

A naturally deep water harbor with tides up to 8m means maintenance dredging is rarely required and the port can attract a wide variety of vessels required to trade out of the Territory, including the large LNG tankers and cruise ships which can berth comfortably.

“As far as the port goes there is a lot of existing capacity and there is also the ability to expand that capacity as demand grows, and that’s what the masterplanning is all about,” Mr Dummett said.

“In my experience when the resource sector is doing well, the Territory is doing well, and that’s a result of the flow down of opportunities to the wider business community.

“Over the years resources, tourism and defence were the top three contributors to the economy but with tourism a little slow its resources and defence that are currently leading the way.”

ITS Cavour alongside East Arm wharf last week.

In the Defence frame, Darwin Port hosts regular visits by international military vessels and last week had an Italian aircraft carrier berthed at East Arm along with two British supply vessels.

“International defence vessels like coming to Darwin because it’s a stable environment and its close to the Central Business District, and we’re seeing more and more visits in that space,” he said.

While the East Arm facility is the port’s major commercial contributor, Fort Hill wharf near the Darwin CBD also plays a major role servicing the cruise industry, which is a growing aspect of port work, servicing 107 cruise ships last financial year and with more expected in the coming year.

“We’ve got a lot of room to grow with cruise,” Mr Dummett said.

“We’ve got a dedicated facility at Fort Hill Wharf and it would be nice to use it 365 days a year. In addition to touring and accommodation demands, there are opportunities for resupplying and refuelling the vessels, particularly those operating between here and Broome.”

Darwin Port is a valued major sponsor of the NT News’ Future NT 2024 campaign which

culminates in a forum event at Mindil Beach Casino Resort on Thursday, July 18.