Darwin Port masterplan unlocks a potential billion dollars in new infrastructure
The long-awaited master plan for a key Territory asset has been unveiled. Read what’s promised.
A substantial increase in container handling capacity, covered sheds, Fort Hill Wharf expansion and a conveyor system to eliminate road haulage highlight the latest Darwin Port master plan, released this week.
The document also outlines a path towards a second shiploader and additional berth as well as expansion of the port’s rail dump capacity.
The master plan offers a staged approach to development at the Landbridge-leased facility, beginning with incremental upgrades to existing assets when required, gearing up to a “transformative expansion” over the next 30 years.
Key targets from the master plan include an increase in container handling capacity to 300,000 20-foot equivalent unit, around 12.5 times current throughput and an increase in bulk material export capacity to 13.5 million tonnes per annum, around 40 times current throughput and around four times previous record levels.
The master plan forecasts a quadrupling of available laydown and hardstand capacity at East Arm Wharf, an increase in undercover bulk storage capacity of around 18 times and an increase in vehicle import volumes around 7.5 times.
“Darwin Port recognises the challenges of forecasting long-term industry needs,” the Plan said.
“It balances the needs of emerging industries with the ongoing requirement of current stakeholders, ensuring flexibility and resilience in a dynamic operating environment.”
The plan’s scenarios were developed irrespective of whether the port’s management structure was changed due to federal government interventions.
The report acknowledged while Darwin Port was currently enjoying “a significant period of growth”, the Territory was subject to economic volatility through its reliance on sectors like resources and tourism, which are subject to market fluctuations.
As well as expanding the port’s key roles in shifting bulk materials and containerised freight, the master plan identifies key major projects including SunCable’s AAPowerlink, Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct, onshore gas and expansion at Inpex and Darwin LNG as future economic drivers.
Staples of the port’s operations including defence, live cattle exports, tourism and the cruise industry are expected to grow in coming years and its forecasts include a nod to ENI’s Verus project in the Bonaparte Gulf and an expansion of onshore gas developments.
While the port has existing capacity within the current infrastructure to immediately support industry, the master plan outlines three distinctive growth phases for the port over three decades.
Phase one is focused on optimising and enhancing existing infrastructure and capacity and preparing for future expansion through targeted upgrades to marine and landside infrastructure including a 35 metre berth pocket extension at Berth 1.
Phase two introduces new infrastructure to support containerised trade growth, looks to reconfigure bulk liquid operations through development in part through development of a fifth berth and a 270 metre extension of the railway into the new container yard.
Phase three foreshadows “the final stage of major infrastructure expansion” including a new Berth 6 development and a new 1200m rail spur line to a new rail dump station.
Darwin Port chief executive Peter Dummett said the master plan represented the culmination of a “rigorous” process of planning and consultation, and a shared vision for Darwin Port to serve the Northern Territory and region into the future.
It forecasts potential expenditures at the port over the next about 15 years at in excess of $1 billion as well as $75 million on upgrades at Fort Hill Wharf passenger terminal on expanded berthing and improved passenger facilities.
“This Master Plan is not the beginning, but a pivotal next step in a journey already in motion,” Mr Dummett said.
“The forward planning has now been done but final decisions on any investment will be driven by robust business cases.
“It reflects the trust placed in us by our stakeholders, our commitment to continuous improvement, and our ambition to shape a future-ready port that delivers value far beyond its boundaries.
“We have listened to our partners across government, industry, and the community. Their input has guided the phasing strategy, validated our forecasts, and reinforced confidence in our long-term direction.
“From cruise and defence operations to multimodal expansions that future-proof our container, dry bulk and rail throughput capacity, every part of this Master Plan is shaped by those who rely on the port.”
Mr Dummett said the plan charted a course for expanded growth in freight and visitors that would ultimately deliver for Darwin and the Territory.
“We expect continued strong growth in the cruise sector and, if required to support this industry, we anticipate that the existing Fort Hill Wharf could be extended by around 60 metres, providing the ability to berth future vessels of up to 380 metres in length, while also providing greater flexibility to accommodate multiple smaller vessels,” he said.
“The more frequent accommodation of multiple vessels at Fort Hill will in turn trigger the potential for cruise terminal expansions and enhancements, improving the visitor arrival experience while also meeting our regulatory obligations surrounding customs and biosecurity.”
Chinese-owned company Landbridge has a 99-year lease at Darwin Port, which the Commonwealth wants returned to Australian hands. The NT Government retains a 20 per cent stake in the asset.
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Originally published as Darwin Port masterplan unlocks a potential billion dollars in new infrastructure
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