Darwin ship lift project enters proposal phase

The Northern Territory government has shortlisted five proponents to develop a new marine maintenance industry in East Arm.

Chief Minister, Adam Giles, said 13 expressions of interest had been received to develop the ship lift facility.

“This ship lift project will catalyse the creation of a new major industry dedicated to marine services which has the potential to drive the development of prime industrial land at East Arm to support the defence, oil and gas, coastal barging and logistics sectors,” he said.

“At full capacity, our marine industries are projected to support up to 4500 full time jobs and inject around $3.5 billion into the Territory economy.”

Some of the shortlisted proponents include BSE Maritime, Darwin Marine Centre, East Arm Marine Consortium, Pearl Marine Engineering and UGL.

A ship lift facility in Darwin would allow locally based defence and border force vessels to be serviced in Darwin instead of interstate for repairs.

“The government intends to enter into project agreements with and announce a successful preferred proponent for the project in July,” he said.

“The facility will be designed to accommodate boats more than 90 metres in length, including the new fleet of patrol vessels currently being procured by the Defence Force.”

The Northern Territory government is prepared to invest up to $100 million towards the project. 

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