Clough, the Australian subsidiary of Webuild, in joint venture with its partner BMD, have been awarded the Procurement and Construction (EPC) scope for the development of the Darwin Shiplift Facility by the Northern Territory (NT) Government.

The facility is located in the East Arm precinct, between the Marine Supply Base at the Port of Darwin and the multi-user barge ramp facility (MUBRF) at the Marine Industry Park.

The Darwin Ship Lift Facility will enable the maintenance and servicing of Defence and Australian Border Force vessels, along with commercial and private vessels from the fishing, oil & gas and marine industries.

The Clough BMD joint venture will construct the facility to meet the needs of the general fishing and maritime sector and the current and long-term needs of the Department of Defence and the Australian Border Force, while making a positive impact through business opportunities, jobs and community initiatives in the Territory.

The scope of works includes investigation, construction, testing, commissioning, certification and handover of the facility and it will include: 

• a ship lift 26m wide, 103m long and 6m deep 

• lifting capability of 5,500 tonnes 

• wet berths (wharves) 

• additional hard stand area for ship repair and maintenance works

The shiplift will have the capacity to lift vessels such as the new fleet of offshore patrol vessels procured by the Australian Defence Force.

The Darwin Shiplift Facility will feature two separate areas, one which will be privately operated and one which will be a common user facility that will enable vessel owners to choose and manage their own service and maintenance providers. This will also enable multiple providers to operate concurrently at the facility.