The Ship Lift project is set to position Darwin as a hub for maritime services in Australia and South East Asia.
With advanced infrastructure to lift and service large vessels, the ship lift facility will significantly improve maritime services in the Northern Territory, ensuring ships can be maintained locally. It supports the operational needs of the Department of Defence and Australian Border Force while offering services to the general maritime industry.
Fyfe is pleased to support the project by providing a range of survey and geospatial services to the project’s head contractor, Clough-BMD Joint Venture (CBJV).
Overview
The Darwin Ship Lift is designed to cater to vessels from the defence, energy, pearling and fishing sectors.
When complete, the 26m-wide and 103m-long ship lift will be able to accommodate vessels weighing up to 5,500 tonnes. In addition to the ship lift itself, the facility contains wet berths to allow for in-water maintenance, hard stand areas and state-of-the-art facilities for washing, blasting, painting and general maintenance.
Self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) units will enable the movement of vessels within the facility.
Fyfe’s role
Fyfe was engaged by CBJV as the project surveyors for the duration of the construction. This includes all typical facets of survey services on a construction site. Fyfe’s multi-discipline team has also helped with any surface modelling challenges.
Fyfe is conducting Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) surveys of the facility and East Arm site, delivering critical data and insights to support the project’s development via access to the Propeller Platform, a powerful tool for viewing, interrogating, and downloading aerial imagery, facilitating informed decision-making throughout the construction process.
Fyfe’s comprehensive approach and technological expertise play a pivotal role by delivering precise, actionable data that supports efficient development.
Challenges
A project of this scale and complexity always presents challenges. A notable challenge in this case is Darwin’s tidal range, which reaches up to 8.2 metres.
To navigate these conditions, the construction teams are employing precise dredging techniques, starting with a cutter suction dredge and progressing to a backhoe dredge for the harder materials and detailed excavation of berths.
Materials dredged from the seabed will then be repurposed for land reclamation, minimising waste and reducing the need for additional resources. This innovative approach demonstrates a balance between large-scale industrial development and responsible environmental management.
Fyfe is proud to support the Ship Lift project and play a part in improving the maritime services sector in the Top End.
To learn more about the services we offer or to talk to a member of our survey team, please contact us.
