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6 March 2023

The Territory Labor Government is building a Ship Lift in Darwin, paving the way for hundreds of jobs and positioning Darwin as a major international and national player in the marine services industry.

Recently, the Territory Government awarded a design consultancy contract to Wallbridge Gilbert Aztec (WGA) to continue delivery of the ship lift project.

Wallbridge Gilbert Aztec is a company with global expertise and a Territory presence. They have undertaken design work on the ship lift project previously and has deep knowledge of the Territory’s marine environment.

They will now focus on delivering expert value engineering advice to maximise the benefits of the project for the Territory and industry.

This contract will further progress the detailed design of the ship lift project, and ensure the design is optimised to meet the needs of future users in the marine services sectors, including defence, shipping and national security operations.

The design work will be progressed concurrently as negotiations and due diligence checks continue regarding the construction of the ship lift facility.

Quotes attributed to Chief Minister Natasha Fyles:

“The awarding of this technical design tender is a sign that work on the ship lift project is continuing.

“The ship lift is a major national infrastructure project. As a key piece of enabling infrastructure.

“The ship lift at East Arm will bring millions into the NT economy every year. It will employ 250 Territorians at the peak of construction, and will generate and maintain hundreds of local jobs in the maritime support sector. The ship lift is also key enabling infrastructure for the future marine industry park.”

Quotes attributed to the Minister for Territory Development, Eva Lawler:

“Work is continuing on the Ship Lift project. It will be built, and create ongoing economic benefits for Territorians.

“The facility will be fit for purpose to service vessels from multiple sectors – Defence, Border Force, offshore petroleum, pearling, fishing and tourism – as well as other maritime industries.”

Northern Territory Government