The NT Government is building a ship lift in Northern Australia. The Darwin Ship Lift Facility will enable the maintenance and servicing of Defence and Australian Border Force vessels and commercial and private vessels, including those from the Oil & Gas and marine industries.

The Darwin ship lift facility will be designed to meet the needs of the general maritime sector and the current and long-term needs of the Department of Defence and the Australian Border Force while supporting local jobs and economic growth in the Territory.

Once operational, the facility will catalyse the development of a marine maintenance and servicing industry and create many new jobs.

The common user ship lift facility will include

• a ship lift 26m wide, 103m long and 6m deep
• lifting capability of 5,000 tonnes
• wet berths (wharves)
• additional hard stand area for ship repair and maintenance works.

The ship lift will lift vessels such as the Australian Defence Force's new fleet of offshore patrol vessels.

The Darwin ship lift facility will enable vessel owners to choose and manage their service and maintenance providers and allow multiple providers to operate concurrently.

The ship lift is a commercial facility for common users. A legislated open access regime will ensure fair and equal use for all customers. The independent Utilities Commission will oversee pricing and access. Construction is anticipated to take two years and become operational in 2024.

Further information on the project can be found by clicking here