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Posted by Allen Newton
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13 April, 2026
A SERIES of contracts have been issued for work on the Northern Territory’s $515 million Darwin Ship Lift Facility, due for Defence Facility Qualification in 2026-27 and a staged operational start in 2027.
The ship lift facility is being delivered by the Northern Territory government as part of the Northern Marine Complex to service defence, commercial and international vessels operating across northern Australia and the Indo-Pacific.
Marine piling is now underway and key components for the lift and transfer systems are arriving on site.
The NT government’s latest Q1 2026 project update said specialised ship lift systems were arriving including self‑propelled modular transporter (SPMT) systems which arrived in Darwin in late February. Additional shipments are expected through April.
Lloyd’s Register has certified the structural design of the hoists, platform and transfer cradles, clearing a key technical hurdle for the lift’s commissioning phase.
Subcontracts valued at $256.89 million had been awarded to NT businesses to date with recent contracts of $21.42m to Molloy Electrical Contractors for electrical services and bulk equipment installation and $13.4m to DTA Contractors for electrical and water headworks on Berrimah Road.
More than 906,000 hours have been worked on the project so far.
Marine piling began in February, marking a major milestone in establishing the new maritime servicing hub at East Arm. A total of 186 tubular piles — ranging from 17 to 33 metres — will support the lift system, wet berths, pontoons and navigation aids.
Onshore, 21 of the 47 caissons forming the facility’s seawalls have been completed, with land reclamation now built to high‑tide level. Construction of the administration and gatehouse buildings is progressing, with roofing, electrical and plumbing works underway.
