THE NORTHERN Territory government has activated statutory powers that declare Darwin’s Ship Lift and Marine Industry Park a strategic maritime gateway.
A government media release said the declaration positions the area as a strategic maritime gateway supporting defence, international trade, energy and critical mineral supply chains, activating statutory powers for the first time to drive coordinated delivery of an economically significant precinct.
The media release said the declaration activated the Territory Coordinator’s powers to drive the coordinated delivery of a major economic precinct by strengthening governance, coordination and cost control, ensuring taxpayer value, attracting private investment, and delivering skilled local jobs.
“The declaration marks a turning point for the area, shifting it from fragmented delivery to a clear, whole-of-government approach focused on unlocking long-term economic growth for the Northern Territory,” the release said.
Located at East Arm, just minutes from Darwin’s CBD, the Northern Marine Complex spans 246 hectares, including both land and water. It brings together the Darwin Ship Lift and the Marine Industry Park into a single, integrated maritime precinct.
“At its core is a 5500-tonne capacity ship lift, supported by infrastructure that allows multiple vessels to be dry-docked at the same time. This capability enables Darwin to service defence, commercial and international vessels operating across northern Australia and the Indo-Pacific.
“Surrounding the ship lift is a purpose-built industrial subdivision, with large-scale workshop and fabrication areas located just 600 metres from the lift, specifically designed to support marine maintenance, repair and fabrication activities.
“The complex also includes a 10.3-hectare common-use hardstand, providing a secure and expansive area for fabrication, storage and maintenance operations, as well as a multi-user barge ramp offering all-tide access to ensure seamless vessel movement and logistics.”
The government claims these assets position Darwin as a competitive, full-service maritime hub capable of supporting defence, trade and industrial activity across the north and into the Indo-Pacific.
“As Australia’s most northern deep-water harbour, the Northern Marine Complex is strategically located close to major international shipping routes and emerging opportunities linked to defence posture changes, gas development, critical minerals supply chains and increasing commercial vessel movements across the region.”
Chief minister Lia Finocchiaro said the Ship Lift was a major public investment and Territorians rightly expected it to deliver.
“Developing an economically significant precinct will maximum the benefit of the Ship Lift to the entire maritime industry.” Mrs Finocchiaro said.
“Growth in the marine sector means more skilled local jobs, more Territory businesses in the supply chain, and even more reasons for defence to anchor itself in the Territory.
“That’s why, in our year of growth, certainty and security, we are taking strong action to rebuild our economy.”
Mrs Finocchiaro said in October 2025, the Public Accounts Committee had delivered its findings into the Darwin Ship Lift Facility, identifying systemic coordination and accountability failures under the former Labor government’s delivery of the project.