TASPORTS has awarded a contract to rework Hobart’s Macquarie Wharf 6 as part of the broader Macquarie Wharf Redevelopment, underpinned by a funding agreement between the Australian and Tasmanian governments.
The agreement was reached on October 2024 and sits alongside long-term commercial arrangements with the Australian Antarctic Division for the use of the wharf by the research/icebreaker Nuyina.
TasPorts has worked closely with AAD to ensure the wharf design meets the operational requirements of Australia’s Antarctic program, with TasPorts responsible for the delivery and ongoing operation of the port infrastructure.
The works will be delivered under a design and construct contract and includes demolition of the existing wharf, construction of a new wharf structure, provision of shore power for RSV Nuyina, and upgrades to supporting port infrastructure and services.
The contract has been awarded to a joint venture between Hazell Bros Group and Brady Marine & Civil (Hazell Brady Joint Venture) and was announced today [19 December] by Federal Minister for the Environment and Water Murray Watt and Tasmanian premier Jeremy Rockliff.
Mr Watt said the project is nationally significant for Australia’s Antarctic program.
“The Albanese Government’s $188 million investment in the Macquarie Wharf Redevelopment Project will deliver world-class infrastructure to support Australia’s Antarctic operations and provide a long-term home for RSV Nuyina,” he said.
“This project strengthens Australia’s leadership in Antarctic science and ensures our operations are supported by modern, reliable port infrastructure in Hobart.”
Premier Rockliff said the project reinforces Hobart’s role as Australia’s Antarctic gateway while supporting jobs and industry.
“It is a strong vote of confidence in local capability that a Tasmanian-based joint venture has been awarded this contract,” Mr Rockliff said. “Hazell Brady has a strong track record of delivering major projects in Tasmania, including on the Bridgewater Bridge and port infrastructure, and we are proud to be again partnering with them.”
TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said the appointment of Hazell Brady reflects TasPorts’ focus on proven capability in complex port environments.
“Hazell Brady has demonstrated its ability to deliver complex marine infrastructure in live port environments,” Mr Donald said. “That experience, recognised by Engineers Australia, gives us confidence in the delivery of Macquarie Wharf.”
Mr Donald said the contract award marks a critical transition from planning into delivery.
“This is a significant step forward for the Macquarie Wharf Redevelopment,” he said. “With a delivery partner now appointed, we are moving into the next phase of building infrastructure that will support Antarctic operations, trade and cruise activity in Hobart for decades to come.”
TasPorts received a strong market response and participation during procurement, with six expressions of interest received and three proponents progressing through a competitive design development and tender phase, it said.
Site mobilisation is expected to commence in the new year, with the Macquarie Wharf 6 redevelopment on track for practical completion prior to August 2028.
Users will also have a short walk to the new, adjacent, sports stadium.
The Macquarie Wharf 6 upgrade is part of the broader Macquarie Wharf Redevelopment Project, which will be delivered in stages, with Macquarie Wharves 4 and 5 to follow, expanding Tasmania’s export and cruise capacity.
The Macquarie Wharf Redevelopment is a multi-stage infrastructure program that includes the complete rebuild of Macquarie Wharf 6, the construction of shore power infrastructure, a dedicated Antarctic precinct and upgrades to wharf facilities and cargo handling capacity across Macquarie Wharves 4, 5 and 6.
The Australian Government has committed $188 million for the redevelopment and ongoing maintenance of Macquarie Wharf 6.