Darwin Shiplift Project
Construction of an open access multi-user ship lift facility and associated marine industry infrastructure.
November 2019
Transport & Logistics
Darwin, Northern Territory
NAIF’s $300 million loan to the Northern Territory Government will enable the construction of a new ship lift and associated marine infrastructure in Darwin Harbour.
This project will consolidate Darwin’s position as a hub for marine maintenance and servicing in northern Australia. Contractual close on the deal was announced in November 2020.
Project Overview
A loan of $300 million from NAIF will go to the Northern Territory Treasury Corporation towards the overall $515 million project cost. The Northern Territory Government will contribute the remaining $215 million.
The ship lift will be situated on Northern Territory Government land in the East Arm precinct of Darwin Harbour and will be operated by the Paspaley Group. A statutory open-access and pricing arrangement will ensure common-user access to the facility for all other vessel owners and operators in the region.
The ship lift will be capable of servicing large vessels from industries including coastal shipping, offshore petroleum, fishing, pearling, defence and Australian Border Force. It will be used to lift and lower vessels from the water so they can be serviced, repaired or stored, including for safety during cyclones.
The ship lift will be 103 m in length and be able to lift vessels weighing up to 5,500 tonnes. The facility will include wet berths and 16 hectares of hard stand area for repair and maintenance works. These additional facilities will reinforce the Territory’s marine maintenance and servicing activities and create supply and side support benefits for local businesses and create opportunities for new businesses.
How We Helped
Darwin Harbour is the only functional deep-water harbour in northern Australia. Without this facility, large vessels would need to travel 10 days or more to be serviced elsewhere.
NAIF’s value is to provide longer-term funding and flexibility around the draw down and repayment structure of the project.
Public Benefit
NAIF’s investment is forecast to deliver economic diversification, job creation, new roles for highly skilled workers and new opportunities for NT businesses.
The ship lift will establish Darwin as a key maritime maintenance centre in northern Australia and servicing South East Asia, and will capitalise on the Territory’s strategic position in the Asia Pacific region.
During the peak of construction, over 250 workers will be employed, with an average of 100 workers on-site throughout the construction. Once completed, the ship lift facility will support hundreds of local jobs within the maritime support sector, contributing significantly to the region's economic growth and stability.
Image Credit: Pearlson Shiplift Corporation
Related Links
Indigenous Engagement
- The Larrakia people
Darwin, known traditionally as Garramilla, is on Larrakia Country in the Northern Territory. Larrakia Country spans from Cox Peninsula in the west, Gunn Point in the north, the Adelaide River in the east, and as far south as Manton Dam. The original name of the language group now known as Larrakia is Gulumirrgin, the Larrakia are saltwater people, they have a rich history of trade, intermarriage, and shared ceremony with neighbouring groups such as the Tiwi, Wagait, and Wulna. Important cultural sites like Stokes Hill, Mindil Beach, Rapid Creek and Casuarina Beach remain sacred to the Larrakia and are part of an enduring cultural landscape. The Larrakia Traditional Owners are pivotal to the Darwin community including the Larrakia Nation Aboriginal Corporation (LNAC) who play a central role in preserving culture, protecting country, and supporting the social and economic advancement of Larrakia people on Larrakia Country.
Indigenous Engagement Strategy Commitments
- Ongoing engagement with Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority and Larrakia Nation will be maintained throughout the project, including regular project updates, scheduled meetings, and agreed Terms of Reference to guide collaboration.
- Culturally appropriate operational models will be developed in partnership with the Larrakia Traditional Owners. This may include cultural awareness material for staff, service providers, and vessel operators; informative signage at the facility; and cross-cultural training, including cultural heritage information, for contractors and operators.
- Direct employment opportunities within the project team will be aligned with Northern Territory Government employment guidelines and First Nations employment targets.
- Strategies to boost First Nations employment during the operational phase will be explored in collaboration with the facility operator, including tailored training and career development pathways.
- Procurement processes will follow the Northern Territory Government’s Procurement Framework, ensuring open and competitive tendering. All tenders will be publicly listed via the online portal.
- The Northern Territory Government will work closely with the Industry Capability Network (NT) and the NT Indigenous Business Network to ensure First Nations businesses are registered and informed of upcoming procurement opportunities. This includes supporting initiatives such as ‘meet the buyer’ sessions, subcontractor registration, and development of a preferred First Nations supplier list.
- In partnership with Larrakia Traditional Owners, the Northern Territory Government will develop culturally appropriate materials for stakeholders involved in the Ship Lift facility and explore the delivery of cultural awareness training by appropriate providers.
Indigenous Engagement Strategy Outcomes
The Northern Territory Government has yet to commence reporting on their Indigenous Engagement Strategy (IES) commitments to NAIF. However, the Northern Territory Government has shared outcomes achieved to date as below, building on the Indigenous Development Plan, the Territory Benefit Plan and the projects IES, and ensuring that the Darwin Ship Lift Facility continues to deliver lasting cultural, social and economic value for the Larrakia people and the wider Northern Territory community.
- Ongoing communication with Larrakia Traditional Owners and Indigenous stakeholders is supported through monthly Northern Territory Government project updates covering construction and procurement progress.
- In partnership with the Department of Logistics and Infrastructure, head contractor Clough BMD Joint Venture (CBJV) hosted project presentations and site visits for 15 STARS Foundation students and 24 Clontarf Foundation students, encouraging pathways into apprenticeships, traineeships, and future graduate opportunities with CBJV and the Northern Territory Government.
- As of 30 June 2025, CBJV reported 30 full-time equivalent First Nations employees working on the project. Nearly 10% of total hours worked (over 50,000 hours) have been delivered by First Nations staff, including those employed by subcontractors. CBJV also reported that 16% of project packages, valued at $22.6 million, were awarded to First Nations businesses.
- All personnel working on site must complete a Clough BMD JV project environment induction covering First Nations cultural heritage and significant sites.
- First Nations employees are supported through personalised training plans aligned with national qualifications and a four-stream mentoring system combining cultural guidance from Larrakia Elders with professional development support.
- All project decision makers complete Larrakia led cultural awareness induction, and a formal ‘Sorry Business’ protocol guarantees compassionate leave for ceremonial obligations.
- To leave a visible legacy, Clough BMD JV funded the digitisation of local artwork and produced the first 1,000 bespoke PPE shirts featuring Larrakia designs – embedding culture on site and generating income for the artist.