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Two Perth-based firms have secured a multimillion-dollar contract to modernise naval infrastructure.
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A joint venture between engineering firms Duratec and Ertech has secured a $52 million contract to spearhead a project to overhaul HMAS Stirling Oxley Wharf.
Modifications include the design and construction of the 138-metre wharf extension, with a 25-metre-wide wharf deck supported by tubular steel piles.
The redevelopment is expected to support the provision of services to the Royal Australian Navy’s growing fleet, which includes facilitating the mooring and berthing of the forthcoming Hunter Class frigates, Arafura Class offshore patrol vessels.
It is anticipated that the project will help stimulate the local economy, with 93 per cent of sub-contracted work to be sourced from within 50 kilometres of the naval base, generating approximately 75 jobs.
Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the Oxley Wharf project forms part of a $2.1 billion program to deliver maritime and landside facilities for Defence’s new naval assets.
“It is a significant win for local businesses and shows the vast array of opportunities stemming from our government’s investments in shipbuilding in WA,” Minister Price added.
“There will also be employment opportunities through the supply chain and off-site manufacturing.”
The Duratec-Ertech joint venture has set an Indigenous workforce target of at least 4 per cent and an Indigenous-owned enterprise sub-contractor target of at least 4 per cent.
Designs for the HMAS Stirling Oxley Wharf upgrade are expected to be finalised in early 2022, followed by on-site consultation with stakeholders.
This is the latest defence infrastructure upgrade announced by the Commonwealth government in recent months.
Last month, the government awarded a $158 million contract to Ventia for the upgrade of the Australian Defence Force's existing fleet of engineering vehicles, delivering an additional 291 vehicles.
The vehicles include cranes, excavators, bulldozers, loaders, telehandlers, forklifts, graders and rollers.
The acquisition and sustainment of the Engineer Support Platforms is expected to generate 23 new jobs nationwide, while supporting the continuing employment of an additional 65 Australian workers.
The contract is expected to involve local networks and distributors for the supply of the vehicles.
[Related: Defence awards $158m contract for vehicle upgrades]
