Australia: Port of Melbourne Development Moves Ahead

Port of Melbourne Corporation’s (PoMC’s) $1.6 billion redevelopment of Webb Dock is advancing with the awarding of civil and maritime design contracts.

The expansion of capacity at the Port of Melbourne, which is Australia’s largest container, automotive and general cargo port was announced by the Victorian Premier, Mr Ted Baillieu and the Minister for Ports, Dr Denis Napthine in April this year.

PoMC Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Bradford, today announced the appointment of two consultants who will be responsible for the delivery of detailed designs for the project’s internal roads, services infrastructure, interface buffers and maritime engineering services.

“This is an important first step in the redevelopment of Webb Dock which is the site for Melbourne’s third international container terminal and a new world class automotive facility”, Mr Bradford said.

PoMC’s Expression of Interest and tender processes attracted an enormous amount of interest. Mr Bradford stated that the submissions received displayed a high level of technical expertise and demonstrated a strong competitive focus.

The evaluation processes determined that the contract for civil engineering design services be awarded to Aurecon Australia Pty Limited. The scope of the civil works includes detail design of internal roads, interface buffers site preparation works and services infrastructure.

PoMC also advised the appointment of Arup Pty Limited to provide maritime engineering consulting services for the project’s extensive maritime works. The maritime program includes re-engineering the existing wharves at Webb Dock East, dredging and the design of a new 920 metre wharf for the port’s automotive trade which will be consolidated into a new world class facility at Webb Dock West.

“Aurecon & Arup both have an excellent track record for designing and delivering large scale infrastructure with a focus on innovation and sustainability – their worldwide experience will help to create the innovative design outcomes we are seeking for Webb Dock” Mr Bradford said.