UPGRADES at the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) in Henderson Western Australia are underway, the state government said.
The $32.1-million project will see the existing AMC Berth 1 extended by about 153 metres and existing services on AMC wharves 1, 2 and 3 improved.
The project also includes the design of a 200-metre finger wharf to create Berths 7 and 8, which would increase the AMC’s capability to support larger navy vessels.
The upgrades will create additional berth capacity for all Royal Australian Navy vessels, including Anzac-class frigates, offshore patrol vessels and the future Hunter class frigates.
WA-based civil and electrical construction business Ertech has been awarded the contract to design and deliver the major wharf upgrade.
Construction is expected to be completed by September 2022.
As part of its WA Recovery Plan, the WA Government is investing more than $89.3 million in four infrastructure projects at the AMC, including the major wharf upgrade.
A new vessel transfer path at the AMC has recently reached practical completion and earthworks are now underway for a new shipbuilding hall and two road intersections.
The AMC represents a major infrastructure asset to the national defence sector, contributing significantly to maritime innovation and Australia’s sovereign shipbuilding capability. The complex is utilised by over 150 local small and medium-sized enterprises and provides a significant training pipeline for WA workers.
WA Premier Mark McGowan said the investment is one of four major infrastructure projects that the WA Government is investing a total of $89.3 million in.
“Delivery of these projects will strengthen our case that Western Australia should be the nation’s primary location for frigate maintenance,” he said.
WA defence industry minister Paul Papalia said the AMC in Henderson is one of two locations identified for naval shipbuilding in Australia.
“With this investment, the Western Australian defence industry is in a prime position to secure more shipbuilding contracts into the future,” he said.
