Perth companies land $52M contract for major wharf works

A joint venture between Perth-based companies Duratec and Ertech has been awarded a $52 million contract to lead an extension and upgrade of the HMAS Stirling Oxley Wharf to service a growing naval fleet.

Minister for Defence Industry Melissa Price said the Duratec Ertech JV had been appointed head contractor for the project to extend the wharf in a project expected to support up to 75 construction jobs.

It shapes as a major win for local businesses, with those within 50km of HMAS Stirling to win 93 per cent of all sub-contract packages to maximise opportunities for local industry.

Minister Price said the investment was being driven by the need to cater for a growing naval fleet as part of the Morrison Government's record $270 billion investment in Defence capability. 

“The new construction works in Perth will support the mooring and berthing of the new Hunter Class Frigates, Arafura Class Offshore Patrol Vessels and other Royal Australian Navy vessels,” Minister Price said.

“The Oxley Wharf project is part of a $2.1 billion program to deliver maritime and landside facilities for our new naval assets.

“Works at HMAS Stirling will include the design and construction of the 138 metre wharf extension, with a 25 metre wide wharf deck supported by tubular steel piles.

“This project will be a great boost to the local economy.

“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.

“There will also be employment opportunities through the supply chain and off-site manufacturing.”

The Duratec Ertech JV 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 will be finalised in early 2022, with on-site construction to start soon after.

Further information is available on the NCIS webpage at: https://www.defence.gov.au/id/NCIS/Default.asp