Darwin Port releases Master Plan to support Northern Territory economic development
Darwin Port is proud to announce the launch of our Master Plan, which will set out our long-term vision for the progressive development of the port over the next 30 years.
It provides an aspirational and strategic framework to guide infrastructure investment and operation planning, supporting Darwin Port so it can evolve and grow to meet future trade and capacity needs of the region.
The Master Plan has been produced in close collaboration between Darwin Port, our stakeholders and industry leading consultants.
Darwin Port CEO Peter Dummett said the Master Plan represents the culmination of careful planning, rigorous consultation, and a shared vision for Darwin Port to serve the Northern Territory and the region into the future.
“This Master Plan is not the beginning, but a pivotal next step in a journey already in motion.”
“It reflects the trust placed in us by our stakeholders, our commitment to continuous improvement, and our ambition to shape a future-ready port that delivers value far beyond its boundaries,” he said.
“We have listened to our partners across government, industry, and the community. Their input has guided the phasing strategy, validated our forecasts, and reinforced confidence in our long-term direction.”
“From cruise and defence operations to multimodal expansions that future-proof our container, dry bulk and rail throughput capacity, every part of this Master Plan is shaped by those who rely on the port,” said Mr Dummett.
The Master Plan outlines a staged approach to development beginning with incremental upgrades to existing assets and, if required, progressing to transformative expansion.
Mr Dummett said the Plan will balance the needs of emerging industries with the ongoing requirements of current stakeholders, ensuring flexibility and resilience in a dynamic operating environment.
“With regional and global trade dynamics evolving at an unprecedented pace, the Master Plan provides the clarity and structure needed to assist Darwin Port in remaining a resilient, responsive gateway for trade that is scalable, secure, and purpose-built to accommodate growth and a competitive future,” he said.
The Master Plan has the potential to deliver a range of outcomes depending on industry demand, including:
- An increase in container handling capacity to 300,000teu, around 12.5 times current throughput.
- An increase in bulk material export capacity to 13.5Mtpa, around 40 times current throughput and around 4 times previous record levels.
- A quadrupling of the available laydown and hardstand capacity available at East Arm Wharf.
- An increase in undercover bulk storage capacity of around 18 times.
- An increase in vehicle import volumes of around 7.5 times.
Mr Dummett said the Master Plan also encompasses Darwin Port’s Fort Hill Wharf facility.
“We expect continued strong growth in the cruise sector and, if required to support this industry, we anticipate that the existing Fort Hill Wharf could be extended by around 60 metres, providing the ability to berth future vessels of up to 380 metres in length, whilst also providing greater flexibility to accommodate multiple smaller vessels.
“The more frequent accommodation of multiple vessels at Fort Hill will in turn trigger the potential for cruise terminal expansions and enhancements, improving the visitor arrival experience while also meeting our regulatory obligations surrounding customs and biosecurity,” he said.
Darwin Port is committed to ensuring the success and growth of the Northern Territory and has already commenced some of the pre-planning assessment work required for many of the underlying activities and development initiatives necessary to implement initiatives with a potential delivery schedule commencing over the next three to five years should the individual projects be supported by a robust business case.
To view the full Masterplan please click here