Pontoon heralds start of $60m project in WA

12:40 AM Mon 8 Dec 2008 GMT

'The pontoon is just one part of a $60m development.' . Click Here to view large photo

The Australian Marine Complex (AMC) at Henderson has received an early Christmas present with the arrival of a massive pontoon that will form part of a new $60million floating dock.

Measuring 99m by 53m and incorporating more than 4,000 tonnes of steel, the pontoon was delivered via a Dockwise semi-submersible ship from Vietnam where the structure was built by AMC-based shipbuilder Strategic Marine.

Western Trade Coast Business Manager Luke Willcock said the floating dock project also represents a significant investment in Western Australian industry.

"More than 60 per cent of the floating dock will be completed locally including fabrication of 1,000 tonne steel sidewalls and the development and integration of all high technology 'smart' components," Mr Willcock said.

"This will be the most technologically advanced floating dock in the world featuring computerised touch screen control systems and automated ballasting to lift heavy vessels out of the water for service and maintenance."

With the pontoon now at the AMC Common User Facility (CUF), where it was towed from near Garden Island after being floated off the Dockwise semi-submersible ship, sidewall modules will be fitted before commissioning trials begin in June 2009.

The pontoon measures 99m by 53m and incorporates more than 4,000 tonnes of steel. - .. Click Here to view large photo

Once commissioned, the floating dock will be capable of providing the land transfer of vessels up to 3,500 tonnes and will be able to lift 12,000 tonne vessels out of the water for service and maintenance work.

"The floating dock will further enhance the world-class capabilities of the CUF, and alone is expected to inject $2bn into WA's economy over the next 25 years," Mr Willcock said.

"It will facilitate commercial ship repair work; service the growing superyacht industry in WA; provide capability for the testing of sub-sea oil and gas components; and allow WA to bid for a range of major maintenance and construction projects across the marine, defence and resources sectors."

The floating dock is critical to ASC Pty Ltd's multi-billion dollar Through-Life Support contract to provide service and maintenance for the Collins Class submarines at the CUF until at least 2018.

The floating dock is on track to be complete in time for the first scheduled submarine docking in October 2009.

The dock, along with a $17m Self Propelled Modular Transporter (SPMT) system which will also come online mid next year, is part of a $174million infrastructure upgrade program funded by the State Government and administered by LandCorp.

by Jeni Bone

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