Business bulletin: 9 May 2024

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The Darwin Ship Lift project has reached another important milestone with Pearlson Shiplift Corporation awarded a $48 million system contract.

Pearlson Shiplift Corporation will supply the ship lift operating system, steel trestles and design and supply an integrated self-propelled modular transporter (SPMT) system.

One of only 3 companies worldwide who were identified as possible compliant suppliers for the operating system, Pearlson Shiplift Corporation has the expertise to undertake this piece of work and has delivered a number of ship lifts worldwide.

Douglas Pearlson, founder of the Pearlson Shiplift Corporation said, 'We are excited to design and supply this new state-of-the-art ship lift and transfer system for the Northern Territory Government.'

'Pearlson understands the strategic location of Darwin for both Defence and commercial work. The Darwin Ship Lift will be capable of lifting 5,500 tonne vessels, making it the largest lifting drydock in northern Australia.'

The Ship Lift project has a local contractor component as it is supported by the local contractors undertaking the facility works. Additional sub-contractors are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

In April, head contractor Clough BMD Joint Venture began construction activity at the Ship Lift site at East Arm, including identifying underground services, demolishing existing concrete structures and constructing a temporary access to the ship lift site for construction vehicles.

To date, $17.8 million in contracts have been awarded to local Territory businesses, including $16.9 million to Wilga Indigenous Corporation to supply 430,000 tonnes of rock to construct the Darwin Ship Lift facility.

During the peak of construction, the Ship Lift project will support over 250 workers, with an average of 100 workers on-site throughout construction.

Upon completion, the Ship Lift will boost the Territory’s maritime capabilities and economy.

CEL Australia has been selected as the successful proponent to undertake the development, ownership and operation of Darwin Convention Centre Hotel.

The announcement follows a competitive expression of interest (EOI) process, facilitated by CBRE Hotels.

The EOI was the first step in the competitive market process to secure a private sector proponent to deliver the new hotel adjacent to the Darwin Convention Centre.

The Northern Territory Government and CEL have signed a project development agreement for delivery of the hotel.

CEL Darwin Pty Ltd Executive Director, Mr Gallant Tang said 'we are delighted to further expand into the Northern Territory.'

The hotel is a key part of the masterplan to redevelop the Waterfront in one of Australia’s leading integrated lifestyle and tourism destination.

The Darwin Convention Centre Hotel will offer 236 rooms and provide new, upscale accommodation options for corporate and leisure visitors.

The hotel will be operated under CEL’s own brand, Momentus Hotels & Resorts, which is headquartered in Singapore, and will be the first Momentus hotel in Australia.

CEL will progress detailed design over the coming months and engage with local businesses to get the project underway.

The hotel is expected to open towards the end of 2026.

A new strategic plan has been released to support the sustainable growth of the Northern Territory’s crocodile farming industry for the next 10 years.

The NT crocodile farming industry strategic plan 2024-2033 sets a vision for the Territory’s industry to be known globally as a producer of the highest crocodile products, and a leader in animal welfare practices, crocodile research and management.

The strategic plan’s primary goal is to maintain a positive investment environment for continued industry growth through sustainable use of the wild population.

This will be achieved through a combination of sustainability practices, conservation, research and economic development, including in remote Aboriginal communities.

The strategy builds on the previous NT crocodile farming strategic plan 2015-2021 and sets out key strategic actions that will support and facilitate the sustainable growth of the industry in the Territory.

The strategic plan identifies four key focus areas:

• drive sustainable development
• lead industry standards
• drive collaborative action
• promote industry value.

Crocodiles are important to the Territory economy, contributing to the tourism industry and providing on country Aboriginal employment opportunities.

Professor Grahame Webb said 'The sustainable use of wildlife in farming is attracting investment into an industry that provides real jobs now in remote communities, which will increase in coming years. The story of crocodile farming and its conservation outcomes in the NT is used internationally as a model of how responsible industry and conservation interests can work together.'

The strategic plan will drive economic and regional development opportunities within the Territory’s crocodile industry while ensuring adherence to conservation and sustainable practices.

The NT crocodile farming industry strategic plan 2024-2033 has been developed by Crocodile Farmers Association of the Northern Territory, with the support of the Northern Territory Government.

Find out about the strategy.

(Centre) NT Exporter of the Year, Steven Camilleri from SPEE3D

The Territory’s top exporting businesses are being sought for the 2024 Chief Minister’s NT Export Awards.

The awards recognise the achievements of Territory exporters and the impact they have on both the Territory and the nation’s economy.

Successful Territory export businesses will be across 13 categories and 2 NT categories including the NT Exporter of the Year Award.

Last year, SPEE3D was successful in three categories and was named the NT Exporter of the Year.

SPEE3D is a leading advanced manufacturer through 3D printing. They have created a world leading 3D metal printer that can rapidly manufacture components in a variety of different metals and alloys.

SPEE3D export their products to countries all over the world including the United States, Europe and Asia, focusing on assisting defence industry.

Steven Camilleri, CTO and Co-founder SPEE3D said we were honoured to be winners in 3 categories, along with being the overall winner of the 2023 Chief Minister’s Northern Territory Exporter of the Year Award.

'We are grateful for the global success and interest in our patented, home-grown cold spray additive manufacturing technology, a solution that has empowered our international customers to efficiently source metal parts on-demand.'

Greg Ireland, CEO, Chamber of Commerce said Territory businesses continue to show they are nationally and internationally competitive and the NT Export Awards is another opportunity to demonstrate just that.

'I encourage Territory exporters to enter this year’s awards, share their stories of success and through this inspire other businesses to begin or advance their own export journey.'

Nominations for the 2024 Chief Minister NT Export Awards are now open and close on 14 June 2024.

For further information and to nominate, go to the Australian Export Awards website.

Preparations are well underway for October Business Month (OBM) and there are plenty of opportunities for businesses to get involved in this year’s program as an event partner or a sponsor.

Territory businesses and industry are invited to host an OBM partner event as part of the 2024 program.

OBM is a month long-program of inspirational and educational events designed to support, inspire and grow Territory businesses.

In 2023 the program saw 126 partner events, which included workshops, forums, award dinners and networking events, delivered by 55 event partners right across the Territory with over 3,900 registered attendees.

Local businesses and organisations are encouraged to get involved in OBM 2024. This is an opportunity to showcase your skills, knowledge and experience to support and motivate business owners and employees to connect, learn and be inspired. Hosting an OBM partner event provides the opportunity to:

• raise your organisations profile by aligning your brand with OBM
• create relationships with potential clients and customers
• demonstrate your support for the Territory business community.

To find out more and register your interest to host an OBM partner event, go to the October Business Month website.

There are also opportunities for businesses to partner with October Business Month as a sponsor.

As an OBM sponsor you will have the unique opportunity to showcase your organisation to the business community whilst engaging with a range of industries and sectors across all regions of the Territory.

If you’re looking to expand your network, develop strong business relationships, and promote your organisation - contact us today. A choice of sponsorship packages are available with a range of benefits to suit your business.

For a copy of the prospectus email sponsorships.ditt@nt.gov.au.

A record 330 delegates arrived in Alice Springs last month to attend the 25th Annual Geoscience Exploration Seminar (AGES), the Territory’s flagship exploration event.

The mining and resources sector supports around 5,300 direct jobs in the Territory and developing the resources sector will play a vital role in achieving a $40 billion economy by 2030.

AGES provides a unique opportunity to access the latest exploration and geoscientific data from the Territory.

Key highlights of this year’s event included new discoveries of regolith-hosted rare earths, innovative targeting for copper-gold in the Barkly, updates on uranium geology in the Pine Creek region and news of the first graphite resources discovered in the Territory.

Running alongside AGES this year included a new event, Inspiring Careers in Earth Science Forum which is designed to inspire the next generation of earth science specialist.

More than 60 Alice Springs high school students participated in the interactive student workshop which included a guided geology field trip to Anzac Hill and an opportunity to interact with the exhibitors in the Alice Springs Mining Services Expo. The forum was a great opportunity for students to gain first hand-knowledge of the industry and future job opportunities.

The Minerals Resource Industry Breakfast was another success and provided an opportunity for government to meet directly with companies undertaking mining activities in the Barkly and Central Australia.

The industry breakfast provided an opportunity for companies to meet and have an open discussion to explore collaboration opportunities. Up-to-date information on the Regional Logistics Hubs, freight and rail were delivered in collaboration with Infrastructure NT to better facilitate business in the region.

AGES was made possible with the support of event sponsors Tenant Creek Mining, Empire Energy Group, AMEC (Association of Mining and Exploration Companies), Titeline Group and Energy Club NT.

The next AGES will be held on 8-9 April, 2025.

For further information visit the Resourcing the Territory website.