The Northern Territory has named the ShoreASCO Consortium as the preferred bidder to construct, own and operate Darwin’s Marine Supply Base. The base will service the logistical needs of the oil and gas sector.

 

Exclusive commercial negotiations will now be undertaken with the ShoreASCO Consortium with a view to finalising contracts by the end of 2011

 

Chief Minister Paul Henderson said the consortium – which includes ASCO Holdings, Macmahon Contractors and Capella Capital – combines local, national and international expertise.

 

“ASCO Holdings is an international oil and gas logistics company with over 40 years’ experience, with some 20 bases around the world providing services in the United States, United Kingdom, Norway, Trinidad, Canada and Azerbaijan,” Mr Henderson said.

 

In November 2010, ASCO Holdings purchased ShoreBase from the Shorelands Group. ShoreBase is a local provider of offshore and onshore logistic support to the oil and gas sector. ShoreBase is now ShoreASCO and has formed a strategic alliance with Shorelands Group bringing a blend of international experience and local knowledge.

 

“This experience, combined with the local knowledge of other consortium members, such as Macmahon, who have worked on several large Territory projects, including a number of port related projects and the Tiger Brennan Drive Extension, will ensure Darwin has a world-class marine supply base.”

 

The base, which will be built next to East Arm Wharf, is expected to be completed by the end of 2013 and will service oil and gas supply ships, known as rig tenders.

 

The ships supply offshore oil and gas rigs with everything from food and water to fuel and drilling equipment.

 

The project will employ in the order of 125 people at the peak of construction, create 54 ongoing jobs and support over 173 jobs in the broader economy.

 

The marine supply base will address targets in the Territory Government’s Territory 2030 Strategy, including to:

 

  • establish Darwin as a key centre for oil and gas operations, maintenance and workforce
  • expand the manufacturing industry with a particular focus on gas-based industry.