Hazell Brady JV awarded contract to redevelop Macquarie Wharf 6

TasPorts has awarded the contract to redevelop Macquarie Wharf 6 in Hobart to Hazell Brady Joint Venture, a joint venture between Hazell Bros Group and Brady Marine & Civil, marking a major milestone in the Macquarie Wharf Redevelopment Project.

The Macquarie Wharf 6 redevelopment is the first stage of the broader Macquarie Wharf Redevelopment and is underpinned by a funding agreement between the Australian and Tasmanian governments, announced in October 2024, alongside long-term commercial arrangements with the Australian Antarctic Division (AAD).

TasPorts has worked closely with AAD to ensure the wharf design meets the operational requirements of Australia’s Antarctic program, with TasPorts responsible for the delivery and ongoing operation of the port infrastructure.

Federal Minister for the Environment and Water, Murray Watt, said the project is nationally significant for Australia’s Antarctic program.

“The Albanese Government’s $188 million investment in the Macquarie Wharf Redevelopment Project will deliver world-class infrastructure to support Australia’s Antarctic operations and provide a long-term home for RSV Nuyina,” Minister Watt said.

“This project strengthens Australia’s leadership in Antarctic science and ensures our operations are supported by modern, reliable port infrastructure in Hobart.”

The works will be delivered under a design and construct contract by Hazell Brady JV and includes demolition of the existing wharf, construction of a new wharf structure, provision of shore power for RSV Nuyina, and upgrades to supporting port infrastructure and services.

Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff said this project reinforces Hobart’s role as Australia’s Antarctic gateway while supporting jobs and industry.

“It is a strong vote of confidence in local capability that a Tasmanian-based joint venture has been awarded this contract,” Premier Rockliff said.

"Hazell Brady has the experience to deliver complex marine works, and this project will create jobs and lasting economic benefits for Tasmania.

“Hazell Brady has a strong track record of delivering major projects in Tasmania, including on the Bridgewater Bridge and port infrastructure, and we are proud to be again partnering with them.

TasPorts CEO Anthony Donald said the appointment of Hazell Brady reflects TasPorts’ focus on proven capability in complex port environments.

“Hazell Brady has demonstrated its ability to deliver complex marine infrastructure in live port environments,” Mr Donald said.

“That experience, recognised by Engineers Australia, gives us confidence in the delivery of Macquarie Wharf.”

Mr Donald said the contract award marks a critical transition from planning into delivery.

“This is a significant step forward for the Macquarie Wharf Redevelopment,” he said.

“With a delivery partner now appointed, we are moving into the next phase of building infrastructure that will support Antarctic operations, trade and cruise activity in Hobart for decades to come.”

TasPorts received a strong market response and participation during procurement, with six expressions of interest received and three proponents progressing through a competitive design development and tender phase.

Site mobilisation is expected to commence in the new year, with the Macquarie Wharf 6 redevelopment on track for practical completion prior to August 2028.

The Macquarie Wharf 6 upgrade is part of the broader Macquarie Wharf Redevelopment Project, which will be delivered in stages, with Macquarie Wharves 4 and 5 to follow, expanding Tasmania’s export and cruise capacity.

About the Macquarie Wharf RedevelopmentThe Macquarie Wharf Redevelopment is a multi-stage infrastructure program to modernise Hobart’s working port, supporting Tasmania’s position as a global gateway to the Antarctic and a hub for international trade, science, and tourism.

The project includes the complete rebuild of Macquarie Wharf 6, the construction of shore power infrastructure, a dedicated Antarctic precinct and upgrades to wharf facilities and cargo handling capacity across Macquarie Wharves 4, 5 and 6.

The Australian Government has committed $188 million for the redevelopment and ongoing maintenance of Macquarie Wharf 6.

The funding ensures a fit-for-purpose wharf for Australia’s world-class Antarctic icebreaker, the RSV Nuyina, and ensures Tasmania’s role as the gateway to East Antarctica.

Under the funding agreement between the Australian Government and the Tasmanian Government, TasPorts will lead the project delivery of the wharf upgrades.

Once complete, the redevelopment will deliver long-term benefits for Antarctic and Southern Ocean research, commercial shipping, exports and the tourism sector.