The six-month old Kimberley Marine Support Base floating wharf in WA, constructed to replace an ageing structure, is already vying for its first award.
TAMS Group was appointed the design and construction contract in 2022 for the $160 million project in Broome which was opened in September 2025.
The work would require problem-solving, innovative engineering, and respect for environmental and cultural requirements, TAMS said, and the design development prioritised sustainability, resilience and constructability.
“The scope included a 165-metre by 50-metre floating wharf positioned in naturally deep water, a 300-metre trestle causeway, link-span ramp, and integration of essential services.
The 11,500-tonne infrastructure was built due to the region’s extreme tidal range – falling up to 10 metres within six hours – which restricted vessels’ operations. Dredging was out of the question to reduce disturbance of the seabed.
Construction sequencing had to be carefully aligned with Broome’s climate and tidal windows. Seabed surveys and piling were completed using specialist jack-up barges and rigs. Off-shore modular fabrication of pontoon units allowed for parallel progress, with the modules transported to the site and lifted into position using heavy-lift marine cranes.
The pontoons were then connected through hinged systems to form a continuous platform, fitted with fenders, bollards, and mooring facilities. The trestle causeway and link-span ramp were constructed to provide seamless vehicle and cargo access.
TAMS Group said the result is a “resilient, dynamic facility enabling uninterrupted operations across all tides” – a project that combined “engineering, innovation, pragmatic construction delivery and environmental stewardship”.
The company has been around for a quarter of a century and specialises in marine and port infrastructure and its project is a finalist for an Australian Construction Achievement Award to be announced later this year.
Image source: TAMS Group
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Desi Corbett
Desi is the Editor of Concrete in Australia, at the helm since December 2013, and our weekly news writer since 2016. Focused on concrete and construction for more than 11 years, her expertise in this field forms part of a journalism career spanning three decades. To get in touch please email desi@corbettcomms.com.