Duratec Ertech Joint Venture (DEJV), a 50:50 joint venture between Ertech and Duratec, and with the support of Ertech’s sister company Geomarine, is delivering innovative and efficient marine construction solutions as part of the $281 million infrastructure upgrade program at HMAS Stirling, supporting Australia’s future submarine capability.
Already well advanced on the Diamantina Wharf at Garden Island, Western Australia, the joint venture has completed 70% of piling works and has recently commenced piling activities at two other sites on the Island.
A key innovation has been DEJV’s ability to undertake piling from the existing wharf structure rather than relying extensively on marine plant. This approach has significantly reduced impacts on ongoing naval base operations while improving construction efficiency in a highly constrained and sensitive environment.
To further enhance delivery, DEJV established a dedicated fabrication and pre-assembly yard at the Australian Marine Complex (AMC) in Henderson. Major pile and fender components are assembled offsite before being transported by barge to Garden Island for installation. This strategy has minimised disruption within the operational Defence precinct, improved quality control, as well as accelerated construction activities.
The components are spliced and welded together as they are too long to be transported by road safely, so a new solution was found. This approach demonstrates the team’s innovative approach to project management, said Ertech’s Operations Manager for Defence, Rob Yates.
“By fabricating the components at Henderson and transporting them directly to HMAS Stirling by barge, we are removing oversized vehicle loads from local road networks, reducing transport-related emissions and improving overall delivery efficiency,” said Rob.
“Equally important, completing a significant portion of the works offsite minimises activity within the environmentally sensitive Garden Island precinct. This approach reduces site impacts while maintaining safety, quality and construction productivity, demonstrating the value of early planning and innovative project delivery.
SRF-West is a major new capability underpinning the maintenance and sustainment of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarine rotational force from the United States and the United Kingdom under the AUKUS partnership.
HMAS Stirling, and ultimately the Defence Precinct at Henderson, will maintain and sustain the Virginia Class (USA) and Astute Class (UK) submarines, and the new AUKUS Class (Australian) submarines to be designed and built in South Australia.
The Ertech Group’s Managing Director, James Giumelli, shared, “This project highlights what can be achieved when Australian-owned businesses combine their capabilities to solve complex infrastructure challenges. By harnessing the strength of the broader Ertech Group and our Joint Venture partnership with Duratec, we are helping deliver the infrastructure that will underpin Australia’s future submarine capability while strengthening sovereign industry capability for generations to come.”
We have proven capability to deliver at scale, with projects valued up to $350 million in our own right and nearly $1 billion in joint ventures.
Our core capabilities span bulk and detailed earthworks; concrete foundations and structures; roads, bridges, pavements and aviation infrastructure; nearshore marine works; water infrastructure; electrical and services installation; environmental and remediation; and geospatial solutions.
Together, these self-perform capabilities enable Ertech to solve complex construction challenges to deliver multidisciplinary projects with certainty.
Talk to us about your current or future project requirements and discover the value Ertech can bring to your project.
