A new Maritime Maintenance Building has been officially opened on the Cairns waterfront to provide service and repair facilities for large ships, boosting the city’s marine infrastructure.
Norship’s $16 million new building will house the company’s abrasive blasting and spray painting operation which will service defence, commercial and private sector marine vessel customers.
The building has a steel portal design with new housing for a shiplift, and will be fitted out with two overhead gantry cranes, ventilation systems, a blast door as well as the blasting and painting system.
The Chief Executive Officer of Norship Olav Groot said a Queensland government Industry Partnership Program (IPP) grant allowed the company to deliver another key piece of enabling infrastructure in the Cairns marine precinct.
The Project is also leveraging Australian Government support of $7.5 million through the Northern Australia Development Program Industry Transformation.
Groot said: “The ongoing modernisation and capability uplift will directly benefit the region and some 600 suppliers who actively support Norship and the other shipyards in the Cairns Marine Precinct.
“We look forward to working actively with the government to ensure that we strategically develop regional capability. A capability that will not just support the future needs of Defence, but Border Force, other government sectors and commercial customers alike.
“We welcome the government’s ongoing commitment in partnering with industry to unlock these important regional economic benefits.”
Founded more than 40 years ago, Norship employs more than 140 people and provides marine vessel sustainment and engineering services for vessels up to 400 tonnes.
Norship’s $16 million development will reinforce vital industry supply chains and strengthen marine infrastructure in North Queensland, helping diversify the region’s economy.
The project will boost marine vessel sustainment and engineering services, supporting 32 new jobs over the next decade after it opens mid next year.
The state’s $415.5 million Industry Partnership Program is focused on growing Queensland’s priority industries, strengthening local supply chains, encouraging collaboration between government and industry and leveraging private sector investment.
Picture: Norship