Information Pack
Prepared for Gascoyne Gateway
May 2026
Introduction General
Thank you for the opportunity to present this brief capability statement which details a cross-section of our skills and experience, and showcases a selection of our recent projects.
WA Intro (typically use 4th to 8th)
Since securing our first gas pipeline project in Western Australia in the early 1970s, we've gone on to deliver a steady stream of marine, civil, pipelines, rail and mechanical projects for Australia’s blue chip resource organisations and the WA state government.
During the most recent mining boom we delivered most of the new iron ore export wharves for FMG, BHP and Rio Tinto. We've also delivered hundreds of kilometres of gas pipelines and rail infrastructure throughout the state.
Closer to the CBD we've delivered rail grade separations, and all the mechanical and electrical packages for Perth's first desalination plant.
Specialist marine plant
Elevate your marine construction potential
As a leading marine contractor, we bring deep expertise and a legacy of inventive construction to every project. Our fleet of specialist marine plant - including jack-up barges, support vessels, and our custom-designed ‘traveller’ piling system - reflects our commitment to smarter, safer, and more sustainable delivery.
Our equipment is also available for short, medium, or long-term hire. Explore the profiles below to see how our assets can support your next marine challenge.
Marine
With over 330 marine projects completed across six decades, McConnell Dowell is synonymous with marine infrastructure.
From wharves and jetties to ocean outfalls, breakwaters, and submarine pipelines — we bring coastal confidence to every project.
Our modular approach to construction has helped create productive ports for clients like Rio Tinto, FMG, Vale, and BHP, where over 1.2 billion tonnes of iron ore are shipped annually from wharves we built.
We thrive in complex, operational environments — delivering innovative temporary works and safe, efficient methods that protect people, environment, and productivity. From purpose-built barges to proven marine systems, we engineer safe harbours with precision and care.
At McConnell Dowell, we don’t just build marine infrastructure — we deliver it with certainty, creativity, and a commitment to results.
CUF Marine Development Works
Supporting Australia's shipbuilding capacity
Fast Facts
- Construction of 80 - 100 m land backed wharf
- 40,000 m3 of dredging
- Berth kiosk services, including water and eletrical supplies
Mardie Salt & Potash Marine Structures
Delivering new marine facilities to grow Australian exports
We designed and constructed the marine structures for BCI Minerals’ Mardie Salt & Potash Project in Western Australia, using our innovative canti-traveller system for speed and low impact delivery.
The 'Mardie' Project is a large-scale, solar evaporation operation on the Pilbara coast. Capacity of the completed facility is estimated to be 5.35 million tonnes per annum of high purity salt and 140,000 tonnes per annum of sulphate of potash, over an operating life of at least 60 years.
Fast Facts
- 2.4 km long jetty with berthing and mooring dolphins
- 200 steel piles, up to 30 metres long
- 100 m of jetty completed every 10 days using innovative canti-traveller system
FMG Berths 1-4
At the height of the Australian resources boom (2004-2014), we became the marine partner of choice for Fortescue Metals Group (FMG), as they developed the infrastructure to support their new iron ore export business.
Fast Facts
- 4 major wharves completed over 5 years
- Berth 1: 270 m wharf, 100 m approach jetty, load-out conveyor
- Berth 2: 400 m wharf and extension to load-out conveyor
- Berth 3: 375 m wharf, duplicate load-out system
- Berth 4: 415 m wharf, elevated conveyor system
Queen Sālote International Wharf Upgrade
We upgraded the Queen Sālote International Wharf in Nukau'alofa for the Tongan Ministry of Infrastructure between 2023 and 2025, on time and on budget, with zero LITs during the one million hours worked.
The wharf is Tonga’s only international port, a lifeline for the country, processing 95% of the country's imports and exports. This critical infrastructure upgrade modernised and climate-proofed the facility, increased capacity, and improved power, drainage and water services.
Fast Facts
- Wharf reconstruction and extensions to cater for larger vessels
- Construction of four new berthing and mooring dolphins
- General port improvements, including paving, drainage, lighting, and firefighting facilities
HMAS Coonawarra
New wharf and approach jetties to support the Australian Defence Force
We refined the initial concept design and constructed a new outer wharf structure at HMAS Coonawarra in Darwin to support the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The project involved the construction of a new 250 m long wharf and two approach jetties.
While the final structures are simple in their geometry and configuration, the site location and operational requirements were challenging.
Fast Facts
- 250 m long wharf
- Two approach jetties
- Enhancing ADF's maritime defence capability
Shiploader and Berth Replacement, Hay Point
Improving throughput and cyclonic wave immunity
We completed the main berth construction scope for BHP Mitsubishi Alliance's (BMA) SABR Project, using the Early Contractor Involvement process to develop a number of innovations.
SABR, short for 'Shiploader and Berth 2 Replacement', was a brownfields project located within the lease boundaries of BMA's existing Hay Point Coal Terminal near Mackay, Queensland. It included the disassembly and replacement of one of the existing shiploaders and berths to improve materials handling throughput and cyclonic wave immunity.
Fast Facts
- Off-site fabrication of new berth topside modules
- On-site preparatory works including modification of existing concrete caisson berth foundations
- Disassembly and removal of existing berth and ship loader
- Installation of new berth modules, tie-in and commissioning
- Installation of new ship loader.
Chith Export Facility
We revolutionised the design and construction of large-scale marine infrastructure when we delivered the Chith Export Facility - a large, complex and remotely located project for Rio Tinto at their Amrun bauxite mine, south of Weipa in Far North Queensland.
The facility comprises a 650 m access jetty, a 350 m loading wharf and an onshore conveyor system. Innovatively designed by Jacobs and constructed by us in just 10 months, modularisation was at the heart of the solution and our project team took it to new levels in scale and breadth.
Fast Facts
- 650 m access jetty
- 350 m long loading wharf
- Fully modularised construction approach
- 300,000 job-hours saved
- Build time reduced by 12 months to just 10 months
- Capital expenditure reduced by $40M
Rapid Growth Projects (RGP 5&6) - Marine Works
During the Australian resources boom (2004-2014), BHP challenged us to design and construct two new iron export wharves on a fast tracked program to support their rapid growth program (RGP) initiative.
To meet the challenge, while delivering safely and to a high quality, we broke new ground in large-scale marine modularisation, making it central to our construction approach.
Fast Facts
- 1650 m of new wharfing constructed over 2 projects
- Over 600 steel piles installed
- 30 berthing dolphins constructed
- 500 tonne wharf modules lifted into position by heavy lift ship
- 350 person peak workforce
- 7% indigenous employment
Dampier Port Upgrade Phase A & B
We delivered a major wharf upgrade in two phases for Rio Tinto at Dampier Port, using modularisation to accelerate construction and reduce the cost of onsite labour.
Phase A included the construction of a 455 m wharf extension, a new access jetty, tail end structure, electrical deck, and modifications to the existing wharf.
Fast Facts
- Two phase wharf upgrade
- 600 m overall wharf extension
- Extensive use of large scale modularisation
- Work successfully completed within operating port without distruption
WA Intro (typically use 4th to 8th)
Since securing our first gas pipeline project in Western Australia in the early 1970s, we've gone on to deliver a steady stream of marine, civil, pipelines, rail and mechanical projects for Australia’s blue chip resource organisations and the WA state government.
During the most recent mining boom we delivered most of the new iron ore export wharves for FMG, BHP and Rio Tinto. We've also delivered hundreds of kilometres of gas pipelines and rail infrastructure throughout the state.
Closer to the CBD we've delivered rail grade separations, and all the mechanical and electrical packages for Perth's first desalination plant.
Closing text - with contacts and Video
Summary
Thank you for taking an interest in McConnell Dowell's skills, capabilities and approach. Additional information is available on our website, including additional project case studies.
Contact us through the link(s) at the bottom for advice or assistance with your project.
Contacts
