Capability Statement
Prepared for Public Transport Authority
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.
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.
Brisbane River Ferry Terminals
Using an innovative, flood-resilient design, we upgraded upgrade seven ferry terminals along the Brisbane River for Brisbane City Council. These replaced the orginal terminals lost or damaged in serious flooding. We also built a new terminal at Milton to service residents and workers.
The new facilities, capable of berthing two CityCat vessels simultaneously, include new covered waiting areas and access gangways, steel pontoons, and a debris deflection system.
Fast Facts
- Construction of 8 ferry terminals at 7 locations
- Zero Lost Time Injuries
- Delivered on time and on budget
- Awarded the Institute of Civil Engineers' Brunel Medal
Overseas Passenger Terminal
Improving Sydney's public passenger terminal for cruise ships and ocean liners
Working for the Port Authority of New South Wales we delivered a series of improvements to the Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT), located in the iconic Circular Quay area of Sydney Harbour.
Built in 1960, the OPT is located in one of Australia’s busiest waterways. Over time, natural processes and vessel activity have caused scouring, accretion and movement of materials on the seabed around the terminal’s wharf.
Fast Facts
- Underwater sheetpile installation
- Scour protection design and installation
- Berth pocket dredging
- Dreging disposal
- Managing Contractor for archaeological investigations and artefact cataloguing
Kamay Wharves
New amenities for Botany Bay
We successfully delivered two new wharves at La Perouse and Kurnell on Botany Bay (Kamay) for the NSW Government. These modern structures replace the original wharves, which had been in operation from the 1890s until 1974, when severe storms rendered them beyond repair.
The Kurnell site holds deep historical and cultural significance. As the first landing place of Captain James Cook, it is a key part of Australia’s colonial history. Equally important, the area remains a place of enduring cultural heritage for First Nations people. To honor this, the wharf designs incorporate large-scale artworks by local Aboriginal artists, creating a meaningful connection to Country.
Fast Facts
- Two new recreational wharves
- 180 m long wharf at La Perouse
- 230 m long wharf at Kurnell
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
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
