Capability Statement
Prepared for Prepared for DP World
May 2026
Video Introduction - What is Creative Construction?
Introduction
About Us (typically use first)
For over 65 years customers have been coming to McConnell Dowell with complex projects that require innovative solutions. That's why we're known as the Creative Construction company.
From remote resources and energy projects to city-shaping infrastructure, we've built thousands of quality assets and facilities.
Engineering-led, our expertise has grown steadily to span building, civil, electrical, fabrication, marine, mechanical, pipelines, rail, tunnel and underground construction..
Purpose & Values (typically use 2nd or 3rd)
We are a Purpose and Values driven organisation. These define what's important to us, guide our decision making and unite us behind a common goal.
Our Purpose is Providing a Better Life.
We do that through delivering projects that connect, sustain and enhance communities, and through providing career opportunities that challenge, reward and grow our people.
We also have five company values that guide our behaviours and decisions. Our values are:
Ports & Coastal Solutions
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.
Port Capacity Project - Webb Dock
Enhancing and expanding Australia's busiest container port
We received the Australian construction industry's highest accolade for this major wharf redevelopment within Melbourne's main port precinct.
This was a large and complex marine project delivered within Australia's busiest operational container port, and within very tight environmental controls to protect the rich marine life within the surrounding bay.
Fast Facts
- 900 tubular steel piles up to 1500 mm diameter and 45 m long driven as single length piles.
- 40,000 m³ of structural concrete.
- 10,000 tonnes of reinforcing steel.
- 40,000 m of sheet pile installation.
- 210,000 tonnes of imported quarry product.
- 15,000 m³ of rehabilitated concrete deck.
Swanson Dock East Berths 1 & 2 Rehabilitation
Collaborative Approach, Safety Focus, and Minimising Disruptions in Port Rehabilitation Project
Working in collaboration with the Port of Melbourne, we successfully completed four contracts at Swanson Dock between 2017 and 2020.
After completing the award winning Port Capacity Project, we continued our partnership with Port of Melbourne with a series of smaller contracts to rehabilitate the iconic Swanson Dock - the heart of Australia's busiest container terminal.
Fast Facts
- Multiple projects successfully completed without disrupting port operations
- 412 piles driven
- 570 tonnes of reinforcement used
- 3,600 m2 of new wharf deck laid
Swanson Dock West remediation
We recently completed Stage 1 of the Swanson Dock West Remediation, and are now delivering Stage 2. This is our sixth project for Port of Melbourne since 2017.
Swanson Dock West (SDW) is a critical International Container Terminal comprising of a 944 m wharf with three container-handling berths, which were constructed in several stages between the 1960s and 1980s. The existing wharf is of varying forms of construction and some sections are close to or beyond the typical design life of 30 years. As a result, major remediation was needed.
Fast Facts
- A three-staged wharf remediation project
- McConnell Dowell's sixth project for this customer since 2017
- Works programmed around operational wharf
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
Port Nelson Wharf Extension
We demolished a 100 year old wharf and designed and constructed a 100 m long replacement for Port Nelson Ltd, without impacting their operations. The new wharf caters for larger container and cruise vessels, and is also more resilient to seismic activity.
We commenced with the demolition and removal of the old timber and concrete structure, together with its associated fendering, concrete retaining wall, and two piled bollards.
Fast Facts
- Deconstruction of existing 100 m section of operational wharf
- Removal of 148 x 100-year-old timber piles
- 18,5000 m3 of seabed dredged
- 100 m long x 17 m deep driven sheet pile retaining wall
- 4,000 m3 of ground improvements 12m deep
- 48 x 762 mm diameter tubular piles
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.
Tangguh Marine Works
We delivered the marine works for BP’s LNG expansion project in Tangguh, located in the remote area of Bintuni Bay in West Papua. Our customer, PT Saipem Indonesia, was part of an EPC joint venture involving Chiyoda-Saipem -Tritati -SAE.
The overall expansion project comprised a full additional natural gas liquefaction train, including an onshore receiving facility (ORF), an additional Boil of Gas (BOG) recovery, utilities, flares, and all infrastructure to support the facility.
Fast Facts
- A 1056 m long access trestle, including decks for the control room, substation and sea water intake
- 29 m x 42.5 m loading platform
- 4 breasting dolphins
- 6 mooring dolphins
Our Approach (typically use 2nd or 3rd)
We approach every project with a focus on creativity and certainty - seeking the right blend of innovation and safe, proven approaches so we can exceed our customers' expectations.
We also understand that construction today is as much about community and sustainability as it is about concrete and steel. Our unwavering objective and commitment is to deliver what we promise to our customers, while protecting and enhancing our people, the community and the environment.
Closing Text - General with contacts, no 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) below for advice or assistance with your project.
Contacts
Jan Matthé
Group Technical Director - Ports & Coastal
M: +65 9030 0989
jan.matthe@mcdgroup.com LinkedIn