Information Pack
Prepared for Prepared for Fortescue
May 2026
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.
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.
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
Roy Hill Iron Ore Project (Marine Works)
As part of the $10 billion Roy Hill Iron Ore project, we designed and constructed the Stanley Point Iron Ore Terminal at Port Hedland. We used substantial prefabrication and our innovative temporary works system for low impact, high productivity construction.
Our scope consisted of a two berth iron ore load out wharf, connected with a 3600 m long elevated road and overland conveyor to the ore stockyard. In addition to the wharf and the overland conveyor, we delivered an abutment, drive stations, three transfer stations and all SMPE&I works.
Fast Facts
- Two berth load out wharf
- 800 m long wharves
- 30,000 T design and supply steelwork
- 4.5 km of conveyor steelwork
- 3,600 m elevated road and conveyor
- Prefabrication to increase safety and savings to client
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
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
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.
Contacts
Jan Matthé
Group Technical Director - Ports & Coastal
M: +65 9030 0989
jan.matthe@mcdgroup.com LinkedIn