RP Infrastructure

The Port of Melbourne (PoM) embarked on a reconfiguration and redevelopment of parts of the Port through the Port Capacity Project to accommodate the growing Victorian trade demand and to protect the economic future of Australia’s premier freight gateway. Funded by the PoM, the value of overall works undertaken has been estimated to be in the order of $1.6 billion.

Project Overview

The Port Capacity Project included the establishment of the Port’s third international container terminal, a new world-class automotive terminal and an expanded ‘on dock’ automotive pre-delivery inspection hub at the Webb Dock precinct.

The Webb Dock redevelopment has upgraded the existing infrastructure in tandem with the construction of new wharves, berths, maritime facilities and the dredging of Webb Dock thus enabling the facility to handle some of the world’s largest modern container and automotive ships.

Our Role

RP Infrastructure worked with the PoM’s maritime project team via a staff secondment to develop management plans and drive the procurement process. This included the preparation of procurement and contract documentation to enable the PoM to engage experienced consultants and contractors to complete works for the Port Capacity Project. Root Partnerships subsequently provided contract management and administration support to the PoM’s project team as the Superintendent’s Representative and contract administrator for the Design & Construct contract.

Key Challenge

A challenge faced in administering the Design & Construct contract included the monitoring and management of the extensive quality obligations of the contractor. Due to the harsh maritime environment the Principal’s Project Requirements outlined stringent quality objectives. As the Superintendent’s Representative Root Partnerships was required to establish processes and procedures for the monitoring and approval of quality witness and hold points.

The Port Capacity Project was awarded the highly prestigious Australian Construction Achievement Award in 2017. Presented by the Australian Constructors Association and Engineers Australia the award recognises the leading project for the year in the construction and engineering industries.