Construcciones Yamaro: Innovation anchors McConnell Dowell’s success in marine sector
With over 330 marine projects completed globally, McConnell Dowell has firmly established itself as a trusted leader in marine infrastructure delivery.
From wharves and jetties to submarine pipelines and breakwaters, McConnell Dowell’s engineering solutions have underpinned Australia’s resource exports for over 60 years. Tackling the complex demands of marine construction, the company consistently demonstrates creativity and expertise.
Among McConnell Dowell’s flagship projects is the Stanley Point Iron Ore Terminal at Port Hedland, an integral part of the $10 billion Roy Hill Iron Ore project. In the Pilbara, the company has constructed four major berths for Fortescue Metals Group and delivered two expedited export wharves for BHP. McConnell Dowell also managed a two-phase wharf upgrade for Rio Tinto at Dampier Port – each project underscoring its reputation for reliable large-scale marine construction. Building on this legacy, the company now leads a major export jetty project in North Western Australia, the Mardie Salt & Potash Marine Structures.
The recent appointment of Mick Slocombe as general manager for South and Western Australia reinforces McConnell Dowell’s commitment to sector leadership. Slocombe, who brings extensive marine and port experience, will drive new growth in Australia’s marine infrastructure. Previously, he established businesses in WA in 2013 and in the Philippines in 2017. Under his leadership, both ventures evolved from small operations into thriving contracting businesses that continue to flourish today.
Reflecting on his time in the Philippines, Slocombe recalls, “We delivered key projects, including wharf extensions, dredging, reclamation and water infrastructure,” underscoring the breadth of his expertise.
With his return to Australia, Slocombe was eager to apply his international experience to McConnell Dowell’s projects across SA and WA.
“McConnell Dowell has constructed many of the wharves and jetties essential to Australia’s resource exports, and our expertise in marine construction continues to advance,” says Slocombe. “Looking forward, we aim to maintain our distinct identity as a marine contractor capable of delivering creative, thoughtful solutions for our clients.”
Central to McConnell Dowell’s success is its extensive fleet of specialised marine assets, including jack-up barges, flat-top barges and support vessels, along with the company’s in-house designed, purpose-built cantilever traveller system, or canti-traveller. All vessels are currently deployed and in high demand.
This advanced equipment, combined with the team’s expertise, underpins the company’s creative and forward-thinking approach to marine projects. The canti-traveller system, for example, allows rapid, safe and environmentally low-impact construction by operating without the need for marine vessels.
“When environmental constraints present a challenge, our canti-traveller system becomes essential,” Slocombe explains. “It acts as a travelling platform for installing piles and jetty modules sequentially, propelling itself along the jetty alignment via its hydraulic jacking system.”
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The Mardie Salt & Potash Marine Structures project is one that has benefited from the canti-traveller methodology. McConnell Dowell’s scope of work involves the design, supply, fabrication, construction, installation, testing and commissioning of a 2.4km jetty structure, complete with a head-end platform, berthing and mooring dolphins; a materials handling conveying system, including a shiploader; non-process infrastructure and ancillary equipment. With the 2.4km jetty now complete, remaining work includes constructing the head-end platform, supported by jack-up barges.
The strong heritage of marine projects in North Western Australia highlights McConnell Dowell’s creative construction approach, achieving strong outcomes for clients while prioritising safety and environmental protection. These principles are central to every marine project McConnell Dowell undertakes.
Slocombe credits the company’s engineering team and offshore manufacturing facilities for these accomplishments, emphasising its role in developing temporary works and innovative construction methods.
“Our in-house team exemplifies McConnell Dowell’s commitment to being ‘The Creative Construction Company,’ with a sharp focus on innovation, digital engineering and robust engineering practices overall,” he says.
Each McConnell Dowell region has a dedicated engineering head reporting to the group’s central engineering function, along with a team specialising in digital engineering – a practice Slocombe sees as key to the industry’s future.
“We design projects in 4D, allowing us to visualise the construction process before work even begins,” he adds. “This approach greatly aids in identifying and addressing potential issues and risks ahead of time. The engineering focus within McConnell Dowell is very strong.”
Increasingly, clients expect visualisations of project methods, and McConnell Dowell’s digital capabilities enable these dynamic presentations, which are invaluable for clear client communication and project planning.
“Our expanding digital engineering expertise ensures we deliver solutions that meet the highest standards in the marine sector,” says Slocombe.
The company’s marine projects often take place within operational port environments, where balancing productivity with minimal disruption is essential. Effective coordination with port operations is thus a priority.
Looking to the future, Slocombe envisions growth in McConnell Dowell’s marine business, driven by shifts in demand and market trends across Australia. Precious mineral exports from new regional locations require new infrastructure.
In the water sector, the need for desalination infrastructure is also on the rise, necessitating offshore systems like intake structures and brine outfalls. Such projects depend on capable marine contractors and specialised equipment.
“With 60 years of offshore experience, a formidable fleet of marine assets and highly skilled teams, McConnell Dowell is uniquely positioned to meet this increasing demand,” says Slocombe. “Marine projects require specialised expertise, and we are fortunate to have experienced professionals across Australia and around the world ready to contribute their skills wherever projects arise.”
Backed by a legacy of creativity, a robust history, an impressive portfolio, specialised knowledge and a fleet of state-of-the-art equipment, McConnell Dowell continues to establish itself as a trusted name in the marine sector.
The post Innovation anchors McConnell Dowell’s success in marine sector appeared first on Inside Construction.
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