Upgrading Pacific Island infrastructure to enable safe berthing of new patrol boats

Pacific Islands Infrastructure

Looking to enhance maritime security and cooperation across the South Pacific, the Australian Department of Defence created the Pacific Maritime Security Program (PMSP). As part of this, they gifted 12 Pacific Island countries new vessels to represent their commitment to regional security and strengthen local partnerships. This required upgrades to infrastructure across the Pacific islands to enable safe berthing of the new Guardian Class Patrol Boats—we were there to help.

We worked on the design and construct contract alongside McConnell Dowell (MCD) for the Pacific Island countries of Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Fiji, Kiribati, Cook Islands, and Vanuatu. Following site inspections and an assessment of the existing infrastructure, we developed detailed designs for repair works to those structures as well as the design of new quay walls and jetties. We also provided a survey of unexploded ordinance, geotechnical and topographical investigations, and cadastral and bathymetry surveys.

Major challenges related to the variability of sites such as Fiji and Vanuatu, which have challenging construction conditions with soft soils on bedrock and high seismic loads. We also assisted MCD with construction and provided quality review and documentation.

Now complete, this project has contributed to the broadening and strengthening of the region’s capability to respond to issues such as fisheries protection, transnational crime, and search and rescue.