Marine Support Contractor
In Queensland
Vessel Charters · Towage ·
Commercial Diving · Project Management
Contact Us
Trusted Marine Support Company In Australia For 30+ Years
The Reliable Marine Contractor for Queensland
North Marine is a leading marine support contractor based out of the Port of Cairns in Queensland, Australia.
First-rate marine support is delivered via 3 departments:
- Workboat & Vessel Charters
- Commercial Diving Services
- North Wharf, Shipyard in Cairns
We build genuine, long-term relationships with our clients to achieve efficient results in a safe work environment.
Our mission is to support and strengthen your productivity – providing timely solutions using ISO-accredited systems.
All enquiries are managed punctually, and excellent communication is guaranteed throughout your relationship with North Marine.
Vessel Charter & Workboat Hire
North Marine offers comprehensive workboat support. Vessel charters include marine towage, tug and barge hire, remote supply, CTVs, dive boat charters, research charters and shipping support.
» Find a commercial vessel charter, here.
Commercial Diving Services
Our commercial diving services cover all aspects of underwater work, including marine infrastructure projects, dive inspections, in-water welding and general maintenance work. Ancillary marine support includes vessel line fabrication, mooring hardware & rope supply.
» View our suite of commercial dive work & services, here.
North Wharf
North Wharf is the shipyard operated by North Marine. Ideally situated away from the congestion of other areas of Cairns Port, with deep-water access on all tides, a roll-on-roll-off ramp for loading/offloading/barge operations and ample holding yard/storage facilities.
» Read more about North Wharf, here.
Furthermore, North Marine offers marine consultancy services, project management, and can help with administrative approvals, planning and logistics. » Get In Touch
Marine Contractor
July 29, 2023
Barge Relocation Towge – Port of Brisbane to Skardon River, QLD
Port of Brisbane to Skardon River, Queensland, Australia
North Marine was engaged to conduct an urgent tow of a 70.3-meter cargo barge from the Port of Brisbane to Skardon River in Queensland, via Cairns. Client: TSA (Transhipment Services Australia) Scope of Work – Barge Towage: Brisbane to Skardon River in Queensland North Marine is well established at conducting extended marine tugboat assignments throughout the Pacific. The 1750-nautical-mile encumbered tow required pre-tow surveys, coastal pilotage and multi-port stops. As always, communication between all stakeholders was critical to a successful and efficient operation. This included planning and coordination with regulatory bodies, marine surveyors, insurance agents, pilot companies and the client. North Marine engaged local third-party workboats to assist with the outbound transit through the Port of Brisbane. Our excellent working relationship with the relevant authorities, marinas and industry partners prove invaluable in delivering a seamless service. Working within the environmental controls of the Great Barrier Reef is something that North Marine is highly established in. The tow was completed safely and without incident, despite challenging operating conditions. North Marine Discriminators: Barge Relocation in Queensland Expert regional knowledge and highly experienced at towing through the Great Barrier Reef Established working relationships with all relevant stakeholders, including AMSA, GBRMPA, MSQ, Reef VTS, pilot companies, insurance agents and marine surveyors. Hold necessary operational permits Adept at delivering logistically complex projects A fleet of suitable towage vessels to perform works Local SME business using a local Queensland workforce ISO Accredited Experienced project managers and key personnel Able to deliver all project objectives with value for money Outcome North Marine successfully completed the contract with project requirements delivered in full, on time & on budget. Download Case Study North Marine – Trusted Marine Contractor in Queensland, Australia North Marine is a prominent marine support company based in the Port of Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia. North Marine has a long history of delivering marine tugboat services to the private/commercial sector and vessel insurance providers.
July 17, 2023
Insurance Tow of Vessel ‘Casabella’ – Whitsundays to Townsville
Airlie Beach, Whitsundays to Townsville, Queensland
North Marine was engaged to tow the vessel ‘Casabella’ from Coral Sea Marina in Airlie Beach to the slip at Rosshaven Marine in Townsville, QLD. Client: Australian Marine Consultants (AUSCON) » Insurance Agent Scope of Work – Towage of Vessel: Whitsundays to Townsville North Marine is well established at conducting extended marine tugboat assignments throughout the Pacific. This 77-nautical-mile voyage required planning and consultation with insurance agents, regulatory bodies, marine surveyors and the receiving slipway. The ‘dead ship’ tow was manned as the vessel’s bilges required monitoring. As a precautionary request by the agent, North Marine arranged three pumps to be onboard the vessel. Once in Townsville, North Marine coordinated two, local third-party workboats to assist in maneuvering the vessel into the slipway cradle. As always, communication between all stakeholders was critical to success. North Marine’s excellent working relationship with the relevant authorities and marinas proved invaluable in delivering a seamless service to the client. The tow was completed safely and without incident, despite challenging operating conditions. Working within the environmental controls of the Great Barrier Reef is something that North Marine is highly established in. North Marine Discriminators: Boat Towage for Marine Insurers in Queensland Expert regional knowledge and highly experienced at towing through the Great Barrier Reef Established working relationships with all relevant stakeholders, including insurance agents, GBRMPA, MSQ, AMSA, Reef VTS, Coral Sea Marina and the marine surveyors. Hold necessary operational permits Adept at delivering logistically complex projects A fleet of suitable towage vessels to perform works Local SME business using a local Queensland workforce ISO Accredited Experienced project managers and key personnel Able to deliver all project objectives with value for money Outcome North Marine successfully completed the contract with project requirements delivered in full, on time & on budget. Download Case Study North Marine – Trusted Marine Contractor in Queensland, Australia North Marine is a prominent marine support company based in the Port of Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia. North Marine has a long history of delivering marine tugboat services to the private/commercial sector and vessel insurance providers.
June 7, 2023
Modular Pontoon Installation – QLD Water Police, Cairns
MSQ Wharf - Cairns
North Marine was engaged to install an additional 2 modular pontoons to the existing wharf system at MSQ Marine Operations Base in Cairns, for QLD Water Police. Client: Queensland Police Service (QPS) Scope of Work – Floating Modular Wharf Installation Having installed the adjoining modular pontoons in 2022 for TAFE Queensland, North Marine used the same methodology for this project which also ran seamlessly. The work was completed in one day. North Marine personnel used stainless steel dyno-bolts to affix the anchors. Once the anchors were attached to the wharf, North Marine’s fleet truck and crane lowered the floating pontoons into position and secured them. Cleats and fenders were then fixed to the new structures. Concrete drilling was used to attach the pole anchors to the main wharf. The floating pontoons were supplied by Superior Jetties. The installation was carried out in accordance with the standard Superior Jetty installation procedures. A QPS Officer In Charge was onsite to observe the operation at various times throughout the installation process. They expressed high satisfaction with the expertise of our staff. North Marine Discriminators: Modular Pontoon Installation Environmental & socially aware company, experienced at operating in the sensitive habitats of QLD waterways, tidal zones, and high-traffic areas – with extensive experience in such operations. Adept at delivering logistically complex marine infrastructure projects Extensive track record as a Government contractor Excellent working relationships with Stakeholders Local SME marine business in North Queensland, with a local workforce and Cairns waterfront premises Experienced managing traffic control during work, with minimal interruption to other wharf users Approved ‘Crocodile Management Plan’ Hold required work permits Experienced Management and Key Personnel ISO Accredited Outcome North Marine successfully completed the contract with project requirements delivered in full, on time & on budget. Download Case Study North Marine – Trusted Marine Contractor in Queensland, Australia North Marine is a prominent marine support company based in the Port of Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia. North Marine has a long history of delivering maritime infrastructure projects to Government agencies and the private/commercial sector.
May 30, 2023
Gauge Board Installations – East Trinity, Queensland
East Trinity Reserve, QLD
North Marine was contracted to install 13 new tidal gauge boards, inspect, brace & clean 17 existing boards and verify Australian Height Datum (AHD) to within +/- 25mm accuracy. Client: Queensland Government – Department of Environment & Science (DES) East Trinity Reserve, Queensland Adjacent to Cairns Trinity Inlet, East Trinity Reserve has a dense, environmentally sensitive habitat, unstable terrain and limited access. Straddling both the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area and the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, the location is one of the world’s most successful acid-sulphate soil remediation projects and is a significant Mandingalbay Yidinji Indigenous Protected Area. Scope of Work – Gauge Board Installation, Inspection & Repair The following works ensured that all required locations at East Trinity have a robust, easy-to-read and stable (flow velocity, salt water, acid, and UV) gauge board, that is accurately tied to the Australian Height Datum: Installation of 13 gauge boards as per the scope of works Replacement of 9 broken or damaged gauge board piles Cleaned and reset 8 existing gauge board piles Verification of 1 Iron Bridge gauge board affixed to the bridge – found to be out by 240mm In addition to the works in the original contract, DES also requested 5 new locations be braced due to high tidal flow or debris concerns for the area. The additional bracing works were completed as a variation on the original contract. North Marine crew used a combined shore and vessel-based methodology for the logistically complex and high-risk works. The new piles were driven into various terrain types with machinery custom-modified for the task. Existing pile gauges were replaced, cleaned and/or strengthened as necessary. Laser-cut gauge board markers were supplied by DES, and all other installation materials and equipment were supplied by North Marine. North Marine subcontracted a specialist Bathymetric Surveyor to verify Australian Height Datum targets. Key risks included the presence of crocodiles in the waterways where the gauge boards were located, changing conditions associated with the tidal nature of the site, the presence of soft geotechnically unstable sediments in the drains and creeks, and weather systems affecting the works. Planning & Methodology Considerations Operating within the highly environmentally sensitive habitat of East Trinity Reserve in Queensland Risk management – Control measures for hazards such as crocodiles, snakes, marine flora and fauna, unstable terrain and dense vegetation Substantial tidal conditions Access restrictions: North Marine worked with DES and Traditional Owners to clear access routes into areas of the reserve North Marine Discriminators: Work at East Trinity Reserve, QLD Comprehensive ‘Environmental Management Procedures’ when operating in rivers, harbours and areas of high environmental sensitivity – with extensive experience in such operations Adept at delivering logistically complex & remote projects A fleet of suitable charter vessels and machinery to perform works North Wharf, our marine base, is located less than 1km from the entrance to the East Trinity Wetland Excellent working relationships with Stakeholders Local SME marine business in North Queensland, with a local workforce Extensive track record as both a Government and a Private Sector contractor Ethically and socially aware Approved ‘Crocodile Management Plan’ Hold required work permits Experienced Management and Key Personnel ISO Accredited Outcome North Marine successfully completed the contract with project requirements delivered in full, on time and on budget. Download Case Study Map Of East Trinity Guague Board Locations More About East Trinity Reserve More About Mandingalbay Yidinji Indigenous Protected Area
March 16, 2023
ROV Inspection Services – Innisfail Water Tank, Queensland
Innisfail, Queensland, Australia
North Marine was engaged to conduct an ROV inspection of the internal concrete condition and components of an elevated water tank reservoir in Innisfail, Queensland. Client: GHD » GHD subcontracted North Marine on works for Cassowary Regional Council Scope of Work – Drone ROV Inspection Service North Marine was tasked to get reliable, 360-degree visual data (photographic and video) on the condition of the water tank and any defects, which had no internal lighting and where a manual (diving) inspection was deemed unsafe. The 12.5-meter diameter, circular water reservoir is located at the top of a tower structure – with a small 500x500mm hatch as the only access point for inspections. The robot unit had to follow strict disinfection protocol, as the tank is used to supply town drinking water. ROVs provide both time and cost-effective inspections, are easily disinfected before/after entry, and the footage data can be instantaneously uploaded. Furthermore, they provide heightened safety measures by eliminating the need for underwater inspections by personnel in potentially high-risk environments. North Marine Discriminators: Robot Drone ROV Inspection Services Our state-of-the-art ROVs minimise cost, time and additional personnel requirements Well established operating within high-risk environments Suitably trained staff to execute works, with applicable insurance and certifications Local SME business with local workforce and Queensland premises Skilled project managers Experienced in contracting to both private and Government sectors, with existing stakeholder relationships ISO Accredited Outcome North Marine successfully captured clear imagery in a cost-effective and efficient manner, achieving the best outcomes for all related parties. All project requirements were delivered in full, on time & on budget. Download Case Study
December 7, 2022
Liveaboard Research Charter – Northern GBR & Torres Strait
Northern Great Barrier Reef & Torres Strait, Queensland
North Marine is contracted to supply a charter vessel for conducting turtle conservation expeditions on the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia. Client: Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority In collaboration with the Department of Environment & Science » Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Partnerships (QPWS&P) Scope of Work – Liveaboard Research Charter As part of a collaborative study into the threatened Green Turtle species, North Marine’s research vessel ‘Escape’ runs up to five, 14-day liveaboard trips per year to the northern Great Barrier Reef & Torres Strait. Our state-of-the-art research vessel accommodates Traditional Owners, conservation officers and scientists, along with multiple tender vessels, workstations & field research equipment. The studies investigate the impacts of climate change, inform area management, gather turtle population data and enhance the co-management capacity of Traditional Owners. North Marine – Discriminators for the Liveaboard Research Charter Expeditions Adept at delivering logistically complex and remote projects Ethically, culturally and socially aware company, established operating in the sensitive habitats of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Extensive track record in Government contracting Suitable fleet of vessels that comply with WH&S, accommodation & biosecurity requirements Hold all necessary permits to conduct charter operations Local SME business with a local workforce & FNQ premises ISO accredited Experienced management and key personnel Outcome North Marine has completed each research charter to date, with schedules and project requirements successfully fulfilled in full, on time and within budget. Download Case Study North Marine – Leading Marine Contractor in Queensland, Australia North Marine is a prominent marine support company based in the Port of Cairns in Queensland, Australia. North Marine has a long history of delivering maritime support services to Government agencies and the public sector.
November 1, 2022
Supply of Public Mooring & RPM Maintenance Services in Great Barrier Reef Marine Park – QPWS
Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, QLD Australia
North Marine installs & maintains public-use boat mooring infrastructure and reef protection markers throughout the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. Client: Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) North Marine has held an SOA with QPWS since 2010 (formerly as ‘Tim North Marine’) – with the most recent SOA awarded in 2019. Scope of Work North Marine is a key contractor in the SOA to maintain public-use boat mooring infrastructure and reef protection markers for QPWS. Work is conducted throughout the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, including the northern GBR, Whitsundays and southern GBR. Maintenance voyages are conducted two-to-three times annually by North Marine, on average. Change-out voyages occur every four years, where mooring components are completely replaced. (Mooring parts are fully replaced, with the exception of the embedded screw anchor). North Marine typically uses the workboat ‘Viking’ for maintenance voyages and the larger ‘Gulf Explorer’ for change-out trips. Maintenance voyages include cleaning, exchanging defective parts, recording conditions and providing photographic and written evidence reports. North Marine ensures adequate replacement parts are ready to deploy and accordingly dispose of, or return to QPWS, faulty/unused equipment. Importantly, North Marine fabricates moorings in-house and is a mooring component stockist. Being a local supplier reduces third-party costs to the client, and further minimises freight charges – resulting in budget savings. Mooring lines, with tackle, are fabricated in-house by our expert commercial diving department to exact specifications. An AMSA accredited Marine Surveyor routinely inspects fabricated mooring lines to ensure conformity with specifications. These logistically complex voyages involve extensive quality assurance, planning, reporting and compliance obligations. Critically, works are performed with minimal interruption to other reef users. As always, North Marine operates within all cultural and environmental controls set out by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority (GBRMPA), QPWS and applicable authorities. Deliverables Clean, inspect & conduct routine maintenance on public moorings Clean, inspect & conduct routine maintenance on RPMs Conduct mooring change-outs, inc. installation of new mooring components Fabricate mooring lines & tackle (in-house) Supply of mooring components as required in SOA – Including pickup lines, buoy lanyards, rated shackles, thimbles, swivels, split-pins, riser buoys, line, ballast chains etc. Maintenance reporting across all assets – written & photographic Government Supplier – Local Contractor North Marine North Marine is a prominent Queensland marine contracting company based in the Port of Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia. North Marine has a long history of delivering maritime support to the public sector – including numerous Government agencies and local councils. Most notable is this SOA with Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service (QPWS), which North Marine has held on a recurring basis since 2010, and a long-term contract as a supplier to the Bureau of Meteorology’s remote weather stations in the South Pacific. Furthermore, North Marine has excellent contractor relationships with MSQ and Ports North – See ‘Case Studies’ for more examples. Discriminators Established track record of Government contracting Environmental, ethical & socially aware company Extensive history of operating in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Local SME business using a local FNQ workforce Able to deliver all project objectives with value for money In-house rope fabrication & local mooring parts stockist reduces third-party costs & freight costs, resulting in savings Adept at delivering logistically complex and remote projects A fleet of suitable charter vessels to perform works ISO accredited Experienced project managers and key personnel Outcome North Marine has successfully completed every voyage since 2010 (with the most recent SOA awarded in 2019). Contracted SOA objectives, reporting and compliance are delivered in full, on time and within budget. Download Case Study About Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) is a branch of the State of Queensland Department of Environment and Science (DES). Public Moorings & Reef Protection Markers Public moorings exist throughout the Great Barrier Reef region to reduce coral damage from vessel anchors. Reef protection markers primarily outline a reef protection area, where the use of vessel anchors is prohibited. Public moorings are available to all reef users. They are coded to indicate the class of vessel they may hold (vessel length), the time they can be used, and the maximum wind strengths, as applicable to each mooring. Click here to learn more about public-use moorings on the Great Barrier Reef.
October 4, 2022
Marine Support On Bridge Core Sampling Surveys – Innisfail, Queensland
Johnson River, Innisfail, QLD
North Marine was contracted by GHD to provide marine support on their ‘bridge core-sampling project’ in Innisfail, Queensland. Client: GHD GHD was engaged for this project by the Department of Transport and Main Roads. Scope of Work – Bridge Core Sampling: Marine Support As a subcontractor to GHD on a Department of Transport and Main Roads tender, North Marine provided multiple workboat support and crew to transport GHD staff, core-sampling personnel, a drilling rig, a generator and bulk equipment. Core sampling operations were conducted on the Johnson River bridge support piers. Work was tidal dependent, with a total of ten different concrete core samples taken at differing tidal variations. Maintaining vessel stability was crucial. North Marine charter vessels, ‘Reef Safari’ and ‘Tin Duck’, were utilised. Considerations Detailed planning and methodology covered: Operating within the environmentally sensitive habitat of the Johnson River in Queensland, Australia Risk management – Control measures for hazards such as crocodiles, tidal currents and debris etc Substantial tidal limitations for crane and vessel access Operating restrictions set by Authorities Minimising disturbance to other vessel movements and river users North Marine Discriminators: Bridge Core Sampling Project Comprehensive ‘Environmental Management Procedures’ when operating in rivers, harbours and high-traffic areas – with extensive experience in such operations Adept at delivering logistically complex & remote projects A fleet of suitable charter vessels to perform works Existing GHD contractor, compliant with high vendor standards and qualifications. North Marine has delivered first-rate marine support to GHD on multiple projects Excellent working relationships with Stakeholders Local SME marine business in North Queensland Local workforce Extensive track record as a Government contractor Ethically and socially aware marine contractor, experienced operating in environmentally sensitive habitats of Queensland waterways and tidal zones Detailed ‘Crocodile Management Plan’ Hold pre-requisite work permits Experienced Management and Key Personnel ISO Accreditation Outcome North Marine successfully completed the contract with all project objectives delivered in full, on time and within budget. The best outcome for the client was achieved. Download Case Study North Marine – Trusted Marine Contractor in Queensland, Australia North Marine is a prominent marine support company based in the Port of Cairns in Far North Queensland, Australia. North Marine has a long history of delivering maritime support services to Government agencies and the public sector.
Our Clients
