North Marine is engaged to project manage the removal, towage and re-installation of marine infrastructure for GBR Helicopters – from the Port of Cairns ‘pier’ location – to undergo a refit.

GBR Helicopters forms part of the Morris Aviation Group, which collectively forms the largest helicopter fleet in Northern Australia.

Scope of Work

North Marine project managed the complete removal, towage and re-installation of helipad infrastructure from the Port of Cairns ‘Pier’ location, for GBR Helicopters. The project encompassed two 16-meter by 8-meter helipad pontoons, support brackets, struts, gangways, etc.

After dismantling the marine plant & equipment, it was then transported by North Marine workboats ‘Viking’, ‘Gulf Explorer’ and ‘Drogue’, as well as by road, to the Norship slipway for refit.

Following refurbishment, the helicopter infrastructure was reinstalled in its original location at the Cairns Pier.

All works were conducted without interfering with vessel traffic in the area.

Considerations

Managing this marine infrastructure project presented numerous logistical challenges. Detailed planning and methodology covered:

• Working within the environmentally sensitive habitat of the Cairns Harbour and the tidal zone
• Time demands from stakeholders – Coordinating the importance of having operating infrastructure from GBR Helicopters, the slipway time constraints, the crane company time constraints, vessel availability and liaising with Ports North
• Substantial tidal limitations for crane and vessel access
• Operating restrictions set by the Port Authority

North Marine Discriminators:

1. Local SME marine company in North Queensland
2. Established operating within environmentally sensitive habitats of Cairns Harbour & within tidal zones
3. A fleet of suitable charter vessels to perform works
4. Waterfront marine facility in Port of Cairns as an operational base
5. Experienced divers & project managers
6. Local FNQ workforce
7. Ethically, environmentally & socially aware contractor