North Marine was engaged to salvage the 1954 underwater observatory from Green Island on the Great Barrier Reef and tow it to the Port of Cairns in Queensland.

Scope of Work

North Marine was contracted to Project Manage this complex operation. It included salvaging the structure from the ocean floor, transporting it to Cairns by barge and overseeing demolition.

The experienced commercial diving department at North Marine successfully executed the salvage and removal of the submerged observatory, located at Green Island out of Cairns.

North Marine’s divers excavated the partially-buried underwater structure, following complex environmental planning and stakeholder consultations.

The observatory was then towed onboard a barge to the mainland, where historic parts of the structure were retained by Great Adventures staff prior to demolition.

In situ since 1954, underwater dredging was required to dislodge the 38-ton-weight. It was floated by lift bags, maneuvered and lifted by crane onto a barge for towage to the mainland.

Divers then cleared 2 tons of debris from the site, including 44-gallon drums & steel railway track ‘weights’.

North Marine successfully completed the contract with all project objectives delivered in full. The best outcome was achieved for the client.

North Marine Discriminators:

1. Local SME business using a local FNQ workforce
2. Established operating within environmental controls of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park
3. ISO accredited. Applicable insurance to complete works
4. Adept at delivering logistically complex & remote projects
5. A fleet of suitable charter vessels to perform works
6. Experienced project managers and key personnel
7. Established co-ordinating with stakeholders & contractors