Plans for preliminary construction work on a proposed $300 million mega cruise ship terminal in Cairns have been officially abandoned, according to sources within the marine industry. The revelation casts fresh doubt on the timeline and ultimate viability of the long-discussed project for the Far North Queensland city.
Marine Sources Detail Abandoned Preparatory Phase
Multiple sources with direct knowledge of the situation have confirmed to The Cairns Post that early works for the massive 5000-tonne floating ship facility have been scrapped. These preliminary activities were intended to pave the way for the main construction phase of the terminal, which is proposed for Trinity Inlet.
The project, spearheaded by the state-owned corporation Ports North, envisions a game-changing infrastructure piece capable of berthing the world's largest cruise vessels. The facility's design includes a floating concrete pontoon weighing approximately 5000 tonnes, which would be connected to the shore. This would allow Cairns to compete directly with other major Australian cruise destinations by accommodating ships that are currently too large for its existing wharves.
Ports North had previously engaged with the market, seeking expressions of interest from contractors for the early works package. This phase was critical for addressing initial site preparations and logistical challenges. However, sources now indicate that this procurement process has been halted and the plans shelved.
Ports North Cites Refinement and Rising Costs
When approached for comment, a spokesperson for Ports North did not explicitly deny that the early works had been cancelled. Instead, the corporation pointed to the need for further project refinement and the challenging economic climate.
The spokesperson stated that Ports North is continuing to refine the project's design and delivery model in response to "current economic conditions, including inflationary pressures on construction costs." This suggests that skyrocketing costs for materials and labour have made the initial approach financially unfeasible.
"The project is of significant scale and complexity," the spokesperson added, emphasising that the corporation's goal is to ensure the terminal is delivered in a "responsible manner" that provides value. There was no clear updated timeline provided for when major construction might now begin.
Community and Industry Await Clarity on Project's Future
The decision to scrap the early works raises significant questions about the project's immediate future. The Cairns cruise ship terminal has been a topic of planning and discussion for years, promoted as a major economic driver for the region.
Local tourism and business leaders have long advocated for the infrastructure, arguing it is essential for securing Cairns's position in the lucrative global cruise market. The ability to host mega-ships would potentially bring hundreds of thousands more visitors and their spending money to the city each year.
However, the project has also faced environmental concerns and logistical hurdles related to its location in Trinity Inlet. The latest development suggests these challenges, combined with severe cost pressures, are proving substantial.
For now, the marine industry and the Cairns community are left waiting for a revised plan. The shelving of early works indicates that the much-anticipated cruise ship terminal, while not officially cancelled, has been pushed back onto the drawing board for a significant rethink. All eyes will be on Ports North to see how it plans to navigate these hurdles and whether it can present a new, viable path forward for this transformative project.
