Perth-based Bhagwan Marine has diversified its business beyond its traditional focus on northern Australia by winning a marine maintenance contract at Port of Melbourne.
The private equity-backed company described the contract as one of its most significant achievements in 20 years of operation.
Bhagwan’s traditional focus was on servicing the resources sector off Australia’s northern coast but with the downturn in oil and gas activity, it has been looking to diversify.
The new win adds to work the company undertakes at ports in Brisbane and Darwin.
Managing director Loui Kannikoski said the appointment was a major milestone.
“This is a recognition of our increasing reach and expertise across every aspect of marine services,” Mr Kannikoski said.
“We’ve worked hard to diversify and expand our service offering in the last few years, and to secure a long-term contract demanding such a broad range of skills and experience makes it all worthwhile.”
The contract scope covers the inspection, reporting and maintenance of the Port of Melbourne’s infrastructure assets, which include hundreds of beacons, directional lights and other navigation aids, plus wharves, jetties and piers.
Bhagwan will provide inshore construction vessels and workboats based permanently in the port, with a workforce to undertake tasks including diving, inspection, maintenance and repairs.
Vessels from Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland will be deployed to the Port of Melbourne as required.
New Melbourne staff will be supported by staff from Bhagwan’s other Australian operations, either as permanent full-time workers or to meet specific requirements.
It is a five-year contract with five-year extension.
Port of Melbourne CEO Brendan Bourke said Bhagwan was chosen as the port’s preferred maintenance operator due to its reputation for operational excellence and quality customer service.
“We expect this to continue at the Port of Melbourne as we embark on what will hopefully be a long term partnership,” Mr Bourke said in a statement.
