Kimberley Marine Support Base: Unlocking Northern Australia’s Next Generation Port

A new chapter in northern Australia’s infrastructure is underway as the Kimberley Marine Support Base (KMSB) prepares to launch in September this year. Located in the Port of Broome, KMSB is a purpose-built marine logistics facility designed to meet the needs of mining, energy, and major infrastructure projects across the Kimberley and Pilbara regions. Broome’s extreme tidal range has limited port operations for many years, but KMSB will deliver a much-needed solution to this challenge with a 11,500-tonne, 9,250-square-metre floating wharf. With a berth line measuring at 255 metres long and 50 metres wide, the wharf has been engineered to support 24/7 berthing, regardless of tidal conditions. The wharf is connected to shore by a 300m long, 12m wide bi-directional causeway and an 85m long linkspan bridge, all situated within a naturally deep -16m Lowest Astronomical Tide berth pocket.

Designed with high-load operations in mind, the facility accommodates heavy lift cargo, modules, and subsea equipment. Breasting and mooring dolphins support vessels up to 348 metres LOA, while integrated diesel-bunkering infrastructure delivers a 3,333 litres per minute (200,000 litres per hour) flow rate. Over 20 hectares of adjacent port land and on-deck laydown space support Just-in-Time staging and broader project mobilisation. A fully localised team will provide all quayside, landside, and equipment services for seamless operations. Once operational late 2025, KMSB will significantly reduce long-haul transport requirements. Cargo currently routed through Fremantle can be discharged in Broome instead, cutting road travel to Kimberley and Pilbara destinations by substantial distances. This shift will reduces transport costs, vehicle movements, emissions, and project timelines — directly improving the viability of both major and emerging projects.

KMSB is designed to handle a wide variety of cargo formats relevant to the resources sector, including roll-on/roll-off equipment, containerised freight, bulk and break-bulk cargo, project construction modules, consumables, critical minerals, and rare earths. This range enables operators across mining, renewables, and oil and gas to consolidate supply chains and reduce reliance on congested southern ports.

For emerging projects, particularly those exploring energy transition opportunities, Broome’s port availability opens new pathways. Reliable berthing, local infrastructure, and proximity to inland sites increase economic feasibility and allows faster mobilisation. The presence of a full-service port in Broome also improves continuity of service and simplifies planning, particularly when paired with KMSB’s newly secured landholding at Lumsden Point in Port Hedland. This dual-port approach allows customers to strategically operate across both ends of WA’s resources corridor with integrated support. The KMSB facility will be equipped to support a diverse range of industries through high-specification marine infrastructure, in-demand port land, and a skilled local workforce. With seamless access to the Kimberley and Pilbara, and a direct link into established and emerging Asian trade routes, KMSB offers a strategic base for long-term logistics planning, project execution, and regional growth. Whether you’re moving mining equipment, critical minerals, or supporting large-scale energy projects, KMSB provides the infrastructure and operational flexibility to meet evolving industry needs.

KMSB is now accepting vessel bookings and land reservations, with operations targeted to commence in for September 2025. Operators are encouraged to engage early to coordinate berthing, cargo staging, and tailored support packages across various logistics needs, including:

1. Landing and lifting requirements
2. Fuel and equipment servicing
3. RoRo and containerised solutions
4. Just-in-time and long-term project cargo logistics

The Kimberley Marine Support Base represents a transformative development for northern Australia, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure and strategic advantages for a wide range of industries. Once operational, KMSB is set to become a pivotal hub for regional growth, enhancing logistics efficiency and supporting the economic development of the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.