KMSB Wharf Opens 24/7, Year-Round Trade for the North West

Australia’s northwest has long grappled with infrastructure bottlenecks: vessels waiting on tides, delayed project cargo, and escalating costs from demurrage and congestion. For industries ranging from energy and resources to agriculture, these operational constraints have carried significant economic weight.

Broome, in particular, has been a critical hub supporting offshore oil and gas, community resupply, defence readiness and emerging renewable energy projects. Yet, despite this strategic importance, limitations in port infrastructure have repeatedly challenged shipping schedules and project timelines.

Addressing the Constraints

Kimberley Marine Support Base (KMSB) is addressing these challenges through the construction of a new, purpose-built floating wharf in Broome. Fully owned and operated by KMSB, the facility enables 24/7 operations independent of tides, a significant advantage in northern Australia, where tidal windows can create unpredictable delays and added costs.

With a 300-metre berth and heavy-lift capability, the floating wharf is designed to accommodate:

• Breakbulk and project cargo up to 600 tonnes
• Roll-on roll-off (RoRo) equipment for the resource and defence sectors
• Containerised freight, critical minerals, renewable energy infrastructure and decommissioning equipment

The development is supported by a dedicated heavy-lift zone, modern shore-handling equipment, and integrated logistics capacity designed for scale. Vessels no longer need to queue for limited windows, with KMSB offering reliable turnaround and continuous operations at any time of day.

Supporting Trade and Reducing Risk

The project represents more than an infrastructure upgrade. It introduces a new trade gateway that increases throughput capacity across the northwest, relieves pressure on constrained ports and provides shippers with greater certainty in scheduling. For operators moving critical cargo, whether drilling modules, agricultural machinery, wind farm components or defence equipment, the time savings and risk reduction are considerable.

By enabling year-round operations, KMSB is positioned to help reduce demurrage costs, which have been a recurring burden on project budgets. Its multi-user model provides flexible access for energy majors, mining producers, contractors, logistics providers and government agencies.

The facility has also been designed to accommodate future growth in trade volumes as the Kimberley region continues to diversify economically. Emerging sectors such as hydrogen production, battery minerals and large-scale renewables are expected to drive an increasing demand for project logistics support over the next decade.

Specifications and Operational Details

The KMSB project represents a step change for the Kimberley region:

• Berth length: 300 metres
• Deck load rating: Heavy-lift capacity up to 20 tonnes per square metre
• Operating window: 24 hours, all tide
• Opening date: Target commissioning in the third quarter of 2026
• Bookings and enquiries: bookings@kmsb.com.au

Built to meet the specific demands of northern Australia, including cyclonic conditions, remote supply chains, and oversized project cargo, the facility is engineered for durability and resilience. KMSB has emphasised that its design incorporates lessons learned from years of constrained infrastructure and the operational requirements of both domestic and international shipping lines.

Enabling Regional Development

The project is also positioned to deliver broader benefits to the Kimberley economy. Local contractors and suppliers have been engaged throughout the planning and early works stages, and KMSB expects further opportunities for regional businesses during construction and operation.

In addition to supporting heavy industry, the facility is expected to improve supply chain reliability for essential community goods, including food, fuel and medical supplies bound for remote settlements across the Kimberley and Pilbara.

Andrew Natta, Executive Chair of KMSB, said the floating wharf was conceived to clear longstanding operational barriers while contributing to the region’s economic growth.

“KMSB is an economic enabler. We are building infrastructure that gives trade a reliable, cost-effective alternative in the Kimberley,” Mr Natta said. “Our floating wharf is designed to remove the bottlenecks that have held this region back. For project proponents, shipping lines and government alike, this is about certainty, efficiency and regional development.”

A Forward-Looking Approach

With energy transition accelerating, KMSB has also prioritised flexibility in its planning. The facility’s design can accommodate a range of vessel types and emerging cargo categories. In the longer term, it is expected to play a role in supporting decarbonisation initiatives, including the transport of renewable energy infrastructure and critical minerals essential to global supply chains.

For the shipping and logistics sector, the project marks an important milestone in expanding the capacity and reliability of Australia’s northern ports. It underscores the role that privately funded infrastructure developments can play in addressing long-standing challenges and unlocking growth.

About Kimberley Marine Support Base

KMSB is a privately owned port infrastructure developer with a focus on delivering fit-for-purpose solutions that remove dependence on tidal windows and enable efficient trade. The Broome project is its flagship development and is intended to serve all users, from heavy industry to community resupply and tourism operators.

To book berths or discuss project cargo requirements, contact: bookings@kmsb.com.au