Darwin Port continues to plan and invest for long-term growth, working closely with industry stakeholders, customers and government agencies to facilitate trade and support the Territory’s economic development.

In November 2025, Darwin Port won the Port or Terminal of the Year category at the annual Daily Cargo News Australian Shipping and Maritime Industry Awards. In announcing the winner, the judges commended Darwin Port for the significant growth in trade and the cruise sector and noted the support the port provides to Defence during its major exercises and port calls.

Following recognition as the 2025 Port of the Year, the port continues to build on this success through investment in infrastructure, workforce capability, operational excellence and building strong industry and community partnerships.

This collaborative approach underpins the Port Development Plan 2025–2030 and broader Port Master Plan, which together set out a clear vision for capacity growth and infrastructure development. The plans position the port to meet requirements while preparing for future opportunities.

SUPPORTING GROWTH THROUGH TRADE AND DEVELOPMENT

Darwin Port continues to see increases in throughput, with new industries and products moving through the port.

Live exports remain strong, with more than 375,000 head of livestock exported to five countries in the last financial year.

Dry bulk products from mines across the Northern Territory also grew last year, with magnetite, ilmenite, magnesite, manganese, spodumene concentrate and lithium fines among the commodities exported. Strong engagement is underway with new proponents preparing to export phosphate, iron ore and additional magnetite volumes, with first shipments hopefully commencing in the next 12 months.

On the import side, petroleum products, including diesel, unleaded and jet fuel, arrived in strong volumes to support Territory demand.

Supporting this growth, Darwin Port has advanced a number of important infrastructure initiatives, including potential projects relating to the Marine Supply Base channel widening and a bulk export precinct undercover storage and conveyor expansion.

Hardstand capacity has grown by 20,000 square metres this year, with a further 15,000 square metres reclaimed and ready for sealing in the first quarter of 2027. This additional hardstand is expected to lift total container handling capacity by a further 25 percent, bringing overall port capacity to approximately 150,000 TEU per annum.

Darwin Port continues to actively engage with the Territory’s emerging major projects, including SunCable, the Arafura Nolans project, Beetaloo proponents and developing trans-shipment opportunities. This early collaboration ensures the port has the capacity and infrastructure required to support these projects as they progress.

The cruise industry continues to grow, with 112 cruise ships visiting Darwin last year, boosting tourism in the greater Darwin region. This growth saw Darwin as the only jurisdiction in Australia to record an increase in activity in 2025.

PILOTAGE

Darwin Port has been actively growing its marine pilot team, with four new recruits joining the team over the past 12 months and three already achieving their initial licences and progressing towards becoming fully endorsed pilots. Active recruitment within the pilotage team continues with a commitment to build capability in 2026.

One of the new recruits is the first female licensed pilot for the port, joining the existing multicultural pool of highly skilled personnel demonstrating Darwin Ports commitment to diversity and inclusion.

In an industry first, Darwin Port and one key stakeholder has led a safe ship-to-ship transfer of methanol in bulk. The specialised project represents collaboration between port users, suppliers and the NT Government to manage risks and ensure the activity is performed safely and responsibly.

OPERATIONS

On the landside, increased volumes of dry bulk commodities require extensive planning as exporters seek to load higher volumes. Darwin Port has accommodated two Kamsarmax bulk carriers, which load between 2000 and 8000 metric tonne more product than a typical Panamax vessel.

Managing simultaneous operations involving livestock and break-bulk heavy transport requires meticulous traffic and logistical planning to ensure efficient and streamlined operations for all port users.

The Landside Operations team has also expanded its biosecurity inspection capabilities for containerised cargo bound for rural destinations, improving import clearance timeframes.

The team supports Defence activity associated with exercises and the annual rotation of the Marine Rotational Force Darwin. This included the import of multiple Osprey aircraft across two separate shipments. The aircraft were prepared for flight readiness before departing the port for RAAF Base Darwin.

OPERATIONAL READINESS THROUGH MAINTENANCE AND ENGINEERING

Darwin Port’s maintenance and engineering team continues to deliver a broad program of works focused on asset reliability, safety and operational readiness.

A key project includes establishing undercover dome storage to better protect bulk products from weather and moisture, improving handling reliability and supporting efficient export operations.

Other significant projects include refurbishment of the ship loader infrastructure, large-scale pavement refurbishment, stormwater drainage and civil improvements, and upgraded lighting across East Arm.

Works also include the refurbishment of 50 piles at Fort Hill Wharf, cruise terminal painting and facility upgrades, delivery and commissioning of our new $1 million cattle race, removal and decommissioning of underground fuel storage facilities at East Arm, and progression of early works and civil packages for a potential oil and gas decommissioning facility.

Together, these projects strengthen the resilience and performance of critical port assets while supporting the safe and efficient movement of trade.

INVESTING IN TERRITORY PEOPLE

Darwin Port continues to experience growth and development across its workforce, with employee training and development forming a key component of workforce planning.

The port continues to focus on growing capacity across pilotage, port logistics, maritime security and cruise facility operations through targeted increases in staff capacity and the creation of new roles, with a strong emphasis on developing and employing local talent from the Northern Territory.

This includes the establishment of a dedicated sustainability function and the appointment of the port’s first engineering graduate, with a second graduate expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2026.

LOCAL INVESTMENT AND PROCUREMENT OPPORTUNITIES

It has been a busy year for Darwin Port. Over the preceding 12-month period, it has experienced significant commercial activity, executing total capital and operational investment exceeding $18.85 million through strategic tendering processes and contract awards. The majority of these contracts have been awarded to locally based businesses.

SUPPORTING THE LOCAL COMMUNITY AND PARTNERSHIPS

Darwin Port plays a vital role in connecting industries, supporting economic growth and creating opportunities for Territorians. Equally important is its commitment to the local communities in which it operates.

Through a diverse program of community partnerships and sponsorships, the port invests in initiatives that build capability, support local talent, celebrate culture and strengthen community wellbeing.

From supporting initiatives with the Clontarf Foundation, Stars Foundation and NT Young Achievers Awards to create pathways for young Territorians, to partnering with organisations that enrich the Territory’s cultural and social fabric, the port seeks opportunities that deliver meaningful and lasting outcomes.

Support of the Darwin Sailing Club and Dinah Beach Cruising Yacht Club honours the important role recreational sailing plays in the Port of Darwin and life here in the tropics.

In 2026, the port celebrates a 10-year partnership with the iconic Darwin Festival and is proud to present the Darwin Port Bandstand for the third year running, continuing to offer a much-loved launchpad and performance stage for local artists while recognising the value of supporting major local events.

Working closely with industry stakeholders and peak bodies to foster innovation, skills development and shared prosperity across the Top End also helps the port to enhance connectivity and support sustainable growth in the region. TQ