VP526508—Cairns Marine Precinct - Common User Facility (CMP-CUF) Co-Investment

The Opportunity:

Ports North is pleased to advise that Request for Proposal (RFP) Phase 1 for the Cairns Marine Precinct - Common User Facility (CMP-CUF) Co-Investment Opportunity has now commenced.
Ports North is proposing the development of the Cairns Marine Precinct – Common User Facility, a major maritime infrastructure project, to expand the marine vessel maintenance capability and capacity in Far North Queensland to support the continued growth of the region’s maritime industry. The proposed facility responds to increasing demand for maritime maintenance, repair, and overhaul services as global vessel fleets expand and age, alongside sustained investment in Australia’s maritime defence capability driving long-term sustainment demand.
Ports North has identified a Finance (co-funded), Design, Build, Operate and Maintain (FDBOM) commercial delivery model as the most efficient means of Project delivery to successfully facilitate achievement of the Project Objectives. As the Project will benefit from a significant contribution of funds from the Queensland and Commonwealth Governments, the physical facilities coming into existence as a result of the Project will be a common user facility available for use by the operator and customers including vessel owners and ship maintenance and repair service providers.
Ports North is seeking a private sector proponent to co-fund, develop, operate and maintain the facility under a long-term arrangement on Ports North-owned land at the Port of Cairns.
This RFP follows the successful completion of an Expression of Interest (EOI) process. Participation in the EOI process was not a prerequisite for participation in RFP Phase 1. Ports North welcomes registrations and proposals from organisations that did not participate in the EOI and may be engaging with the opportunity for the first time.

Purpose of this Request for Proposal:

• The purpose of this RFP is to elicit proposals from the market that address the Project Objectives and develop the CMP-CUF, including the following:
• the co-funding of the Project;
• the design, construction and commissioning of the CMP-CUF; and
• the operation and maintenance of the CMP-CUF on a common user basis.

How to Participate in RFP Phase 1:
Proposals are being accepted only via the Ansarada CMP-CUF RFP Phase 1 Data Room. Submissions via this Queensland Procurement Solution may not be eligible.
To participate:
- register online via https://www.portsnorth.com.au/ports-north-projects/cairns-marine-precinct
- Shortly after, Ports North will provide access to the Ansarada CMP-CUF RFP Phase 1 Data Room
- Access the RFP documentation within the CMP-CUF RFP Phase 1 Data Room
- Submit your RFP via the CMP-CUF RFP Phase 1 Data Room prior to 1200 AEST on Friday 18 December 2026.
Enquiries regarding the procurement process may be directed to cmpenquiry@portsnorth.com.au.