Posted on May 21, 2025
URGENT maintenance dredging has been scheduled for Darwin’s Cullen Bay.
The dredging has been fast-tracked to maintain safe and reliable ferry services at Cullen Bay and will begin later this month.
Northern Territory infrastructure minister Bill Yan said the expedited dredging project will safeguard the continued movement of more than 150,000 ferry passengers each year, particularly those travelling to and from the Tiwi Islands and Mandorah.
“Ferry services from Cullen Bay are a vital link for so many Territorians,” said Mr Yan.
“We’re getting this project underway earlier than expected to keep people connected, protect access, and ensure services continue safely and reliably.”
The Northern Territory Government owns and maintains the Cullen Bay ferry facility, which includes the access channel, basin, ferry terminal, gangway, pontoon, rock groyne and associated parking infrastructure.
SeaLink operates about 150 ferry services annually between Darwin and the Tiwi Islands and around 4000 services to and from Mandorah.
Seasonal weather and sedimentation has silted up the basin and entrance channel more rapidly than anticipated, impacting low-tide access for ferries and causing some delays and cancellations.
This has triggered the need for urgent dredging to restore safe, reliable access.
“The Department of Logistics and Infrastructure is doing everything we can to complete this work quickly and minimise disruption for passengers, operators and nearby residents,” Mr Yan said.
“The dredging will be conducted 24/7 to almost halve the project timeframe and ensure Cullen Bay is ready well ahead of the new Mandorah marine facility opening expected in July.”
The major infrastructure upgrade is aimed at improving ferry services and accessibility for residents and visitors in the Mandorah, Belyuen and Cox Peninsula areas.
The dredging should be completed by July 2025.
A small section of Cullen Bay beach and the overflow carpark will be temporarily closed for three days during mobilisation, and there may be short-term access restrictions to the ferry terminal and lock.
“We’re also planning ahead, with longer-term environmental approvals underway to allow quicker maintenance dredging in future,” Mr Yan said.
Notices to Mariners will be issued by the regional harbour master.
