Cairns Marine Precinct Common User Facility

⁠⁠⁠Overview

Ports North is conducting an Expression of Interest (EOI) process to engage a long-term co-investment partner for the Cairns Marine Precinct Common User Facility (CMP-CUF). Organisations interested in investing in, designing, constructing, operating, maintaining or supporting the delivery of the CMP-CUF in any way are welcomed to participate in the EOI.

About

Following the joint Australian and Queensland Governments' announcements on 17 June 2026 of their ongoing commitment to the Cairns Marine Precinct - Common User Facility, Ports North has commenced the EOI process to engage a long-term co-investment partner. This marks the next phase in delivering a nationally significant maritime infrastructure opportunity. Ports North has already completed significant project design and derisking activity, details of which will be made available as the EOI process moves forward.

Purpose

The Common User Facility will expand the Cairns Marine Precinct's capacity and capability to support increased vessel maintenance, repair and overhaul activity across Government, commercial, tourism, superyacht, and specialist marine markets, while enabling long-term private sector participation in a strategically located maritime hub. The opportunity is relevant to local, domestic, and international markets, offering regional industry a role in Cairns' next stage of marine sector growth. For domestic proponents this means a pathway into nationally significant northern infrastructure, and for international operators and investors it presents an opportunity for a strategic foothold in a growing Asia-Pacific maritime market.

Scope

The EOI is designed to help Ports North understand market capability of interested organisations across all aspects of the FDBOM delivery approach, and facilitate market formation through the optional sharing of organisational information ahead of the upcoming RFP process. The scope of interest includes:

• Investing in the CMP-CUF
• Designing the CMP-CUF
• Constructing the CMP-CUF
• Operating the CMP-CUF
• Maintaining the CMP-CUF
• Otherwise supporting the delivery of the CMP-CUF

Ports North is also interested to hear of any innovative potential alternative pathways to deliver the capacity and capability uplift that the project seeks to achieve.

Contractor Requirements

Ports North is seeking engagement from experienced organisations with the capability and appetite to design, build, operate and maintain the facility under a mutually beneficial long-term commercial arrangement. This includes organisations that can bring:

• Delivery experience
• Operational insight
• Market reach
• A clear understanding of high-performing maritime maintenance precincts

Instructions to Respondents

This project listing is for information purposes only and the Queensland Procurement Solution listing will not be used to receive submissions or respond to clarifications. To be involved in this opportunity and submit an Expression of Interest, respondents must register via the link below.

Expression of Interest submissions close Monday 24 August 2026 at 5pm AEST. EOI submissions are being accepted only via the Ansarada CMP-CUF EOI Data Room. Submissions via the Queensland Procurement Solution may not be eligible.

To participate:

• Register online via Cairns Marine Precinct | Ports North
• Ports North will then provide access to the Ansarada CMP-CUF EOI Data Room
• Access the EOI documentation within the CMP-CUF EOI Data Room
• Submit your EOI via the CMP-CUF EOI Data Room prior to 5pm AEST on Monday 24 August 2026

Organisations are encouraged to formally register their interest online at the link above to ensure inclusion in all future correspondence and considerations.

Enquiries

For questions regarding this opportunity, contact cmpenquiry@portsnorth.com.au.