Cairns Marine Precinct Common User Facility

Following the joint Australian and Queensland Governments’ announcements (17 June 2026) of their ongoing commitment of the Cairns Marine Precinct - Common User Facility, Ports North is pleased to advise that the Expression of Interest (EOI) process has now commenced to engage a long-term co-investment partner. This marks the next phase in delivering a nationally significant maritime infrastructure opportunity and invites prospective investors, developers, operators, and marine industry participants to engage with Ports North as the project moves toward delivery. 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. 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, and a clear understanding of high-performing maritime maintenance precincts. Ports North has already completed significant project design and derisking activity, details of which will be made available as the EOI process moves forward, however we’re also interested to hear of any innovative potential alternative pathways to deliver the capacity and capability uplift that the project seeks to deliver. 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. We would welcome the opportunity to discuss the project further with organisations and explore where capability and interest may align as the EOI process progresses. Organisations are encouraged to formally register their interest online at: https://www.portsnorth.com.au/ports-north-projects/cairns-marine-precinct/ to ensure inclusion in all future correspondence and considerations. Please feel free to contact cmpenquiry@portsnorth.com.au should you have any questions at this stage.