McConnell Dowell was awarded a contract by the Port Authority of New South Wales for improvements to the Overseas Passenger Terminal (OPT), located in the iconic Circular Quay area of Sydney Harbour.

Built in 1960, the OPT is located in one of Australia’s busiest waterways. Over time, natural processes and vessel activity have caused scouring, accretion and movement of materials on the seabed around the terminal’s wharf. 

McConnell Dowell’s scope of work will be spread across three seperable portions, including:

• underwater sheetpile wall installation and caisson repairs to prevent ongoing movement of sediment around the wharf (SP1)
• clearing accumulated seabed material from the terminal’s berthing area (SP1)
• scour protection design and installation to protect the seawall from future erosion (SP1)
• disposal of dredged materials (SP2)
• managing contractor for archaeological investigations and artefact cataloguing (SP3)

McConnell Dowell’s leadership in marine design and construction, coupled with the company’s proven environmental management credentials, were crucial in securing the project.

The company is pleased to be supported on the project by MGM Building Maintenance Pty Ltd (MGM), a proud indigenous business led by Anthony Mundine and Gosh Daher.

McConnell Dowell and MGM have used the project to showcase Australia’s first Indigenous construction hoarding, which includes the indigenous artwork of both companies. Installed by MGM's team of young Indigenous workers, the highly visible and colourful hoarding clearly delineates the works from public spaces.