Project Overview
The Onslow Marine Supply Base (OMSB) is a critical hub supporting offshore oil and gas facilities, subsea works, and pipeline decommissioning activities along the WA coast. With demand for offshore services continuing to grow, OMSB identified that its existing berth frontage and hardstand areas were nearing operational limits. Without expansion, the facility risked constraints on its ability to handle larger vessels, heavier equipment, and increasingly complex logistics.
To secure future capacity, OMSB committed to a strategic investment to extend the existing berth face, deepen berth pockets, and expand laydown areas. Delivering such an upgrade in Beadon Creek – a live, high-traffic marine environment – required a contractor with specialist marine construction capability, strong regional presence, and an existing trusted client relationship. OMSB engaged TAMS to deliver the Lot 13 Extension, recognising its track record in wharf extensions and its ability to draw on the nearby Onslow shore base to support responsive and efficient execution.
Scope of Work
The Lot 13 Extension combined marine and civil works delivered through precise planning and multi-disciplinary integration.
TAMS procured and delivered 400 tonnes of sheet piling, tie rods, and waler beams, which were used to construct a new 110-metre sheet pile wall. This was driven into place using vibratory and impact hammer techniques and capped with an in-situ reinforced concrete beam to provide structural durability. To protect against scour and erosion, rock bag scour protection was installed at the wall base.
Dredging formed a major component of the works. The berth pocket was deepened to –8 metres chart datum and the existing turning basin widened, using backhoe dredges supported by split hopper barges. Around 20,000m³ of dredged material was transported and safely placed at an offshore disposal site. On completion, a Class A bathymetric survey was conducted and issued to OMSB to verify depths and compliance.
To enhance navigational safety, ten existing piled navigation aids were removed, refurbished, and reinstated, while new floating aids and onshore leads were installed to guide vessels into the berth.
Onshore, TAMS delivered 10,000m³ of reclaimed fill and compacted road base to create an additional 4,500m² of sealed hardstand. The expanded area now provides OMSB with a robust laydown surface capable of handling heavy vehicles and cargo associated with offshore operations and decommissioning.
The project was supported by TAMS’ integrated fleet, including the FT3 and Total Support backhoe dredges, the North split hopper barge, Beadon Creek Multicat, JUB Margaret, and support vessels such as the TAMS Passage CTV and DSV AMS1. Together with TAMS’ self-perform workforce, this capability ensured full control of piling, dredging, and marine operations.
Solution
The success of the Lot 13 Extension was underpinned by collaboration, specialist expertise, and regional presence. From the outset, OMSB and TAMS established a joint planning framework that aligned methodologies with operational requirements. Construction activities were sequenced around live port operations, and risks were managed transparently. The trust developed through the client–contractor relationship allowed for open communication, quick resolution of challenges, and confidence in delivery outcomes.
TAMS’ ability to self-perform piling, dredging, reclamation, and concrete works ensured consistency and quality across disciplines. Purpose-built equipment and proven methodologies, such as rock bag scour protection and reinforced concrete capping, highlighted TAMS’ technical capability in wharf extension works.
The Onslow shore base was central to delivery, enabling rapid mobilisation of vessels and personnel, reducing downtime, and minimising costs. Local supply chains and employment were also engaged, reinforcing the broader regional benefits of the project.
The Lot 13 Extension has materially increased OMSB’s capacity. The extended 110-metre berth face and deeper berth pocket enable larger vessels to berth and manoeuvre safely. The widened turning basin improves operational efficiency, while the additional 4,500m² of sealed hardstand supports heavy equipment, cargo storage, and decommissioning logistics. Enhanced navigation aids and structural durability ensure the facility is reliable and resilient for long-term use.
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