BMD brings international port and marine capability to the UK
Leading civil contractor BMD entered the United Kingdom market in 2022 to support the delivery of complex infrastructure at a time of significant national investment and demand. Combining international engineering and construction experience with local UK knowledge, BMD provides additional capability, capacity and pace across major infrastructure programmes. 
Across its port portfolio, BMD draws on civil, structural and marine expertise to deliver new infrastructure, upgrades and asset renewal works. BMD’s teams develop practical construction methodologies that respond to complex site conditions, operational interfaces and environmental requirements while maintaining safe, efficient port operations.
This capability is currently being applied at Devonport Terminal 3 in Tasmania, Australia. The terminal will become the future home of two new Spirit of Tasmania passenger and freight vessels, which will connect Tasmania with mainland Australia across Bass Strait, the sea passage between the two.
BMD is delivering the fast-tracked project for TT-Line, operator of Tasmania’s Spirit of Tasmania ferry service, through the Spirit Partners team alongside a number of local Tasmanian businesses. The delivery model combines national marine infrastructure experience with local knowledge, capability and supply chain participation to support project completion ahead of the 2026 peak summer tourism season.
One of the major milestones achieved as part of the broader marine works was the completion of 27 marine piles, drilled and installed using a large-scale down-the-hole hammer piling methodology.
The system incorporated a 1.6-metre-diameter hammer, described as the vertical equivalent of a tunnel boring machine, and a custom-built 49-metre-high piling leader weighing approximately 240 tonnes.
The piling leader featured dual platforms and an integrated elevator system, allowing the project team to assemble a 42-tonne drill string in sections and providing the control required to install the piles accurately through variable ground conditions.
The broader marine works include a multilevel loading ramp, fendering dolphin structures, an articulated linkspan, and steel-framed gantry and bridge structures. Together, these elements will enable vehicles and passengers to safely board and disembark, while allowing the two new vessels to berth and operate efficiently.
Once complete, Devonport Terminal 3 will be Tasmania’s largest wharf facility delivered in nearly 30 years. It will provide the infrastructure required to support the next generation of Spirit of Tasmania vessels and contribute to the state’s passenger, freight, tourism and trade capacity.
To get in touch with BMD, please contact:
Luke Todd
BMD Business Development Director
Luke.Todd@bmdis.co.uk
