The company behind two major marine infrastructure projects in Western Australia is weighing up a bid for Darwin Port, as the federal government moves to bring the port “back under Australian control.”
The Northern Territory government leased the port to Chinese-owned Landbridge for 99 years in 2015, sparking ongoing national security debates. Although no direct security risks have ever been proven, both major federal political parties pledged during the recent election campaign to return the port to Australian hands.
While the federal government has confirmed it’s in negotiations over the port’s future, it has not disclosed which companies are involved in discussions.
Andrew Natta, founder of the Kimberley Marine Support Base in Broome and the Onslow Marine Support Base in the Pilbara, confirmed his privately-owned Australian business is seriously considering a bid.
“If you look at what our business has achieved in Western Australia, it definitely makes sense for us to explore this opportunity,” Mr Natta said.
He highlighted their ongoing $250 million investment in Broome’s Kimberley Marine Support Base as evidence of their capacity to take on such a significant project.
Talks yet to begin, but interest confirmed
Mr Natta said that while no formal discussions with federal or NT government representatives had taken place yet, meetings were likely in the near future.
“At this point we’re saying there is definite interest, and it’s highly likely we’ll move forward to those conversations,” he said.
Both the Kimberley and Onslow port developments have enjoyed strong backing from the WA government, which has praised the projects for supporting a range of industries. Mr Natta hopes to bring the same long-term, patient investment approach to Darwin Port.
“If we were to proceed with Darwin Port, it would be with a generational, enhancing investment mindset,” he said.
While declining to comment directly on Landbridge’s current ownership of the port, Mr Natta said there was value in ensuring critical infrastructure like Darwin Port remained in Australian hands.
“It works very well when we have an all-Australian partnership that supports those who need access to a port,” he added.
Multiple companies circling Darwin Port
Though the federal government has not confirmed which bidders it’s speaking to, several companies are believed to be interested.
US private equity giant Cerberus Capital Management — with strong ties to former President Trump’s administration — has reportedly considered a joint bid with the Australian-registered Toll Group, though neither has confirmed their involvement.
The government has also reportedly engaged in discussions with Australian superannuation funds about a possible takeover.
Meanwhile, Landbridge maintains it is not seeking to sell. Its Australian non-executive director, Terry O’Connor, recently claimed the company had been unfairly targeted by misinformation, including from Australian ministers.
Government tight-lipped as negotiations continue
Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King confirmed that discussions are ongoing, but declined to provide further details due to the commercial nature of negotiations.
“The Australian government is working closely with the Northern Territory government on next steps,” she said.
Northern Territory Treasurer Bill Yan echoed this, stating: “We are working alongside our Commonwealth counterparts in the best interests of Australia and the NT. We will not pre-empt that work.”
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