Multi-user aviation and marine base with deep-water port and aerodrome set for construction in early 2025

Crestlink, formerly Kimberley Technology Solutions, today announced a significant investment in the company led by the Supply Chain and Strategic Opportunities strategy of Cerberus Capital Management, L.P. (together with its affiliates, “Cerberus”).

Cerberus’ investment, along with its extensive supply chain and maritime expertise, is a significant advancement for Crestlink’s plans to develop a multi-user aviation and marine supply base on Cockatoo Island, a project that is now fully funded and set for construction early next year.

Located in North West Australia, the Cockatoo Island Supply and Support Base will provide unrivalled advantages for the energy and resources and defence sectors. 

Once completed, the muti-user aviation and marine supply and logistics infrastructure will be home to a deep-water port and aerodrome facilities to support offshore development, construction and operations, and monitoring of Australia’s borders. 

Its strategic location offers significant benefits to the energy and resources sector by reducing marine gas oil consumption and reducing scope 3 GHG emissions. 

The base looks to enhance security operations for the Australian Defence Force, Australian Border Force and emergency response services given its strategic air and maritime position in the Buccaneer Archipelago.

It will deliver a direct investment of $300 million to the Kimberley region, with $100 million spent in the first three years. The project is expected to further spur economic growth by creating jobs, attracting new business to the State and region, and drawing upon complementary services around existing regional hubs.

“Crestlink Cockatoo Island provides a much safer, more economical logistics route for operators in this part of the world, as well as providing environmental advantages,” Crestlink Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Eanna Doolin, said. 

“We see a big push from industry to reduce their carbon emissions and this project will allow this to occur while also transforming the economic landscape of the Kimberley region for the foreseeable future.

“For global maritime customers, having deep-water access, direct shipping lanes, and cross-docking facilities at Cockatoo Island can lead to meaningful reductions in operational expenditures and fleet costs. 

“The development of an aerodrome on the island will also improve safety and efficiency for offshore energy customers by reducing airframe requirements for de-manning and re-manning platforms while improving search and rescue capabilities in the event of natural disasters.”

Crestlink executed an Indigenous Land Use Agreement with the Dambimangari in October 2023, with the co-management of the new aerodrome being a significant collaboration together.

 “Crestlink takes its commitment to the Traditional Owners of the region very seriously and we have worked hard to foster cooperative relationships and strong partnerships with the Dambimangari people through the Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation,” Mr Doolin said.

Dambimangari Aboriginal Corporation Chairman Gary Umbagai said: “Not only will this project create jobs and new business opportunities for the region, it will support effective training and skills development and contribute to the economic empowerment and social well-being of our community for this generation and future generations.”    

Cerberus Managing Director Isaiah Schulze said: “We are excited to partner with Crestlink to support the development of this critical infrastructure project. The Cockatoo Island multi-user facility has the potential to fill a significant gap in offshore logistics in Northwest Australia while creating high-quality jobs in the region.” 

Major approvals for the project are in place or close to being finalised. The Western Australian Government granted major project status to the development in 2019, with the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation appointed as lead agency.

With the strategic investment from Cerberus, the project is fully funded, and construction is set to commence as soon as EPA approvals are received, expected by early 2025. Design is currently underway to ensure a fit-for-use multi-use facility.