Navigating design challenges to deliver a future ready ferry terminal for Victoria

Spirit of Tasmania Ferry Terminal

After 37 years, the Victorian base for the Spirit of Tasmania’s regular ferry service from mainland Australia to Tasmania moved from Station Pier at Port Melbourne to Geelong, an hour south of Melbourne. GeelongPort and TT Line wanted to create a state-of-the-art passenger and freight terminal ready for the next generation of vessels due to come into operation in 2024. The BMD Group reached out to our team to provide civil, sewer, and structural design along with project and construction management services.

The project faced several design challenges including a high-water table that meant that deep excavations would rapidly fill with water, an active rail line and creek running through the site restricting access, and the requirement that any excavated soil had to be retained on site. Heritage restrictions also presented challenges, one of the more unusual of which was the turn of the century underground storage rooms, most of which needed to be preserved albeit under the new construction. Additionally, the project had a tight design program and a highly publicised opening date, which placed added pressure on the team to complete the project without delays. 

Ultimately, the project was a huge success, delivering a new precinct with a vehicle marshalling area for 600 cars, a parking area for 150 semi-trailers, a café, and a children’s play area.