Construction of Western Australia’s $2.8 billion Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant (ASDP) has reached another significant milestone, with the arrival of Australia’s largest registered jack‑up barge.
Roughly the size of one and a half Olympic‑sized swimming pools, the barge (pictured) stands on 78‑metre legs and will install the ocean intake and outfall structures above the seabed. The specialist vessel, Beverley, will support a critical phase of the major infrastructure project.
These structures will connect to the underground pipelines currently being bored by tunnel boring machines, eventually bringing seawater into the plant (intake) and returning the brine safely back to the ocean (outfall).
“The arrival of Australia’s largest barge is a critical step for the Alkimos Seawater Desalination Plant,” said Premier, Roger Cook.
“It demonstrates my government’s commitment to supporting job-creating projects which will help support our State’s growing population.”
Two specialised floating platforms, known as jack‑up barges, are being used to complete this work. The smaller support barge will depart this month, while Beverley will continue operations at the outfall location until marine works conclude in mid‑2026.
Beverley features an 8‑tonne‑per‑square‑metre deck load capacity, a 400‑tonne crane, a helideck and accommodation for more than 50 workers, enabling 24/7 operations to keep construction on schedule.
The vessel’s arrival marks the latest advancement in a project that will deliver 50 billion litres of drinking water to more than 2.5 million Western Australians as part of Stage 1, easing pressure on climate‑affected groundwater sources.
Water Minister, Don Punch said securing Western Australia’s long‑term water future remained one of the Government’s highest priorities.
“This major investment is strengthening our State on two fronts by providing the water security we need for the future while creating valuable local jobs that support families and drive economic growth,” said Mr Punch.
“As we progress this critical project, we are not only safeguarding a reliable water supply for generations, we are also ensuring Western Australians benefit now through sustained employment and strong local industry participation. It’s an investment that supports local workers today and strengthens our resilience for the future.”
The ASDP is also providing strong economic benefits, supporting more than 1,500 local jobs and injecting $1.1billion into the WA economy, including $65 million in contracts awarded to Aboriginal businesses.
With major tunnelling, pipeline and site works well advanced, the ASDP, being delivered under strict environmental conditions, remains on track to be fully operational by mid‑2028.
