Kimberley Marine Support Base (KMSB), a new purpose-built floating wharf in Broome, is looking to aid Western Australia’s (WA) oil and gas decommissioning efforts.
The facility enables 24/7 operations independent of tides, a significant advantage in northern Australia, where tidal windows can create unpredictable delays and added costs.
KMSB marks another significant private investment in the state’s critical port infrastructure steered by Founder and Managing Director Andrew Natta — building on the successful model he established at the existing Onslow Marine Support Base (OMSB) in the Pilbara region of WA.
OMSB is an industry partner of the Centre of Decommissioning Australia (CODA), which highlighted the new project in its recent newsletter.
The new facility boasts a 300-metre berth and heavy-lift capability, and is designed to accommodate breakbulk and project cargo up to 600 tonnes, as well as roll-on roll-off (RoRo) equipment for the resource and defence sectors, and containerised freight, critical minerals, renewable energy infrastructure and decommissioning equipment.
The KMSB facility is designed to operate as a complementary terminal to the Port of Broome, which has served as the region’s main maritime logistics hub for more than 80 years.
Australia’s northwest has long grappled with infrastructure bottlenecks, such as vessels waiting on tides, delayed project cargo, and escalating costs from demurrage and congestion —operational constraints that all carry economic implications.
Broome, in particular, has been a critical hub supporting offshore oil and gas, community resupply, defence readiness and emerging renewable energy projects.
Yet, despite this strategic importance, limitations in port infrastructure have repeatedly challenged shipping schedules and project timelines.
“Our floating wharf at KMSB is designed for ‘non-tide dependant’ operations – removing the bottlenecks that have long-plagued supply chains within the region,” said Natta.
He said KMSB will boost productivity, safety and reduce costs for established Kimberley businesses in the agricultural and resources sectors, while also allowing cruise ships to come alongside for passengers to visit Broome without the need to wait for appropriate tides.
Crucially, the facility will also enable the growth of new sectors – such as proposed critical minerals and renewable energy developments – by providing the necessary infrastructure for handling specialised cargo like wind turbines, solar systems and commercial battery imports.
“Our 24/7 operational capability, combined with our flexible, client-focused approach, means businesses can now plan with confidence, operate cost effectively and significantly improve their supply chain efficiency.”
