Two tenderers have been shortlisted for the third and final procurement phase of the Darwin ship lift project, the government has announced.

Territoria Civil and the Clough-BMD Joint Venture have progressed to the design development stage, which will ultimately see Northern Australia’s biggest Ship Lift built in Darwin.

“The companies will each deliver crucial design and development work over coming months to ensure the ship lift is primed to build and grow a thriving marine service and supply sector in the Territory,” the government said in a statement.

The final design and construction contractor is expected to be appointed in the second quarter of 2022, the government said.

Construction is expected to begin later that year with a target date to be operational in late 2024.

The facility will be able to lift vessels up to 5,000 tonnes and include four wharves and 20 hectares of hard stand area for repair and maintenance works.

The Northern Territory Government has received a $300 million loan from NAIF towards the overall $400m project cost. The NT Government has committed $100m towards the project.

The ship lift will be operated by Paspaley Group.