Innovative tower cranes used on iconic waterfront site at New Sydney Fish Market

Premier global builder Multiplex has completed the complex installation of three tower cranes above the water on its New Sydney Fish Market site, using innovative construction methodologies to address the challenges presented by its location in Blackwattle Bay.

Designed by architects 3XN and BVN for the NSW Government, the new Sydney Fish Market will be the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere with a waterfront promenade, ferry wharf and more than 6,000 square metres of new public open space.

The crane installation and support system required complex planning and engineering due to the site’s unique location and exposure to marine conditions including tidal waters.

“The first two tower cranes were installed within the waters of the Bay and before the cofferdam was closed off, which meant we were exposed to tidal changes.

We undertook detailed planning in partnership with Marr Contracting and SMC Marine, and the complexity required four times the typical amount of time needed to complete a dry land installation,” said Paul Couani, Multiplex’s Project Manager.

The process included the installation of the main building piles, followed by bracing to provide lateral support for the grillage connection. Installation of the bracing was unique as divers were used to rig underwater and grout the bracing in place.

Another challenge in designing the support system was the requirement for no penetrations in the hydrostatic structure. This required use of structural steel plunge columns to support the grillage, which were integrated into the design as permanent support for the main build.

The third crane was installed after Multiplex successfully dewatered 100 million litres of water from the cofferdam, creating a watertight enclosure and a dry working environment for the structural build to commence. Whilst a more typical “dry land” installation, the unique site location required the use of a specialist marine barge crane to be anchored in Blackwattle Bay.

With sustainability a key priority for Multiplex, the tower cranes are among the first in Australia to use HVO100 renewable diesel. HVO100 diesel is a 100% renewable fuel with up to 90% reduction in overall emissions when compared to fossil fuel.

Once complete, the building will have a 100-year structural design life with energy efficient services and systems, to achieve a 30% reduction in energy use. It is targeting a 5 Star Green Star rating, with construction to be complete in late 2024.

Multiplex has delivered several other iconic waterfront developments in Sydney including Woolloomooloo Wharf, Jones Bay Wharf, Piers 6 and 7 and Luna Park.