JBFM Babcock, the company charged with the management of the complex, has moved into its permanent facilities in Quill Way, immediately adjacent to the world-class, Henderson ship building strip.

A milestone labour relations agreement is reported to be in the final stages of negotiation with the Australian Manufacturers Workers Union (AMWU). Being a fabrication and assembly facility, with no permanent structures left after a project's completion, the agreement sidesteps the problematic construction sector.

In the case of a permanent facility such as the North West Shelf Train 4 project, the more militant Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU) has also staked its claim over the workforce, in addition to the AWU and AMU, sparking a dispute which has affected productivity.

Stakeholders in the Australian Marine Complex are paranoid that the first projects proceed without the slightest hint of labour problems and securing a union agreement is seen as a vital milestone.

EPC contractors however are concerned that any blanket agreement covering the facility may be above what they have negotiated independently, with impacts on their bottom line.

The 80 metre long shed can be completely enclosed from the elements and can be slid back its entire length. There is an accompanying 15,000 tonne heavy load out wharf with fully reticulated electrical and gas networks, plus a smaller 3000 tonne wharf.