6 November 2025
Up to 1,000 jobs are expected to be created through Vopak's carbon dioxide import, storage and handling terminal at the Middle Arm Precinct, marking a major new investment in the Territory's economic future.
The Finocchiaro CLP Government has provided a not-to-deal commitment to Vopak and the Land Development Corporation, giving the company the certainty to accelerate development of the project with completion likely by the early 2030s.
This announcement comes as Vopak prepares to celebrate 20 years of operation in the Northern Territory.
The proposed 10-hectare development at Middle Arm represents a major investment in future-focused infrastructure that will generate around 1,000 jobs during construction and approximately 70 ongoing operational roles once complete.
Last year, the NT Government and Vopak signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a common-user facility at Middle Arm, including a dedicated CO₂ import terminal.
The terminal will be designed to safely and efficiently manage the import, storage and distribution of liquid carbon dioxide, providing open-access infrastructure to support heavy industry in reducing emissions and underpinning major offshore carbon capture and storage (CCS) developments across Australia and the Asia Pacific region.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the Vopak commitment highlights the NT's growing role in supporting innovative industries and creating tangible opportunities for Territorians.
"In our year of action, certainty and security, projects like Vopak's Middle Arm CO₂ terminal show the Northern Territory is not just open for business, but ready to lead in new industries that create local jobs and strengthen our economy. This is the kind of forward-looking investment that benefits communities across the Territory and positions us for long-term growth."
Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said Vopak's Middle Arm project will deliver significant local jobs and strengthen the Territory's long-term economic future.
"This facility is projected to play a crucial role in supporting the development of a globally significant carbon capture and storage industry right here in the Territory, while delivering significant economic benefits for our region and Australia, including an estimated 1,000 construction jobs," said Minister Maley.
"By granting an exclusive 'not-to-deal' commitment to Vopak, the NT Government is sending a clear signal to investors that the Territory is open for business and strongly supportive of the energy sector."
Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment Joshua Burgoyne said the Territory is well placed to become a global leader in this emerging industry.
"The Territory is positioned to play a major role in the future of carbon capture and storage management," said Minister Burgoyne.
"Our Government is delivering on its commitment to rebuild the economy and attract private sector investment, sending a clear message to Australian and global markets that the Territory is the place to invest."
Vopak Terminals Australia Managing Director Paul Kanters said the company's long-term partnership with the Territory continues to evolve in line with global decarbonisation priorities.
"This commitment from the NT Government demonstrates shared confidence and partnership for the future development of a common-user CO₂ import, storage, and handling facility at Middle Arm," said Mr Kanters.
"As Vopak celebrates its 20th year of operation in Darwin, this project is a clear signal that we are committed not only to the security of today's essential products but also to the economic growth and decarbonisation ambitions of the Territory and Australia."
"It is the next evolution of our partnership, leveraging our global expertise to create infrastructure solutions that accelerate the journey to net zero."
Once operational, the facility will have an initial capacity to manage up to five million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of liquid carbon dioxide, with potential expansion to more than 15 MTPA, subject to design and engineering outcomes.
