Future-Ready Infrastructure: The Maritime Museum’s Complete Electrical Transformation
When Australia’s premier maritime museum set out to modernise its waterfront, there was no room for compromise. The Bellingham Marina required a full-scale upgrade to its electrical, plumbing, and ICT systems across the North and South wharves — to ensure it could support today’s vessels while preserving its standing as a world-class facility.
RDG was engaged to deliver a complex multi-service upgrade that would transform aging infrastructure into a state-of-the-art marine museum. The challenge? Execute a complete systems overhaul without disrupting operations at one of Australia’s most important maritime destinations.
Challenges:
The project demanded exceptional coordination and technical expertise to overcome several critical obstacles:
Legacy Infrastructure Creating Operational Risks
Outdated electrical and plumbing systems posed safety hazards and couldn’t support modern vessel requirements. Failure wasn’t an option for a facility hosting premium maritime exhibitions and visiting vessels.
Marine Environment Demands Peak Performance
Every component had to survive constant saltwater exposure, humidity, and extreme weather while maintaining flawless operation.
Zero-Disruption Execution Required
As a major tourist destination and working marina, any downtime would impact thousands of visitors and compromise the museum’s reputation.
Complex Multi-Service Integration
Simultaneous electrical, hydraulic, and ICT upgrades required precise planning and technical execution.
Limited Access During Construction
The demolition and reinstallation of pontoons and gangways restricted site access, requiring a flexible and agile approach to staging and delivery.
Solution
RDG delivered a complete upgrade to support the museum’s infrastructure needs. The project included:
- Complete Electrical Infrastructure Renewal – Installing marine-grade electrical systems serving 11 pedestals across both pontoons, with stainless steel components and proper sealing to guard against marine corrosion—significantly reducing future maintenance and extending the system’s lifespan.
- Plumbing & Hydraulic Services – Installing modern utility connections, including drinking water, fire safety, and compressed air, to meet marina standards and tenant expectations, with backflow prevention, stainless steel fire reels, and pressure-tested systems to guarantee safety, reliability, and ease of future maintenance.
- Lighting & ICT Infrastructure – Installing energy-efficient LED bollard lighting with integrated controls to improve safety and reduce energy costs. Upgrading ICT infrastructure with professional networking equipment and security cameras. Including pre-installed pathways to support future expansion of wireless and communications services.
Outcome:
RDG’s careful staging, expert coordination, and attention to detail ensured minimal disruption and a high-performance result—future-ready, compliant, and built for the demands of a modern marina.
Why Marina Owners Choose RDG
We understand your business. Marinas can’t afford downtime, and we engineer our approach around that reality. Our phased installation methodology means your operations continue uninterrupted while we transform your infrastructure.
We know the environment. Marine electrical work needs to meet code and survive salt spray, humidity, and storms while maintaining peak performance year after year.
We deliver on time and on budget. Because in your business, delays cost money and reputation.
Ready to future-proof your marina’s electrical infrastructure? Contact RDG to discuss how we can enhance your operations without disrupting your business.