The Marinus Link project, a monumental undersea and underground electricity and data interconnector, is set to revolutionize the energy landscape between North West Tasmania and Victoria. The project, currently in the design and approvals phase, is expected to commence construction in 2026, with a projected economic stimulus of approximately $3.9 billion for both states, according to Ernst and Young (EY). But the real buzz is around the jobs—up to 3,300 direct and indirect positions are anticipated to spring up, making it a hot topic for those in the maritime and energy sectors.
Global energy consultancy Xodus has just dropped a comprehensive guide that maps out the workforce opportunities for the Marinus Link project. This isn’t just a dry list of job titles; it’s a detailed breakdown of the anticipated workforce needs, segmented by sector and discipline area. The guide is a treasure trove of information, offering indicative position descriptions, qualifications, and training requirements for both onshore and offshore roles. It’s a roadmap for local residents and the wider Australian community, showing them the pathways to get involved in this massive undertaking.
Lara Taylor, Lead Renewables Consultant at Xodus, underscored the significance of the guide, stating, “This guide builds on Xodus’ extensive experience with workforce development strategies for complex energy projects, which includes offshore wind, hydrogen and subsea interconnectors, providing tangible examples of the typical roles that will be available to the local workforce.” The guide doesn’t just list jobs; it highlights opportunities for specialist roles, including those in offshore vessels, onshore transmission, and horizontal directional drilling (HDD). This level of detail is unprecedented and sets a new standard for how such projects should engage with local communities.
The guide is more than just a recruitment tool; it’s a strategic planning document. By outlining workforce requirements at this early stage, it assists both Marinus Link and its subcontractors in planning for the project’s needs. This forward-thinking approach is a game-changer, ensuring that the project is not only economically beneficial but also socially impactful. It provides a clear pathway for local residents to upskill and participate in the project, fostering a sense of community ownership and investment.
The Marinus Link project is jointly owned by the Federal government (49%), Tasmanian state government (17.7%) and Victorian (33.3%) state government. This collaborative approach, combined with the detailed workforce guide, signals a new era of transparency and inclusivity in major infrastructure projects. It sets a precedent for how future developments in the sector should be approached, emphasizing the importance of local engagement and workforce development.
The release of this guide is a shot in the arm for the maritime and energy sectors. It challenges the norm of treating such projects as isolated economic entities and instead positions them as catalysts for community development. The guide is a call to action for universities, schools, and training providers to align their offerings with the project’s needs, ensuring that the local workforce is ready to seize the opportunities that Marinus Link presents. This proactive approach is likely to shape future developments in the sector, encouraging other projects to follow suit and prioritize local content and workforce development. The maritime industry is watching, and the message is clear: the future is here, and it’s all about collaboration, transparency, and community engagement.
