SFM Marine

About SFM Marine

SFM Marine occupies a heavy-duty marine service site at Northport in Rous Head, close to Fremantle's busy commercial harbour entrance. It is not a conventional visitor marina, and we think that distinction is important. This is a place built for hauling, hardstand work, refit coordination and large-vessel capability, making it particularly valuable to owners and operators who arrive with a defined technical job rather than plans for a casual waterfront stay.

The yard operates two lifting facilities, with published capacities up to 65 tonnes and 200 tonnes and the larger system able to handle a beam of up to 10 metres. Boats move directly between the water and their allocated work area, subject to the booking and lift plan. A small number of wet pens exist, but SFM advises that these are currently fully occupied. Tying up before or after a lift is generally prohibited, so timing and crew readiness matter.

On shore, the site provides hardstand space, five principal covered shed bays, a blast shed and a dome facility. Shore power is available in the 65-tonne and 200-tonne yards, although owner-supplied leads must be tested and tagged. What stands out to us is the scale and range of covered work environments, which can be a major advantage when a project needs controlled access rather than exposure on a general-purpose marina hardstand.

SFM staff and approved contractors control specialist activities including antifouling, painting, hot work, blasting and water blasting. The facility uses a closed-loop water-treatment system for lifting, launching and spray-down activity, reflecting the discipline expected in a modern industrial yard. Bookings may be accepted well ahead, and proof of insurance is required. Confirm inductions, contractor approval, cranage, storage, waste and every work-stage dependency with the yard before arrival.

Our take is that SFM Marine best suits insured private owners, commercial operators and project managers needing substantial lifting or structured refit space near Fremantle. It should not be approached as a marina offering fuel, showers, laundry or casual overnight accommodation. Commercial traffic around Rous Head also demands attentive navigation and compliance with port directions. With a confirmed slot, complete documentation and a properly sequenced work plan, SFM offers serious capability that few ordinary marinas can match.

Services

SFM Marine is primarily a haul-out, hardstand and refit facility. Its two lifting operations have published capacities up to 65 tonnes and 200 tonnes, with the larger facility accepting suitable vessels up to 10 metres in beam. Lifts require advance booking, vessel specifications and proof of insurance. Boats normally proceed directly to the lift and depart directly after launch.

The yard includes hardstand areas, five main covered shed bays, a blast shed and a dome facility. Shore power is available in both principal yards, but owner leads must be currently tested and tagged. A closed-loop water-treatment system supports controlled lifting, launching and spray-down. Confirm access hours, inductions, storage, cranage and environmental requirements for the planned project.

Antifouling, painting, hot work, blasting and water blasting may be performed only by SFM staff or approved contractors. A small number of wet pens are presently reported as fully occupied, and waiting alongside before or after lifting is generally not allowed. Public fuel, chandlery, showers, laundry and visitor-marina services are not verified. Plan crew logistics independently and follow Fremantle port directions around Rous Head.

Ideal for

Insured private and commercial vessel operators needing heavy lifting, hardstand, covered refit space and tightly managed technical work near Fremantle.

What we love

• Heavy lifting capacity up to 200 tonnes
• A published maximum beam of 10 metres
• Multiple covered sheds for structured projects
• Dedicated blasting and dome work areas
• Closed-loop water treatment in the yard

To keep in mind

This is a working boatyard, not a casual visitor marina, and its few wet pens are currently occupied. Arrivals must align closely with booked lifts. Insurance, inductions, tested leads and approved contractors are essential, while port traffic requires careful navigation.