A$12.2 million infrastructure program is under way at the southern ports of Esperance and Albany, with works aimed at strengthening key berth structures that support the region’s grain exports.
The contract has been awarded to civil engineering firm Freyssinet, which began work in Esperance in late 2025 before moving operations to Albany. The project is being delivered in partnership with Southern Ports and will run over three years in staged works designed to keep port operations uninterrupted.
The scope includes hydro demolition and concrete replacement across sections of Berth 1 at the Port of Esperance and Berth 3 at the Port of Albany. Both berths play a central role in grain handling, which made up about 93 per cent of the 6.7 million tonnes of trade moved through the facilities last year. Early figures indicate volumes are tracking higher this year.
The works form part of a broader asset management program across Southern Ports’ network, with crews expected to shift between sites during the delivery period depending on operational requirements and conditions.
Ports Minister Stephen Dawson said maintaining and upgrading berth infrastructure is essential as trade volumes continue to grow, particularly during strong harvest seasons. He said the works are being carried out in a way that allows trade to continue without disruption.
Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said investment in port infrastructure supports the long-term stability of Western Australia’s grain sector and regional communities that rely on export pathways.
Southern Ports chief executive officer Keith Wilks said the program reflects a focus on maintaining operational reliability in challenging marine conditions, adding that using a consistent delivery team across both sites helps streamline the work and maintain quality.
Freyssinet WA remedial manager Mark Wilson said the project demonstrates the company’s capacity to deliver complex remedial engineering works in active port environments, with close coordination required to maintain safety and continuity of operations.
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