$12 million berth works to support port trade growth in southern WA

Announced by Minister for Ports Hon Stephen Dawson MLC and Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis MLC on Friday, Freyssinet will carry out soffit remediation works at the port authority’s Esperance and Albany ports having been awarded the contract following a competitive tender process.

"Improving the berths at WA ports means we can continue to grow port capacity to handle trade and that is vitally important given the bumper crops being produced by WA growers," said Minister Dawson. 

"More than 6.2 million tonnes of grain were facilitated by these two berths alone last year and the numbers already look higher this year, which is why it's important we can simultaneously complete the works without interrupting vital trade. 

Minister Jarvis added that the port investment supports longevity and prosperity of our grain sector and our regions. 

"This investment in berth remediation ensures our regional ports can offer diverse trade capabilities and plan for the long-term security of our agricultural exports, which is integral for our grain industry." 

"I'm proud the Cook Labor Government is delivering assets that support a strong future for our primary industries, create jobs in our regions and strengthen our State's economy."

Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said the works are part of a record capital expenditure program setting the ports up for continued growth.

“We pride ourselves on our award-winning approach to asset management and a big part of that is ensuring we keep our ports in operational condition,” Mr Wilks said.

“Our berths are fundamental to the throughput and economic contribution we generate across our ports – investment in their upkeep is vital, particularly in our harsh marine environments.”

Hydro demolition and subsequent concrete replacement underneath Berth 1 at the Port of Esperance started in November without causing interruptions to regular operations.

Following the completion of the first stage of works in Esperance, the Freyssinet team has now relocated to the Port of Albany to work beneath Berth 3.

“By contracting Freyssinet at both ports we are able to work with a familiar team that understands the job well while capitalising on favourable conditions to carry out that job without impacting operations,” Mr Wilks said.

“We’re confident that working through a multi-year program with the same Freyssinet crew across both sites will deliver the best outcomes for our customers.”

Freyssinet WA Remedial Manager Mark Wilson said his team was excited to support Southern Ports carry out these essential works.

“This project highlights our team’s capability to deliver high-quality, technically rigorous solutions in complex environments,” Mr Wilson said.

“Freyssinet is incredibly proud of the trust placed in us by Southern Ports and look forward to collaborating closely with their project delivery and operations teams to achieve an exceptional outcome.

“This project further reinforces our reputation as a leading provider of remedial engineering and asset rehabilitation solutions across Western Australia.”

Works have been broken into three stages over three years to ensure no disruption to port operations or customers.

The Freyssinet team will relocate multiple time between the two ports to complete the works.

Read the Minister's full statement here.