Tug pen

A new pen to accommodate up to four of the Port of Esperance’s resident tugboats will be constructed to provide a fit-for-purpose facility that better supports the growth of the Port's tug fleet.

Port: Esperance

Status: In procurement

Timeline: Estimated completion 2028

About the project:

The project will see the redesign and replacement of the current ageing asset to increase safety and efficiency of tug mooring and operations.

The current tug pen is more than 25 years old and was originally designed for two smaller tugs, however as trade has grown so too has the need for larger tugs and an expanded fleet, with three tugs now residing at the Port of Esperance.

The asset has also been exposed to a harsh saltwater environment over the two and half decades which ultimately impacts its lifespan. 

In 2025, the WA Government announced its commitment to upgrade the critical tug pen facilities with a $14.9 million investment in the project.