Construction of new tug facility set to boost Port of Esperance operational capacity

Minister for Ports Hon Stephen Dawson MLC announced Advanteering Civil Engineers has been awarded the contract to build the new facility.

Southern Ports Chief Executive Officer Keith Wilks said tugs play a critical role ensuring vessels visiting the Port berth safely and effectively.

“It’s critical that the Port's tugs have a suitable place to be moored between movements so that they are ready to work with our marine team and visiting vessel masters around the clock,” he said.

“Well planned investment into our port infrastructure allows trade to continue with minimal interruption, and delivering a new tug jetties at the Port of Esperance is a big part of that.”

The new facility will have double the capacity of the service jetties that are set to replace – allowing up to four tugboats to be berthed at the jetties, up from the current capacity of two.

The contract is part of a $14.9m project to upgrade mooring facility for tugs and other boats which service the Port.

Advanteering Civil Engineers managing director Tom Cunningham said his team has a strong background delivering similar projects and that they were excited to be working with Southern Ports at the Port of Esperance.

“We understand this is a critical piece of infrastructure at the Port and we're looking forward to delivering a new fit-for-purpose facility that will meet the current and future needs of Southern Ports,” he said.

Minister Dawson said the Port of Esperance is a critical southern gateway for regional trade.

“Upgrading facilities at WA ports is vital to ensuring they continue to connect our regional miners and producers to global opportunities without interruption,” he said.

Demolition of the existing jetties is scheduled to commence in January, with construction of the new jetties to be completed in the first half of 2027.

Read the Minister’s full statement – here

Tugboats play a critical role in making sure these vessels berth safely and effectively.