The tender for a $12.2m project, which includes an upgrade to the Port of Albany’s berth 3 has been awarded to engineering firm Freyssinet.

The company will work with Southern Ports to provide a host of upgrades at both Albany and Esperance which will be delivered over three years, so usual operations are not interrupted.

The works at both ports will include hydro demolition, where high-pressure water jets remove damaged concrete, and then concrete replacement.

Both berths are crucial for grain exports with the 6.2 million tonnes exported last year expected to increase.

Exported grain represented 93 per cent of the 6.7 million tonnes handled by the berths in 2025.

Southern Ports chief executive Keith Wilks said upgrading the berths was vital for keeping the ports operational.

“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,” he said.

Ports Minister Stephen Dawson said the upgrades would enable the ports to keep pace with the crops grown by WA farmers.

“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,” he said.

“More than 6.2 million tonnes of grain were handled 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.”

Freyssinet started work in Esperance late last year and have since relocated to Albany, according to a statement from the offices of Mr Dawson and Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis.

“We know that port investment supports the longevity and prosperity of our grain sector and our regions,” Ms Jarvis said.

“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.”