PD Ports said that the work is now underway on one of the largest engineering projects ever carried out on Teesside's iconic South Gare breakwater.
Over the coming months, around 15,000 tons of high-density granite will be carefully installed around the base of the structure as part of a major investment to strengthen the breakwater against increasingly severe storm conditions.
Paul Foreman, Chief Executive Officer at PD Ports, said: "Our aim is not only to protect the structure today, but to ensure it continues to perform its vital role well into the future. South Gare is an essential piece of infrastructure for the River Tees and the wider economy of Teesside."
"Every day, it plays a critical role in protecting safe access to Teesport and the river for the thousands of vessels and millions of tonnes of cargo that support businesses, jobs and investment across our region."
The project follows extensive modelling, testing and design work by PD Ports and specialist contractors to identify the best long-term solution for safeguarding this critical piece of coastal infrastructure after damage caused by Storm Babet in 2023.