Pilbara Ports prepares and responds to a cyclone in five stages; monitor, prepare, clear port, shut down and re-open.
Monitor the system to make an early assessment of the cyclone’s likely path and potential to impact the port.
Start preparing the port by having regular communication with customers and monitoring the environmental conditions.
Once gale force winds are forecast to potentially impact the port within 48-hours Pilbara Ports start managing vessel movements.
Pilbara Ports continue to regularly monitor weather information provided by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).
Preparation activities include securing loose objects, reviewing draft and tide conditions, and liaising with terminal operators.
Pilbara Ports start clearing all vessels and port anchorages from the Port.
Heavy rain, tidal changes and gale force winds can potentially damage infrastructure in the port, so vessels are safer at sea during cyclones.
Pilbara Ports remain in contact with all terminal operators and vessels currently in the port, and work to facilitate the safe departure of all vessels in a staged manner.
Continue to liaise with the Bureau of Metrology (BoM) to monitor weather conditions in anticipation of closing the port.
During this stage, the port has been cleared of all vessels and is now closed.
This is due to the gale force winds associated with the cyclone.
For the safety of all port users, the port will remain closed until the passing of the cyclone.
Staff who can work remotely are encouraged to do so, with only essential staff remaining on site.
Once the cyclone has passed, Pilbara Ports will work to reopen the port as quickly as possible, following inspections to ensure safe operations can recommence.
Heavy rain, tidal changes and gale force winds can potentially damage port infrastructure, so vessels are safer at sea during cyclones. This provides ships with the opportunity to sail well clear of the storms.
In 2023-24 the value of commodities passing through all our ports was more than $173 billion.
Pilbara Ports cannot provide information on the average impact of the cyclone on a day-to-day basis as it does not perform this level of analysis.
Media statements on Pilbara Ports shipping statistics are published monthly and include details on throughput (trade) at each port.
Pilbara Ports is the world’s largest bulk export port authority, encompassing the operational ports of Ashburton, Dampier, Port Hedland, and Varanus Island.
In the 2023-24 financial year, Pilbara Ports achieved a record-breaking throughput of 758.3 million tonnes (Mt) and the total value of commodities passing through its ports was at $173 billion, highlighting its contribution to local, State and national economies.
For monthly shipping figures, visit Port statistics - Pilbara Ports
For the most-up-to-date information on port conditions as Pilbara Ports progress through the cyclone stages, please subscribe to Pilbara Ports alerts.
For the latest cyclone warnings visit www.bom.gov.au/cyclone