Pilbara Ports has completed most inspections at the Port of Dampier and the Port of Ashburton following Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle (34U) which passed over the West Pilbara on 26 and 27 March 2026. An update is below.
Port of Dampier The port reopened on 28 March 2026 however significant damage occurred across Pilbara Ports general cargo precinct and general cargo import operations.
Dampier Cargo Wharf will require extensive repairs however it is safe to resume partial operations on 7 April 2026 for the importation of general cargo.
Qube’s floating deck facility (ro-ro) is now partially operable and the import of oversize modules to support local construction projects will re-start from today. Please contact Qube directly with any queries on the availability of this facility.
The Bulk Liquids Berth remains operable, and fuel imports have not been affected.
Port of Ashburton The port reopened on 28 March 2026 however the Ashburton Cargo Wharf remains partially closed as a section of guardrail needs to be removed from the eastern end of the berth pocket. Divers will be mobilised next week to conduct the removal activity.
Port of Varanus Island The Port of Varanus Island re-opened on 28 March 2026. Its operations were not impacted. ______________________
Pilbara Ports remains committed to completing repairs and restoring full capability as safely and efficiently as possible across the ports of Dampier and Ashburton.
Pilbara Ports Chief Executive Officer Sam McSkimming said the combination of heavy rainfall, destructive wind gusts, large waves and abnormally high tides associated with Ex-Tropical Cyclone Narelle caused damage to port infrastructure, particularly across general cargo facilities at Dampier.
“Our priority has been to safely restore operations as quickly as possible while undertaking thorough inspections and damage assessments,” Mr McSkimming said.
“I want to thank our people and our contracting partners for their tireless efforts over the past week. Their focus and professionalism have enabled us to safely resume critical trade activities while repairs continue.”
A final update on the Cyclone will be provided next week once all port assessments are completed.
Refer to Media Statement Update 1 and Update 2 for more detail.