Pilbara Ports has completed an initial visual inspection of its port infrastructure in the Port of Dampier following the impact of Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle (34U), which passed the region as a Category 4 system.
While the Port of Dampier will reopen at 09:00 hours today, the inspection has identified significant asset damage across Pilbara Ports general cargo precinct, caused by destructive winds, wave uplift forces, swell, and storm surge. As a result, all general cargo import operations in Dampier will remain temporarily suspended, following the re-opening of the Port. Access to the port is restricted to key personnel.
The Dampier Cargo Wharf and adjacent floating deck facility are currently inoperable due to damage to the deck structure, breakwaters, roll-on-roll-off ramp and other port infrastructure.
Minor damage has been sustained to the Bulk Liquids Berth, but vessel delays are not anticipated and no impact on fuel imports is expected.
Further engineering assessments, including underwater inspections and marine surveys will continue over the weekend and early next week. These assessments will inform when safe general cargo import operations can resume.
Sea state conditions remain challenging and are limiting access to inspect infrastructure. Despite this, teams have mobilised quickly and safely and are working systematically to understand the full extent of damage and develop a remediation plan. While early indications show substantial impacts to operations, Pilbara Ports is committed to effecting repairs and restoring capability as safely and efficiently as possible.
The Port of Ashburton and associated facilities will be inspected as soon as it is safe for teams to do so. The Port of Ashburton will remain closed until the inspections have been completed.
Pilbara Ports will continue to provide updates to stakeholders and customers as more information becomes available.
Background
The Port of Dampier is an export hub for iron ore, liquified natural gas, salt and ammonia and also handles the import of project cargo, break bulk and general cargo. More information about the Port of Dampier is available here.
The Port of Ashburton is a multi-user port near Onslow which facilitates the export of LNG, condensate, and iron ore, while supporting hydrocarbon processing and project cargo. More information about the Port of Ashburton is available here.