Ports of Dampier, Ashburton, Cape Preston West and Varanus Island resume operations.
Tropical Cyclone Mitchell
08:00 AWST 9/02/2026
As at 08:00 AWST, Monday 9 February 2026, Pilbara Ports will resume operations at the Ports of Dampier, Ashburton, Cape Preston West and Varanus Island.
No further updates will be provided for all ports, but individual terminal operators should liaise directly with the Harbour Master.
For the latest cyclone warnings visit www.bom.gov.au/cyclone.
For specific information regarding your location, please refer to DFES emergency alerts website.
We thank you for your patience during this time.
The entire Port of Ashburton site is a security regulated port, of which access is strictly controlled.
To request authorisation to access the port for work purposes, see Pilbara Ports induction portal.
To gain unescorted access to the port facility a person must have:
Personnel who require access to the Land-side Restricted Zone (when established) within the port facility must have a current Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC).
A Land-side Restricted Zone will be established from 30 minutes prior to the arrival of all dangerous goods security regulated vessels and will remain in force until 30 minutes after the departure of dangerous goods security regulated vessels.
People who do not meet these criteria are classified as a visitor and must be escorted by a person who has unrestricted access.
The following people must be escorted by a person who has unrestricted site access:
Visitors who require access to the Land-side Restricted Zone (when established) must be continually escorted and monitored by a person who has unrestricted access and holds a current MSIC.
Failure to comply with these conditions may result in visitors being permanently removed from Pilbara Ports property.
Escorted visitors must:
Individuals who are not entitled to unrestricted site access are limited to five escorted visits within a 12 month period. In exceptional circumstances, an extension to the maximum five escorted visits per Pilbara Ports site may be sought from the Harbour Master or delegate, Security Superintendent, or Security Supervisor. These personnel can be contacted through the Security Gatehouse.
Any visitor may have up to three escorts, allowing them some flexibility whilst on site.
More information is available in the Site Access Control Procedure.
Crew who do not possess a Pilbara Ports access card and have not completed the Pilbara Ports site induction are regarded as visitors and must be escorted at all times.
The only exception to this rule is if crews are attending to routine ship duties. When attending to ship duties, crew are to remain in the immediate vicinity of the vessel.
It is the responsibility of the agents to ensure that ship crews are aware:
MSIC
Site Inductions