Pilbara Ports is continuing to conduct condition inspections of its facilities at the Port of Dampier and the Port of Ashburton following Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle (34U).
Port of Dampier The port reopened on 28 March 2026 however significant damage was identified across Pilbara Ports general cargo precinct, and all general cargo import operations remain suspended. The Dampier Cargo Wharf and adjacent floating deck facility remain inoperable due to structural damage. The Bulk Liquids Berth is operable, and fuel imports are not affected.
Further engineering assessments, including underwater inspections and marine surveys will continue over the next few days. These assessments will inform when safe general cargo import operations can resume.
Port of Ashburton The port reopened on 28 March 2026 however Pilbara Ports Ashburton Cargo Wharf remains closed. Engineering teams are now able to access the port, and inspections will be carried out over the next few days.
Port of Varanus Island The Port of Varanus Island re-opened on 28 March 2026. Its operations are not impacted.
Pilbara Ports is committed to effecting repairs and restoring capability as safely and efficiently as possible across the ports of Dampier and Ashburton. It will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Refer to Media Statement Update 1 - Saturday 28 March 2026 for more detail.
The Port of Dampier hosts a range of recreational and commercial vessels each year, many of which use moorings instead of anchoring within port limits.
Pilbara Ports has approximately 200 approved cyclone and non-cyclone moorings. All moorings in the port are licenced by Pilbara Ports and require Harbour Master approval on design, installation and usage.
Moorings are installed, inspected and maintained in accordance with Pilbara Ports Moorings Handbook and mooring license terms and conditions.
View the Port of Dampier fees and charges, including mooring fees.
Fees and Charges
The following documents assist port users with obtaining and maintaining moorings, and transferring ownership:
All mooring applications are available online via the Klein Moorings Management System.
Online mooring application
P: 1300 100 772 E: moorings@pilbaraports.com.au