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.
Named after Captain Peter Hedland, who anchored his ship in the port in 1863 while looking to offload cattle for a nearby station, the Port Hedland Harbour was originally known as Mangrove Harbour.
Construction of the first Port Hedland jetty began in 1896 to service the needs of the pastoral industry. Discovery of gold in nearby Marble Bar drove the extension of the jetty in 1908 and completion of a railway to connect Marble Bar and Port Hedland in 1911.
Port Hedland is a coastal town in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, situated 1,600 kms by road from Perth.
The Port of Port Hedland Fact Sheet takes a look at key operational facts and figures for the 2023-24 financial year. Also included is a detailed map showing infrastructure and facilities at the port.