The port encompasses Varanus Island, the largest of the Lowendal Islands, and is used as a central gathering and processing hub for oil, gas and condensate supplied by nearby fields.
The Port of Varanus Island was transferred to Pilbara Ports as of 1 July 2021, as part of the ports governance reform program that is gradually transferring all commercial ports from the Shipping and Pilotage Act, to the Port Authorities Act.
The Port of Varanus Island is operated by Santos Ltd and the port waters is governed by Pilbara Ports in accordance with the Port Authority Act 1999 and Port Authority Regulations 2001 WA.
The Port of Varanus Island currently handles the following commodities:
condensate
oil