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 was established in the mid-1960s to support the development of the Pilbara region resources sector and the export of iron ore to overseas markets. The first shipment of iron ore departed the port in August 1966.
Subsequent growth and diversification at the port saw the development of new facilities for the export of salt, hydrocarbon processed products, condensate, liquefied petroleum gas, and anhydrous ammonia.
Dampier is a coastal town in the Pilbara region of Western Australia, situated 20 kilometres by road from Karratha and 1,500 kms from Perth.
The Port of Dampier 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.