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.
Vessels requesting a berth on the Dampier Cargo Wharf or Dampier Bulk Liquids Berth are required to complete a berth application and must report cargo/wharfage operations on a vessel summary form.
Agents or Masters must complete sections 1, 2, and 3 of the form. All fields must be completed to ensure prompt and correct processing. Agents are reminded to submit berth applications as soon as possible and at least seven days before the requested berth date or ship arrival.
Pilbara Ports does not guarantee a berth at the Dampier Cargo Wharf or Dampier Bulk Liquids Berth at any time, under any circumstances, either implied or communicated.
Pilbara Ports aims to schedule vessels as per submission of this berth application, but reserves the right to alter the schedule without notice, cancel allocated berths, direct ships to depart the berth or extend the allocated berth of a ship as and when required.
Online berth application
Landside Operations Coordinator P: 1300 100 772
Mooring crews at the public berths are provided by:
Private berth owners will provide their own mooring crews.
For the most recent specific instructions on mooring operations, refer to the Port of Dampier local marine notices.
Port of Dampier local marine notices
Vessels not berthing in the Port of Dampier will be advised of their allocated anchor position by their agents and Dampier Vehicle Traffic Services (VTS) on arrival.
Masters should call Dampier VTS on VHF channel 11 approximately four hours before crossing port limits. Refer to Port of Dampier Handbook for full details.
When calling, advise your vessel name, call sign and security level.
WF 1 - 2
PP 1 - 4
BA 1 - 3
Designated anchor positions are shown on charts AUS 57, 58, 59 and 60.
Vessels maneuvering within port limits and outside these designated anchorage areas may require a pilot.
The Port of Dampier can be approached from the north of the Dampier Archipelago via the two-way reporting point and entered through the Mermaid Sound.
The Port of Dampier can be entered from the west of the Dampier Archipelago via the Mermaid Strait.
Vessels are to follow the recommended routes as per the Port of Dampier Handbook. Port maps and charts may also assist vessels on the approach to the Port of Dampier.
Port Maps
Local pilotage directions apply to vessels navigating within Port of Dampier limits.
Pilbara Ports complies with the Port Authorities Act 1999 (WA) and Port Authorities Regulations 2001 (WA) Part 3. These documents take precedence over Pilbara Ports pilotage directions in the event of any conflict.
Pilotage within the Port of Dampier is monitored and audited to comply with best practice, including guidelines established by Australian Maritime Safety Authority, National Marine Safety Committee and Australian Marine Pilots’ Association.
Pilotage exemptions may be applicable to some vessels.