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.
To facilitate direct shipping to the region and connect the possibilities of the Pilbara to the world, Pilbara Ports has invested in biosecurity infrastructure and services.
To promote this opportunity, we are offering discounted Class 14.4 Rural Tailgate Inspections and other benefits while we establish direct freight shipping into the region.
The Port of Port Hedland offers the following biosecurity approved arrangements:
Charges for Pilbara Ports services and facilities can be found on our fees and charges page.
Brokers can engage our Rural Tailgate Inspections service directly or via the direct freight service.
To engage Pilbara Ports services directly, please submit the application for credit account form. Invoices will be issued on completion of each consignment.
Please note that stevedore services are charged separately. Refer to third party providers listed below.
Biosecurity is critical to prevent, respond to and recover from pests and diseases that threaten the economy and environment.
This responsibility is shared by government, industry, and the general community.
Pests and diseases can be transported through Australian Ports from overseas vessels and cargo. It is important that all individuals and organisations involved in direct shipping are aware of the risks and treatment processes.
For further information on protecting our borders, please refer to the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry website.
Qube is currently the only licenced stevedore at the Port of Port Hedland.
E: port-hedland.operations@qube.com.au P: 0409 996 073 W: www.qube.com.au/services/stevedoring
Three licenced fumigators are available at the Port of Port Hedland.
Fintrans
E: information@fintran.com.au P: 1300 777 395 W: www.fintran.com.au
Fumewest
E: phil@fumewest.com P: 0437 987 687 W: www.fumewest.com.au
Want Pest Control
E: admin@wantpestcontrol.com.au P: 0497 327 752
AARTG or BIP Tailgate Inspections can be conducted by Pilbara Ports onsite Terminal Compliance and Biosecurity teams. A standard RTG Inspection is conducted by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF/Biosecurity) officers, with separate fees, procedures and timeframes.
Yes you can. This is an easy process to update your lodgement, an admin fee will be applied by DAFF. Please refer to the instructions in the documents table below.
P: (08) 9173 9067 E: biosecurityph@pilbaraports.com.au