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 entire Port of Port Hedland site is a security regulated port. Access to the Eastern Harbour Port Facility and Utah Bulk Handling Facility is strictly controlled.
To request authorisation to access the port for work purposes, see Pilbara Ports induction portal.
To gain unescorted access to port facilities a person must have:
Personnel who require access to a Land-side Restricted Zone within the port facilities must have a Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC).
People who do not meet these criteria are classified as a visitor and must be escorted by a person who has unrestricted access.
The following people must be escorted by a person who has unrestricted site access:
Visitors who require access to a Land-side Restricted Zone must be continually escorted by a person who has unrestricted access and holds a MSIC card.
Failure to comply with these conditions may result in visitors being permanently removed from Pilbara Ports property.
Escorted visitors must:
Individuals who are not entitled to unrestricted site access are limited to five escorted visits within a 12 month period. In exceptional circumstances, an extension to the maximum five escorted visits may be sought from the Harbour Master or delegate, Security Superintendent or Security Supervisor, all of whom can be contacted through the Security Gatehouse.
Any visitor may have up to three escorts, allowing some flexibility whilst on site.
More information is available in the Site Access Control Procedure.
Crew who do not possess a Maritime Security Identification Card and have not completed the Pilbara Ports site induction are regarded as visitors and must be escorted at all times.
The only exception to this rule is if crews are attending to routine ship duties. When attending to ship duties crew are to remain in the immediate vicinity of the vessel.
It is the responsibility of the agents to ensure that ship crews are aware:
MSIC
Site Inductions