Cyclones are to be expected in this region, and Pilbara Ports has robust plans in place for safe management of its ports.
The Port of Port Hedland is currently at Stage 4 – Shutdown and will remain closed until it is deemed safe to reopen.
Port infrastructure is designed with cyclonic activity in mind and Pilbara Ports will assess the port extensively following Tropical Cyclone Zelia before resuming port operations.
Once the cyclone has passed, Pilbara Ports will work to reopen the Port of Port Hedland as quickly as possible, following inspections to ensure safe operations can start.
In 2023-24 the value of commodities passing through all our ports was more than $173 billion.
Pilbara Ports cannot provide information on the average impact of the cyclone on a day-to-day basis as it does not perform this level of analysis.
Media statements on Pilbara Ports shipping statistics are published monthly and include details on throughput (trade) at each port.
Pilbara Ports prepares and responds to a cyclone in five stages; monitor, prepare, clear port, shut down and re-open.
Monitor the system to make an early assessment of the cyclone’s likely path and potential to impact the port.
Start preparing the port by having regular communication with customers and monitoring the environmental conditions.
Once gale force winds are forecast to potentially impact the port within 48-hours Pilbara Ports start managing vessel movements.
Pilbara Ports continue to regularly monitor weather information provided by the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).
Preparation activities include securing loose objects, reviewing draft and tide conditions, and liaising with terminal operators.
Pilbara Ports start clearing all vessels and port anchorages from the Port.
Heavy rain, tidal changes and gale force winds can potentially damage infrastructure in the port, so vessels are safer at sea during cyclones.
Pilbara Ports remain in contact with all terminal operators and vessels currently in the port, and work to facilitate the safe departure of all vessels in a staged manner.
Continue to liaise with the Bureau of Metrology (BoM) to monitor weather conditions in anticipation of closing the port.
During this stage, the port has been cleared of all vessels and is now closed.
This is due to the gale force winds associated with the cyclone.
For the safety of all port users, the port will remain closed until the passing of the cyclone.
Staff who can work remotely are encouraged to do so, with only essential staff remaining on site.
Once the cyclone has passed, Pilbara Ports will work to reopen the port as quickly as possible, following inspections to ensure safe operations can recommence.
Heavy rain, tidal changes and gale force winds can potentially damage port infrastructure, so vessels are safer at sea during cyclones. This provides ships with the opportunity to sail well clear of the storms.
Pilbara Ports is the world’s largest bulk export port authority, encompassing the operational ports of Ashburton, Dampier, Port Hedland, and Varanus Island.
In the 2023-24 financial year, Pilbara Ports achieved a record-breaking throughput of 758.3 million tonnes (Mt) and the total value of commodities passing through its ports was at $173 billion, highlighting its contribution to local, State and national economies.
For monthly shipping figures, visit Port statistics - Pilbara Ports
For the most-up-to-date information on port conditions as Pilbara Ports progress through the cyclone stages, please subscribe to Pilbara Ports alerts.
For the latest cyclone warnings visit www.bom.gov.au/cyclone
Ports of Dampier and Varanus Island re-opened
Tropical Cyclone Zelia
4.00pm, (AWST) 14-02-2025
As of 3.00pm Pilbara Ports has opened the Ports of Dampier and Varanus Island.
Pilbara Ports has undertaken inspections of navigation aids, channels and berths and has confirmed safe operations can resume.
Pilbara Ports is liaising with terminal and vessel operators and stakeholders to plan the resumption of shipping.
We wish to thank everyone involved for their cooperation and understanding during this cyclone event.
This is the final update on TC Zelia in relation to the Ports of Dampier and Varanus Island
For the latest cyclone warnings visit www.bom.gov.au/cyclone.
Tropical Cyclone Zelia 11:00am (AWST) 13/02/2025
Pilbara Ports will close the Ports of Dampier and Varanus Island at 6:00pm today (13 February 2025).
As at 8:00am on Thursday, 13 February 2025, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) advises Tropical Cyclone Zelia is forecast to be slow moving to the west before turning south towards the coast overnight into Friday.
The system is expected to cross the coast between Karratha and Port Hedland on Friday. However, the potential of a delayed crossing could see impact closer to Karratha.
All berths and inner anchorages are being cleared.
All recreational vessel owners must safely secure their vessels for cyclonic conditions.
Pilbara Ports will issue its next update for the Ports of Dampier and Varanus Island once they are safe to reopen.
Tropical Cyclone Zelia 8:15am (AWST) 12/02/2025
As at 5:00am on 12 February 2025, the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) advises Tropical Cyclone Zelia is moving slowly south and intensifying as it approaches the Pilbara coast.
The system is expected to intensify to a severe tropical cyclone before crossing the east Pilbara or adjacent Kimberley coast.
Pilbara Ports will close the Port of Port Hedland at 6:00pm today.