PILBARA Ports of Dampier and Ashburton have taken a battering from Tropical Cyclone Narelle.
A media release from Pilbara Ports said while the Port of Dampier has been open since 9am WST, an inspection had revealed “significant infrastructure damage across Pilbara Ports general cargo precinct”.
Severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle, passed the region as a Category 4 system.
The release said the damage caused by destructive winds, wave uplift forces, swell, and storm surge, meant that all general cargo import operations in Dampier will remain temporarily suspended.
Following the re-opening of the Port, access to the port is restricted to key personnel.
The release also said the Dampier Cargo Wharf and adjacent floating deck facility are currently inoperable due to damage to the deck structure, breakwaters, roll-on-roll-off ramp and other port infrastructure.
“Minor damage has been sustained to the Bulk Liquids Berth, but vessel delays are not anticipated and no impact on fuel imports is expected.
“Further engineering assessments, including underwater inspections and marine surveys will continue over the weekend and early next week. These assessments will inform when safe general cargo import operations can resume.
“Pilbara Ports is committed to effecting repairs and restoring capability as safely and efficiently as possible.”
The Port of Ashburton and associated facilities remains closed until inspections can be completed once it is safe for teams to do so.
The ports of Cape Preston West and Varanus Island are also closed.
Further to the south the Port of Geraldton reported it is all clear with inspections revealing no damage to port infrastructure.
In a LinkedIn post Mid West Ports said all terminals and port services have resumed normal operations, including the Fishing Boat Harbour.