Port Operations Resume in Pilbara After Cyclone Threat

Port operations in the Pilbara region in northwest Australia have resumed following a two-day interruption due to a powerful cyclone approaching the area. The ports, which handle exports of iron ore, liquified natural gas, condensate, and salt, were temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.

Pilbara Ports, the world’s largest bulk export port authority, confirmed that the storm had moved far enough west to no longer affect the Pilbara or offshore waters. Despite this, the storm is expected to continue gaining strength as it moves southwest away from the coast, with sustained winds exceeding 100 mph and gusts reaching up to 155 mph.

Before the storm hit, Pilbara Ports issued orders to clear all berths at the ports of Dampier, Ashburton, Varanus Island, and Cape Preston. By Sunday morning, the ports were closed to ensure the safety of personnel and assets.

Heavy rainfall, totaling approximately 11 inches, has already been reported in the Pilbara region, leading to flooding in various areas. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has warned of further heavy rains and damaging winds in the coming days.

As the storm moves away from the area, Port Hedland was the first to resume operations on Monday morning. Subsequently, Dampier and Cape Preston ports resumed operations at noon, followed by Ashburton and Varanus Island ports later in the day.

Record-breaking Exports

In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, Pilbara Ports set a fifth consecutive record for exports, with over 758 million metric tonnes of goods passing through its ports. Iron ore accounted for nearly 94% of the total exports from the region, with a throughput of an additional 387.5 metric tonnes recorded between July and December 2024.

Pilbara Ports, formed through the merger of the former port authorities of Dampier and Port Hedland, oversees the operations of four primary ports and five development port projects in the region.

Industry Impact

The Pilbara region is home to major mining companies such as BHP, Rio Tinto, and Fortescue, as well as energy giants like Chevron and Woodside Energy, which lead the LNG exports from the area. These companies have reported flooding at their ports, mines, and rail hubs, impacting operations.

Despite the challenges posed by the cyclone, BHP was the first to resume operations, signaling a gradual return to normalcy in the region’s industrial activities.