Pilbara ports cleared ahead of cyclone

The Pilbara Ports Authority has begun clearing large vessels out of the ports of Dampier and Ashburton, ahead of a cyclone which is expected to hit the Pilbara coast by tomorrow morning.

In a statement today, the PPA said there had been no impact to operations at the port of Port Hedland at this stage, however, the tropical low is likely to continue to develop in the next 24 hours and could reach cyclone intensity by tomorrow morning.

“PPA has commenced clearing the port and anchorages of Dampier and Ashburton of all large vessels, with all port anchorages expected to be clear by 6pm,” the authority said.

The port of Dampier is a major export hub for companies like Rio Tinto and Woodside Petroleum.

The low is currently located about 545 kilometres north of Karratha and 700km north-east of Exmouth.