Update: Australian Iron Ports Cleared

The Australian ports of Port Hedland, Broome and Dampier are now open, following the all clear on the previous Tropical Cyclone alert.

The Port Hedland Harbour Master said that the weather system has now been downgraded further to a weak tropical low and is not expected to result in any significant coastal winds.

Port entry was due to reopen at 5 am today local time with the first inbound at 5:30 am to coincide with first light. 

The port of Broome opened for shipping at 21pm local time on Monday, January 19. All marine operations are set to proceed as per amended bookings at COB today. The weather system is no longer expected to reach cyclone intensity and is steadily tracking West of Broome.

The Blue Alert has been cancelled for Broome/Kimberly. 

The Port of Dampier was due to officially open at 8am local time today.

Australia’s iron ore ports evacuated yesterday as a tropical cyclone built up off the coast of Western Australia.

Port Hedland shut down completely with the last vessel’s departure cleared the channel by 7pm.

Clearing the port and anchorages of all large vessels was carried out at Dampier as well, with a view to having all large vessels clear of port limits 12hrs prior to the onset of gale force winds.

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World Maritime News Staff