Port Dampier closes as cyclone Olwyn approaches coast of W Australia

The port of Dampier officially closed at 10am local time on Thursday March 12 as tropical cyclone Olwyn intensified and moved toward Australia’s West Pilbara coast.

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“All Dampier anchorages are closed to new arrivals with the exception of vessels proceeding to their designated cyclone moorings and small vessels seeking safe haven,” the Pilbara Port Authority said.

However, there is no significant impact to operations at the port of Port Hedland, Australia’s largest bulk export terminal, according to the authority.

The latest advice came after the Dampier terminal began evacuation proceedings yesterday.

Tropical cyclone Olwyn is expected to reach category 3 intensity as it approaches Northwest Cape in Western Australia, the country’s Bureau of Meteorology said.