More cyclone troubles for Oz
Australia’s Port of Dampier, Port Walcott and Port of Hedland have all experienced closure this week in the wake of tropical Cyclone Rusty – meaning more delays for operators and vessels.
The cyclone caused winds of up to 35 knots with thunderstorms and squalls to 90 knots, which placed the ports on yellow alert.
The cyclone moved in a southerly track this week and crossed the east coast of Port Hedland as a category 4 system yesterday.
The all clear was given for Port Hedland to reopen in stages today after port inspections were undertaken. But Rusty has cost the Port Hedland Port Authority (PHPA) a total closure time of 3.5 days this week.
A port spokesperson confirmed that there is some minor superficial damage to signs and non-essential structures, with the main item of concern being potential damage to one of the lines boats.
This is the third time in two months that Hedland has been affected by cyclones. Last month, Cyclone Petra shut the port for nearly a day and a half.
Add this to the closure time for Cyclone Rusty and the authority has already exceeded its annual budget of five days this season.
No doubt the port authority will be hoping that this is the last adverse weather system it will have to endure this year.
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