Tropical Low 21U might trigger disruptions across several West Australia ports

Port operations, including bunkering, are expected to face disruptions across several ports in Western Australia over the weekend as Tropical Low 21U moves closer to the Pilbara coast.

IMAGE: An aerial image of Port Hedland, Australia. Getty Images

The system is forecast to intensify into a tropical cyclone, early Saturday morning, to the north of the Pilbara coast, according to Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology.

In preparation for forecast gales, multiple ports in Western Australia have begun clearing operations. Port Hedland has activated its cyclone response procedure and is currently at Cyclone Alert Stage 3 – Clear Port. The same status has also been declared at the ports of Ashburton, Barrow Island, Cape Preston, Dampier, Onslow, as well as at East & Varanus Island Ports and Port Walcott.

Tropical Low 21U is currently positioned over warm waters west of Broome and is expected to track west-southwest over the weekend, remaining offshore initially before moving closer to the west Pilbara coast on Sunday. Gales are forecast to affect the southern quadrants from tonight, with the system expected to strengthen into a tropical cyclone early Saturday morning, according to GAC Hot Port News.

Bunkering disruptions are anticipated at the Port Hedland, Dampier, Onslow, and Ashburton, with most suppliers indicating that no deliveries are expected until Monday at this stage, a source said.

By Tuhin Roy

Please get in touch with comments or additional info to news@engine.online