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Unit OT 18-35, Level 18, Central Park Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, P.O. Box 18006, United Arab Emirates
Unit OT 18-35, Level 18, Central Park Towers, Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, P.O. Box 18006, United Arab Emirates
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23 Jan 2026 / Port Hedland & Broome, Australia
[** UPDATE 23 January 2026 **]
Tropical Low 16U may reach tropical cyclone strength overnight tonight (23 January) and intensify into a Category 2 system early tomorrow, before crossing the Kimberley coast on Saturday most likely between Broome and Kuri Bay.
Gales are possible, most likely peaking at 25-30 knots (gusting to 30-40 knots) with significant wave heights of 1-1.5m between Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning.
Port Hedland remains at Cyclone Alert Stage 1 – Monitor. At this stage, there is no impact on the port’s shipping.
The port of Broome remains at ‘Clear Port’ stage.
No vessels should enter the port unless approval is granted in writing by the Harbour Master, based on the criticality of the request and duration of intended port stay.
Small commercial operators (LOA < 35m) may continue to operate within the Port with due regard to the weather conditions until 2200 hours local time.
The port remains clear of large commercial vessels. All inner anchorages are now closed to incoming vessels.
Vessel Masters must follow port directions and clear the port without delay, and advise the port of any issues or defects which may delay departure. Vessels should continue to act as per their Cyclone contingency plans and not enter port limits unless approved by the Harbour Master.
Terminal/berth operators are to ensure that the latest cyclone forecasts are taken into account when planning operations, and that wharf areas are inspected for and cleared of/secured for any items that could fall into berth pockets or adjacent areas during strong winds.
Mooring owners must ensure that their vessels are secured to their respective cyclone moorings or recovered from water, before the onset of gale force winds.
[** 22 January 2026 **]
Tropical Low 16U is expected to track across the Browse Basin towards the north-west Kimberly coast today (22 January) and tomorrow. It will most likely cross the coast on Saturday at tropical cyclone intensity before weakening over land as it tracks south.
Port Hedland is at Cyclone Stage 1 - Monitor. This involves monitoring the weather system and assessing its likely path and potential impact on the port.
Vessel Masters should ensure:
- Engines and machinery are fully operational.
- Stability, trim and propeller immersion are appropriate.
- Manning, stores and bunkers are adequate for departure.
- Preparations are made in accordance with their cyclone response plan.
Terminal/berth operators should ensure that the latest cyclone forecasts are taken into account when planning operations over the coming days.
Shipping operations will continue as planned. Adjustments will be made based on prevalent and expected weather conditions associated with the tropical system.
The inner anchorage is closed but at this stage, there is no impact on the port’s shipping operations.
The Port of Broome is at Cyclone ‘Prepare’ stage, which involves regular communication and consultation to discuss plans and possible response scenarios.
No vessels should enter the Port unless approval is granted in writing by the Harbour Master, based on the criticality of the request and duration of intended port stay.
Small commercial operators (LOA < 35m) may continue to operate within the port with due regard to the weather conditions until further updates, or until a ‘Clear Port’ declaration is made.
The port may start clearing vessels from tomorrow morning – to be confirmed.
Vessel Masters should ensure:
- Engines and machinery are fully operational.
- Stability, trim and propeller immersion are appropriate.
- Manning, stores and bunkers are adequate for departure.
- Preparations are made in accordance with their cyclone response plan.
Terminal/berth operators are to ensure that:
- the latest weather advisories/cyclone forecasts are taken into account when planning operations
- response plans account for time required for vessels to clear the port and the approaching tropical system safely.
Small vessels on moorings or at anchor must take appropriate action as per their cyclone contingency plans.
Shipping operations may continue as planned, with adjustments made based on prevalent and expected weather conditions associated with the tropical system.
Weather forecasts will continue to be monitored and further advice will be issued if there is a substantial change/escalation to the situation.
For further details and updates, as well as information about operations in Australia, contact GAC Australia at [email protected]