Scroll

21 Mar 2017 / Dampier & Port Walcott, Australia

Tropical low 22U Update 2

Latest forecast for tropical low 22 U forecasts that it is developing well north of Pilbara coast with higher risk possibility of tracking in a southerly direction and developing into a tropical cyclone (category 1 intensity) late Thursday night (23 March) before crossing the Pilbara coast by Friday (24 March) early morning.

Wind and sea conditions are expected to deteriorate by late Wednesday or early Thursday.

DAMPIER
The Port of Dampier is currently at Cyclone stage 2 - Prepare.This stage involves extensive communications and consultation between the Dampier Harbour Master, Port Terminal Operators, Port users and Pilots. Operational plans, sailing drafts, tidal requirements and intentions will be discussed and evaluated against possible response scenarios.

Vessel Masters shall ensure that:
- vessels' engines and machinery are fully operational
- vessels' stability, trim, and propeller immersion are appropriate
- vessels' manning, stores and bunkers are adequate
- preparations are made in accordance with their respective cyclone response plan

Terminal/berth operators are to ensure that:
- latest cyclone forecasts are taken into account if planning operations over the coming days
- response plan accounts for time required for vessel's to clear the port and the approaching tropical system safely
- wharf areas are inspected for and cleared off / secured for any items that may have the potential to fall into the berth pockets or adjacent areas during periods of strong winds

Dampier Harbour Master will commence clearing the port and its anchorages with the view to have all large vessels clear of port limits 12 hours prior to the onset of gale force winds. This time frame is designed to ensure adequate margins of safety, and to provide ships adequate time to clear the coast before encountering storm conditions.

It is likely that Port Of Dampier will move to Cyclone stage 3 (Clear Port) by 22 March PM hours.

PORT WALCOTT
The Habour Master has directed:
- all vessels and port users to prepare for the onset of strong winds and swell
- vessels' engines and machinery to be fully operational
- vessels' stability, trim, and propeller immersion to be appropriate
- vessels' manning, stores and bunkers to be adequate
- all vessels to prepare to enact their cyclone response plan

Looking ahead, weather forecasts will continue to be monitored with further advice to be issued accordingly.

At this stage there is a high likelihood that the port(s) will be ordered to be cleared within the next 24-36 hours. All vessels/operators are encouraged to make contact with the DoT Harbour Master to discuss any safety or operational concerns.

For information about operations at Australian ports contact GAC Australia at [email protected]

If quoting any content from Hot Port News, please cite GAC Hot Port News as the source.

Make an
enquiry

enquiry icon

Find your
country

country icon