Tropical Cyclone Zelia Forces Port Closures in Western Australia

Tropical Cyclone Zelia has prompted the closure of Western Australia’s Dampier and Varanus Island ports. Officials are warning of potential significant damage, as the category 5 storm approaches. Major companies are taking precautionary actions to protect assets amidst the impending cyclone, particularly affecting valuable iron ore and LNG operations.

Western Australia’s Dampier and Varanus Island ports will be closing at 6 p.m. local time on Thursday due to the impending arrival of Tropical Cyclone Zelia, described as a Category 5 storm. Emergency services are anticipating potentially significant damages in the region, particularly affecting vital ports that facilitate commodity exports, as per the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).

The Department of Fire and Emergency Services’ head, Darren Klemm, emphasized the severe risks posed by Cyclone Zelia, urging residents to heed the warnings of emergency services. The cyclonic winds could create hazardous conditions throughout the Pilbara region, prompting the closure of key facilities.

The Port of Dampier, primarily engaged in iron ore shipping for Rio Tinto, alongside Varanus Island’s oil and gas processing hub, is in the process of clearing vessels. Shell has indicated that the conditions are projected to become increasingly difficult until February 16, affecting its Prelude floating LNG production operations.

Woodside Energy has confirmed its intention to implement precautionary measures to protect personnel and assets at its Pluto LNG and North West Shelf LNG facilities in Western Australia. Meanwhile, Port Hedland, the largest iron ore export terminal globally, had already shuttered its operations due to the cyclone threat, impacting major companies like BHP Group and Fortescue.

Notably, Port Hedland faces greater risks given the age of its infrastructure, and if the storm’s path shifts eastward, significant disruptions might ensue. According to BOM’s Western Australia manager, James Ashley, the cyclone’s wind speeds exceed 280 kilometers per hour (174 miles per hour). Such powerful storms are infrequent, with the last one recorded in April 2023.

In conclusion, Tropical Cyclone Zelia’s significant threat has prompted the closure of key ports in Western Australia’s Pilbara region, with emergency services warning of potential damage. Major companies are responding with precautionary measures, and the situation remains critical as the storm approaches. The impact on vital infrastructure highlights the need for vigilance in hurricane preparedness among local authorities and residents.

Original Source: www.mining.com