Australia’s key iron ore export port, Port Hedland, has resumed operations after the national weather bureau confirmed that Severe Tropical Cyclone Sean was moving away from the Pilbara region. Pilbara Ports announced that activity at Port Hedland in northwest Australia recommenced early on Monday as the storm shifted westward. Other ports in the region, including Dampier and Cape Preston West, are scheduled to reopen by midday local time. The status of Ashburton and Varanus Island ports, which were also shut down on Saturday in anticipation of the storm, was not disclosed.
Port Hedland and the surrounding ports play a crucial role in handling the bulk of Australia’s iron ore exports from major mining companies such as BHP Group, Rio Tinto Group, and Fortescue Ltd. Additionally, they handle liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments from Woodside Energy and Chevron Corp.
Cyclone Sean had intensified into a Category 3 storm overnight, with wind gusts reaching up to 205 kilometers (127 miles) per hour, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. The storm, which remained offshore, is expected to continue moving southwest while staying clear of the Pilbara coast.
Despite the cyclone’s departure, a flood watch remains in place for the Pilbara, including Port Hedland, with a storm tide expected between Onslow and Exmouth. The weather bureau also warned of the cyclone potentially reaching Category 4 strength well offshore. Heavy rainfall and damaging winds continue to pose a threat to the region.
Australia typically experiences between three to five cyclones annually in its northwest.
Related topics:
Fidelity Launches Multi-Asset Fund in China to Tap Growing Retirement Market
Dollar Slips as U.S. Inflation Eases and Yen Rises on Rate Hike Bets
