Dampier

1. Dampier Boarding Position E Pilot boards20°38.5′S 116°39.0′E
2. Dampier Boarding Position A Pilot boards20°21.0′S 116°44.0′E
3. Dampier Boarding Position B Pilot boards20°23.7′S 116°42.1′E
4. Dampier Boarding Position C Pilot boards20°23.8′S 116°43.7′E
5. Dampier Boarding Position D Pilot boards20°28.6′S 116°44.3′E

Size limits

LOA 340m, beam 58m, draught 19.5m, 263,055DWT.

Water density

1025.

Load line zone

South Indian Ocean Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical May 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Apr 30.

Tides

MHWS 4.4m; MLWS 0.9m; MWHN 3.1m; MLWN 2.2m.

The tides within the port are semi-diurnal, with a marked daily inequality between successive tidal ranges. Tidal streams are generally weak with a max rate of approx 1kt at spring tide in the berthing areas. The tidal flow has minimal affect on the berthing areas. Spring tides flood to the S and are weak reaching less than 1kt.

Deepest first. The draught is the largest any of the terminal's berths states; a dash means the source gives none.

Approach

The port is approached from N of the Dampier Archipelago, and entered through Mermaid Sound.

Mermaid Strait, on the SW side of Mermaid Sound, is used by vessels of light draught.

Approach: Sea Buoy position is 20°25.5'S 116°42.9'E. Racon characteristics are (M) (3cm and 10cm).

Min approach depth to anchorages is 26m.

Min approach depth to Sea Buoy is 20m.

The depth for King Bay Supply Base is 6.0m LAT.

Approach depths:

Woodside Channel: The channel has been dredged to the Withnell Bay Terminal, least depth 12.2m LAT. The entrance buoy to this channel has been placed in position 20°26.2'S 116°43.7E, it exhibits a light Fl (2) R.5s.

Pilbara Iron: The approach to Parker Point Iron Ore Berth has a limiting depth of 8.0m, the bottom is sand and mud.

Departure Channel: Situated on the W side of Mermaid Sound, from Parker Point Iron Ore Berth to the main channel is dredged to 15.0m with a width of 170m, the bottom is mud and clay.

DAMPIER CARGO: Min approach depth to wharf is 7.5m into a dredged basin 10m.

RIO TINTO IRON ORE - EAST INTERCOURSE ISLAND: The ore jetty is connected to the open sea by a 167.6m wide departure channel dredged to 15.5m LAT. Approach channel depth to the ore jetty is 10.5m and departure channel is declared at 15.5m (11/13) with a width of 167m. The bottom is sandstone and clay.

MISTAKEN ISLAND (DAMPIER SALT LTD): Wharf approach channel is 10.5m, departure channel is 11.4m. Fairway beacon to East Intercourse Island is 15.5m and fairway beacon to Parker Point is 15.5m.

WOODSIDE ENERGY, WITHNELL BAY TERMINAL: The channel has been dredged to the Withnell Bay Terminal, least depth 12.2m LAT. The entrance buoy to this channel has been placed in position 20°26.2'S 116°43.7E, it exhibits a light Fl (2) R.5s. Approach channel from Woodside Channel Buoy to Buoy No 7 is 6.1nm, least depth 13.2m. The channel from No 7 to No 13 is 3.4nm and 250m wide, min dredged depth is 12.0m LAT. Turning area dredged to 12.15m with a turning circle of 600m diameter.

MERMAID MARINE SUPPLY BASE: Approach channel is 1,500m long, 48m wide and dredged to appro 5.4m with a sandy, mud bottom. Depths may vary with silting. Two white, steel channel approach markers are positioned to the E end of the Channel, the forward lead marker having a dayglow orange triangle, lead bearing 090° True. The entrance is marked with port and starboard lateral buoys. The slipway, LCT ramps and barge berth are apporoached via a 4.0m deep channel extending beyond the extremith of the MMSB main approach channel, E of the main wharf area. The channel is marked by standard starboard lateral navigational buoys.

Port limits

Port limits are now complex and best seen on charts BA 741 and Aus 57.

Traffic schemes and VTS

There are no traffic schemes in operation.

Anchorages

Cyclone mooring areas are vailable as follows:

At the S entrance to the boat passage between the two Lewis Islands, off Marks Point (20°37'S 116°38'E) on the S side of West Lewis Island.

To the S of Enderby Island, centred on a position 20°40'S 116°35'E on the S side of Mermaid Strait E of Dockrell Reef, Malus Channel centred on 20°32'S 116°38'E and in Hampton Harbour.

Small vessels seeking safe haven during a cyclone can utilise an anchorage between West Lewis Island and Enderby island where there are depths of between 8.0m and 12m, with good holding ground. Mariners are advised that any movement to this anchorage is permitted despite the port being closed during a cyclone.

A prohibited area is declared 0.5nm either side of this pipeline.

Vessels waiting to berth at East Intercourse Island Ore Jetty use the following designated anchorages:

PIE 1: 20°37.7'S 116°42.7'E,

PIE 2: 20°37.0'S 116°42.0'E,

PIE 3: 20°36.1'S 116°42.2'E,

PIW 4: 20°38.5'S 116°40.1'E.

Hampton Harbour (20°40'S 116°41'E) situated between East Intercourse Island and the mainland. The area is a well sheltered anchorage for small coasting vessels, particularly during the cyclone season. A jetty extends from the East Intercourse Island causeway into the basin at the end of the dredged channel.

Restrictions

Parker Point Ore Jetty: Berth Nos 3 and 5. Daylight berthing only, this includes twilight as ships must be alongside before dark. Flood (incoming) tide used for sailing as this assists by pushing the ship off the wharf. Wind speed when berthing less than 15kts. 3 tugs used for berthing all vessels.

Safety Exclusion Zones surround all major commercial facilities in the port. Unauthorised navigation is prohibited within the following areas:

North West Shelf Karratha Gas Plant LPG and LNG wharves - within 700m.

Dampier Cargo Wharf and Bulk Liquids Berth - within 200m.

Withnell Bay Slug Catcher (20°35.0'S 116°46.8'E) - within 100m.

Other facilities - within 50m.

Under Keel Clearance: The following UKC are to be allowed for tankers to transit the Woodside Channel, which has a min depth of 12.2m.

Inward tankers UKC 2.0m; Outward tankers UKC 1.2m or 10% of draught (whichever is greater).

Berthing: To ensure 24 hour non-tidal restricted berthing, tankers should arrive with a draught of 10.0m or less. Due to the sustained wind patterns that often affect the port, the Pilot/Loading Master may request a tanker to adjust her arrival ballast draught or trim where necessary. Max berthing displacement is 90,000t.

Wind: Withnell Bay - When winds average 35kts loading is to be stopped and loading arms disconnected. Standby tug(s) will be available for an immediate departure if necessary.

A spoil ground lies approx 1.5nm WNW of Conzinc Island (20°32'S 116°47'E).

Tugs

Five tugs of from 50t to 68t bollard pull are available from Pilbara Iron Pty Ltd, also four tugs each with a 55t bollard pull are available from Woodside Marine Operations. Smaller tugs and work boats are available from Mermaid Marine Australia.

LNG: 4 tugs for berthing, minimum 3 tugs for unberthing.

Mooring

Dampier Port Authority have improved the safety of moorings in the port especially during cyclones. All mooring locations are now mapped and tracked.

DAMPIER CARGO WHARF:

Main deck, breast and mooring bollards; total 21, rated at 50t. Fendering consists of tubular rubbers which are designed to offer a satisfactory mooring face for vessels in winds of up to 40kts.

PILBARA PARKER POINT WHARVES: Mooring lines are taken ashore by line boats. Vessels using heavy wire ropes are required to have the ends terminating in a 9m rope spring finished with a standard eye for placing over bollards and ship hooks.

All mooring ropes and wires to have a 6m tail of light rope spliced into the eye to facilitate the transfer from the boat to the dolphin.

Vessels shall be ready in all respects to commence loading on completion of mooring. Holds to be clean and hatches open.

MISTAKEN ISLAND (DAMPIER SALT LTD.): Vessels should moor to and warp along the dolphins using ships winches on forward and aft lines and also central springs moored to Dolphin No 4.

WOODSIDE ENERGY, WITHNELL BAY, LPG/CONDENSATE JETTY: The berth consists of six breasting dolphins and six mooring dolphins. The mooring dolphins are each provided with a quick release triple hook for breast lines. The breasting dolphins are each provided with a quick release double hook for spring lines. The breasting dolphins are fitted with double Yokohama fenders with vertical panels.

Each hook has a safe working load of 125t and is equipped with a load sensor attached to the mooring load monitoring system. The Pilot/Loading Master has access to this system via the Woodside Radio Room.

Mooring of tankers is facilitated by the use of mooring capstans on each dolphin and a messenger line system.

MERMAID MARITIME AUSTRALIA BASE: There is a swing basin in the area bounded by a line from the NE corner of the channel to the NW end of the MMSB wharf and a line from the SE corner of the channel to a point perpendicular with the SE corner of the MMSB wharf.

Charts and publications

AUS 57, 59, 60. Admiralty Pilot NP13, NP286(4).

ETA and pre-arrival notices

Pilotage and berthing information for inbound Iron Ore vessels should be obtained from Hamersley Base on VHF Ch 11, all other vessels should contact local agent for this information.

DAMPIER CARGO WHARF: If Dampier is the first Port of entry into Australia, vessels should radio through the normal recognised coast stations, addressing their messages to both their agents and the Dampier Port Authority by email or fax.

In the case of vessels arriving from overseas, ETA should be sent 7 days prior to arrival, with their draught and details of cargo to be worked. In the case of all vessels, ETA should be sent 72 hours prior to arrival at the pilot boarding ground including in the message, if not previously given, the forward and aft arrival draught and details of cargo to be worked; 48 hours prior to intended arrival, with confirmation or any variation of ETA; 24 hours prior to arrival confirmation or any variation of ETA should be sent.

Coastal vessels may not be able to advise their ETA's in accordance with these rules. Where possible the Master should advise his ETA as soon as practical. Coastal vessels should advise whether the Master holds a current Pilotage Exemption Certificate and if so, the date of last time that he visited the port.

Communications

VHF: Dampier Port Communications maintains a continuous watch on Ch 16. All vessels approaching the port or at anchor must also maintain a continuous watch for this frequency. Continuous watch is also maintained on Ch 11, the working channel for general port traffic information.

Failure to maintain a continuous VHF watch may result in vessels berthing out of turn. Callsign "Dampier VTS" effective on 15th July 2015.

The Dampier VTS can be contacted by:

Landline phone – (08) 91596556

Mobile phone (emergencies only) – 0428 888 800

Email: [email protected]

Notice of readiness

The agent should arrange the NOR for each individual facility.

Documents

Cargo documentation: Dampier Cargo Wharf: Prior to departure from the loading port, Masters should forward by first class Air Mail, or email, a copy of the vessel's inward manifest to the Port Authority.

Health

Masters of all vessels arriving from overseas must apply for pratique. Send radio pratique message to agency not more than 24 hours or less than 12 hours prior to arrival.

The following information is required, indicating "nil" where necessary, questions should be answered in order. If answers are not correct or not in the correct order, it could cause unnecessary delay to vessels berthing.

Note: Masters or medical officers who wilfully make a false statement in answer to any question, are liable to a fine not exceeding Aus$5,000 or imprisonment for a period not exceeding two years.

The granting of pratique to a vessel does not release it from being subject to quarantine. Goods require separate clearance.

On receipt of quarantine messages the Harbour Master will advise anchorage position if the vessel is not berthing on arrival.

Inspections may be carried out at the jetty or at anchorage at the discretion of the Quarantine Officer.

Until clearance is received, no persons other than the Pilot, Port Health Officials and Customs and Excise Officers will be allowed to embark or disembark. Until cleared, vessels must show the appropriate day or night quarantine signals.

Whilst alongside in Dampier rat guards must be placed on all mooring lines.

Customs and immigration

A district manager of Customs and staff are resident in Dampier, the regulations of the Ministry of Justice and Customs apply.

Flags

As per International Convention. No additional requirements.

Notices and regulations

Anchoring information and instructions for arriving vessels should be obtained from Dampier Port Communications.

Conduct within the port is governed by the Port of Dampier Regulations, which are made pursuant to the Dampier Port Authority Act 1999 and Port Authority Regulations 2001. A copy of the regulations will be placed onboard every vessel on its first visit to the port by the agent.

Port State Control here: Tokyo MOU, Indian Ocean MOU.

Running now: the Paris and Tokyo MOU concentrated inspection campaign on cargo securing, 1 September to 30 November 2026. Its questions are published: the questionnaire.

ISPS

ISPS Designated Authority: Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government.

Contact person: The Secretary.

Address: GPO Box 594, Canberra ACT 2601 Australia.

Tel: +61 2 6274 7114.

Fax: +61 2 6274 7994.

Mob: +61 0417 273 185.

24 hour contact: Office of Transport Security Operations Centre.

Tel: +61 2 6274 8187.

Fax: +61 2 6274 6089.

Email: [email protected]

ISPS Compliance: ISPS compliance is 100% for Australian ports, Australian port facilities and Australian flagged ships.

For further ISPS information see IMO website http://www.imo.org

Repairs

A wide range of light engineering, mechanical, electrical, air-conditioning, plumbing and refrigeration workshops are located close to port facilities. Instrument and electronic technicians are available in the area for repairs or servicing.

Mermaid Supply Base now owned by Toll Energy & Marine Logistics provides services to the various operators working in the North West Shelf area. General ship repairs are available.

Bunkers, water and stores

BP's bunkering barge, "Partner", was introduced to the Port in January 2011, enabling vessels at anchorage or alongside wharves in port waters, to refuel at their convenience.

Dampier Cargo Terminal: Fresh water and bunkering is available at all 7 berths.

Bunkering available for tankers calling at Dampier Bulk Liquids Berth via bunkering anchorages areas BA1, BA2 or BA3.

Fresh water: Available.

Bunkering: Available.

Stores: Supplies are readily available but requirements should be advised in advance to agent.

Medical

Pilbara Medical Centre, 20km. Nickol Bay, Millstream Road, 20km. Roebourne District Hospital, 50km.

Crew change

Masters are advised that the berth is situated on a privately owned mining lease. In the interests of safety no unauthorised shore leave is permitted. Access to the mainland can be arranged through the vessel's agent

Transport

Nearest airport: Karratha Airport (15km) daily flights to Perth are available.

Working hours

Mon-Fri, from 0800-1600hrs.

Where it is

Dampier is situated on the NW coast of Australia, close to Karratha.

The port

Dampier is a major iron ore and LNG exporting port. It is also the main operational base for contractors working on the North West Shelf natural gas project and the Pluto LNG project. The principal exports are iron ore, salt, LNG, LPG condensate and ammonia. The Withnell Bay Offshore Terminal and the new Burrup Terminal (both operated by Woodside Energy) are covered in this entry. Rio Tinto owns the Pilbara Iron operations and those of Dampier Salt, the world's largest exporter of salt.

From July, 2014, Dampier and Port Hedland combined their Port Authorities to form Pilbara Ports Authority.

Traffic

Approx 173,000,000t of cargo (including 147,000,000t of iron ore) and 3,700 vessels are handled annually.

Where does the pilot board at Dampier?

The pilot boards at Dampier Boarding Position E, 20°38.5′S 116°39.0′E. Dampier has 5 pilot boarding places.

What time zone is Dampier in?

Local time at Dampier is UTC+8. No summer time.

What is the maximum draft at Dampier?

The deepest berth listed is at East Intercourse Island Iron Ore Terminal: 19.50 m maximum draught. The "Max draft per terminal" table gives each terminal's figure.

What is the water density at Dampier?

1025.

Which load line zone is Dampier in?

South Indian Ocean Seasonal Tropical Area, Tropical May 1 to Nov 30, Summer Dec 1 to Apr 30.

Who carries out Port State Control at Dampier?

Port State Control at Dampier: Tokyo MOU, Indian Ocean MOU.

What is the UN/LOCODE of Dampier?

The UN/LOCODE of Dampier is AUDAM.

What crews who called at Dampier say: pilot boarding, the agent's papers, inspections, shore leave. Each tip is shown with the writer's rank and ship type, and an AI summary sits on top once there are three or more.

Read and add tips for Dampier →