Port of Port Hedland – Zone 5 Bypass Channel Project

Overview

Pilbara Ports Authority are proposing for capital dredging of a bypass navigation channel to the east of Zone 5 of the existing shipping channel within the Port of Port Hedland. The proposal is a strategic marine risk-mitigation project intended to maintain vessel transit at an acceptable reduced capacity, should a grounding incident occur in Zone 5 of the cannel.

Key construction elements of the Proposal include dredging of up to 800,000 m3 of seabed material within a total disturbance of 162 ha (63 ha being within WA State waters) and disposal of dredge material to an approved spoil ground located within Commonwealth (port) waters.

Why your views matter

At this initial stage of the EIA process, comment is simply sought on whether or not the EPA should assess a proposal and, if so, what level of assessment is considered appropriate.

Closes 30 Apr 2026

Opened 23 Apr 2026

Areas

  • All of Western Australia

Audiences

  • Public

Interests

  • Seven-day comment on referrals