Ship crashes into WA bridge during storm (AAP)

Some train services in Perth could be out for days after a cargo ship broke its moorings and struck the Fremantle Rail Bridge during a storm.

Two vessels were unloading cargo on Sunday night when sudden strong wind gusts reaching 110km/h caused the stern ropes to break about 10.15pm, the Fremantle Port Authority said.

A spokeswoman said the cargo ship swung out of its berth and nudged bunkering barge Parmelia 1 on its rubber fender, but did not cause any damage, before striking the Fremantle Rail Bridge.

A Public Transport Authority spokesman said one of the masts that support the train line's overhead electrical power system was smashed and some of the supporting infrastructure was extensively damaged.

Trains between Fremantle and North Fremantle have been disrupted, he said.

But trains are still running in both directions between Perth and North Fremantle - the last station on the line before Fremantle - and replacement buses are operating between North Fremantle and Fremantle Station.

The disruption is likely to continue for at least a week while the damage is repaired and investigators can determine whether there is any structural damage to the bridge.

The Fremantle Port Authority is conducting an investigation into the incident.

In May 2011, Fremantle train services were disrupted for two days after the rail bridge was hit by a refuelling barge.

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