Suez Canal – Red Sea:

The situation in the Red Sea /Suez Canal remains volatile with a number of vessels in the area being attacked over the past few weeks.

Some shipping lines are diverting vessels whilst others are taking the chance of working through this area with additional security.

Irrespective of the terminology there will be an increase in rates for all vessels that normally use the Red Sea / Suez Canal whether this be a security surcharge, additional rate increase due to longer transit time or other surcharges, all rates will increase from the northern hemisphere.

Each individual port and routing will have a different increase so please keep us updated on your forward orders and we can provide the most up to date rates.

Industrial Action – DP World:

The continued dispute between the MUA and DP World shows no sign of being resolved anytime soon.

We have received notification that protected industrial action at all DP World terminals will continue through January 2024.

The overall effect of this action has been to cause substantial delays for vessels wanting to berth in Australia as well as containers becoming available.

There is also increase waiting time at the terminals as despite having timeslots there is numerous occasions where transport wait for hours and are then turned away.

We are working with transport to minimise the effects of the dispute on our clients however the ongoing nature of the dispute is having an ever-increasing effect on all stakeholders in our industry both import and export.

Freight costs / vessel space:

The above industrial action is causing delays in vessel arrivals and vessel availability overseas. We are advised there has been some blank sailings and re-routing of vessels due to delays and congestion within Australian ports.

The effect of the above delays is that we are seeing shipping lines advise of rate increases from the middle of January. The increases are substantial, and we will continue to negotiate with the shipping lines to minimise the increases for our clients.

Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact our us.