Sydney Port Update

Industrial Action at the Stevedores

Reports were received yesterday that the Maritime Union (MUA) have suspended industrial action at Patrick’s terminal in Sydney until later in October. The issues have not been resolved but both Patrick’s and the MUA are now working to clear the backlog of vessels and containers into the port.

DP World also issued a statement that they have reach an agreement with the MUA for Sydney port.

Hopefully the result of these announcements will ease some of the port congestion in not only Sydney but Brisbane and Melbourne as well. The interesting part is that although agreements have been made in relation to Sydney, there has been no word of the continued industrial action in the other ports.

Hopefully we will continue to hear more good news to assist the logistics industry in easing some of the pressures on international supply chains.

Space and Rates into Australia

The space and equipment issues currently being faced by importers into Australia is getting substantially more difficult. There is very few shipping lines that are not fully booked or overbooked for their sailings in October to Australia.

There have been a number of shipping lines now refusing to take bookings in October and one has stated they will not accept bookings until further notice.

This is adding pressure on importers to secure space without knowing what the rate will be. We are working with our partners to provide the best options for moving your goods at a rate that will allow them to be moved. Rates are continuing to move upwards and we are receiving notification of further increase from the 15^th October.

Unfortunately we don’t see this situation easing until early 2021 and continue to request that our clients let us know well in advance of booking requirements.

Stay safe and should you have any queries please contact us directly.