Oceania
updated as of 18 May, 2023
On the ocean
Oceania import, export and coastal service remain in place, with the number of sailings offered reflective of the current market environment.
As we are currently in BMSB season, there is an additional risk for vessels found to be contaminated as they may incur additional delays on top of the existing challenges.
In ports and terminals
Ports across Australia remain heavily congested due to a large amount of cargo arriving with seed contamination. With most terminals across the country filling with quarantined cargo, we are working with local partners as well as our own processing facilities to secure additional capacity for import cargo.
Melbourne: Terminal congestion continues to be a challenge, though the number of quarantine-held shipments is coming down. Alternative arrangements made now for Melbourne vessels to discharge at Appleton dock (as opposed to MIRRAT) to provide quicker discharge opportunities.
Port Kembla: Increased vessel calls is causing both terminal and berth congestion, as these vessels are bring in larger volumes. Quarantine holds are also having an impact. Current delays are around 10-14 days.
Brisbane: Currently experiencing regular delays in Brisbane, due to berth congestion. Recently several vessels with larger than usual volumes is also causing congestion issues. Quarantine related delays on vessel discharges occurring at times, this can result in delays of 14-21 days for affected vessels, but also impacts non-affected vessels berthing availability. Delays for non-affected vessels.
Fremantle: Delays of 2-6 days can be expected due to terminal and berth congestion as a result of an increased number of units being held in quarantine for seed contamination.
Auckland: Regular delays due to berth congestion, consistently seeing 3-5 days delayed depending on vessel bunching. Inclement weather including recent earthquakes and cyclones has also increased delays.
At our equipment processing centers
Operations: Business is expected to be as usual, with operational and build planning in place to ensure no customer delays. National industry wide labor shortages have been present for the industry as a whole, including several of our competitors, We continue to take innovative measures to combat this issue.
Global part shortages have meant delays / schedule adjustments for several customers, we continue to stay close and adjust our internal schedules accordingly.
We are continuing to work closely with our customer base, to forecast build and storage schedules and capacities for 2023 volumes. Our cargo mix is varied in terms of segment and seasonality, so planning and forecasting data from our customers is paramount.
We welcome the opportunity for additional workload across our Australian network, as all states relish the opportunity of growth. Investment where required to support our diverse and expansive national customer base continues to be considered where required.
Inland distribution
Delays with road and rail transport continues to be a challenge, as equipment, labor and logistics congestion have caused customers to look at less traditional methods to move their cargo around the country. 2023 haulers across multiple delivery modes (automotive, heavy haulage, linehaul etc.) are looking to invest in additional resources, equipment and also seek efficiency gains, to support the expected volumes.