OOCL Suspend Bookings to Australia

Due to the ongoing industrial action at Australian ports, particularly Sydney, OCCL has announced a stop to all Australian bookings with immediate effect until further notice.

Please see below extract of OOCL’s announcement.

Due to the continuing terminal congestion caused by industrial actions in Australia, the AAA network has been severely disrupted with vessels being held up waiting for berths. To avoid long idling of containers and to minimize the uncertainty of customers’ supply chain management, OOCL regretfully advises that we will temporarily stop accepting new bookings for two weeks with immediate effect from Asia, Middle East, Indian sub-continent, Europe, North America, Latin America and Africa to Australian ports covered by the AAA1/AAA2/ASA/AWX services.

OOCL is currently reviewing all alternatives to reopen booking acceptance earlier on the AAA network, if possible, and we will advise our customers with the latest update. For reefer bookings, we ask you to contact your local sales or customer service representative to discuss the available options.

MSC extend Congestion Surcharge to Melbourne and Brisbane

Delays of up to 3 weeks in Sydney, and up to 10 days in Melbourne and Brisbane, are causing havoc for shipping lines trying to maintain their schedules around South East Asia, Australia and NZ.

Unfortunately for Melbourne and Brisbane importers, the congestion at Sydney port, initially caused by bad weather and then amplified by industrial action at the ports, has negatively impacted both arrivals at Melbourne and Brisbane and the shipping lines are now beginning to discuss surcharges on the entire East Coast. MSC are the first to announce a fee of USD$300 per TEU (USD$14.00 per m3 for LCL cargo) on sailings from mid-October and other lines are expected follow in the coming weeks

Update on Industrial Action from the MUA

Whilst some positive news has been received yesterday and today from the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA) regarding a likely end to industrial action at DP World and Patrick terminals, the effect of the disputes over the last few weeks could be felt until at least the end of the year.

Estimates are at up to 3 weeks to catch up on backlogs at the Sydney ports, and as we move into the peak months leading into Christmas, it looks likely we won’t see any improvement until the New Year