Greetings from SILA Global!

As we head into the last month of 2023, it’s super important to keep up with what’s happening in the global shipping and logistics scene. At SILA, we’re all about keeping you in the loop and offering expert solutions to help you navigate the ups and downs in the shipping and logistics world.

General Shipping Update

Maersk has announced ad-hoc sailings for the V/V MARKUR HORIZON 350S route, departing from Qingdao on Dec 13, Ningbo on Dec 16, and Hong Kong on Dec 20, directly to Fremantle on Jan 3, Melbourne on Jan 10, and Brisbane Patricks terminal on Jan 15. Similarly, COSCO has ad-hoc sailings for the PSL service V/V XINLAN ZHOU 191S, departing from Shanghai on Dec 20, Ningbo on Dec 22, and Shekou on Dec 24, directly to Sydney on Jan 7 and Brisbane Patricks terminal on Jan 10. ANL has tentative sailings for the V/V LOUISE 445S, departing from Shanghai on Jan 4, Ningbo on Jan 5, Shekou on Jan 8, and Kaohsiung on Jan 11, directly to Sydney on Jan 20, Melbourne on Jan 23, and Brisbane Patricks on Jan 28, with a phase-in V/V DERBY D in CNS instead to New Zealand.

It is important to note that container carrier costs are currently 25% to 30% higher than in 2019. The failure to manage vessel supply overcapacity may lead to significant losses in the coming year. Recent data suggests that 2024 could be more challenging for ocean carriers than anticipated. Chinese ports experienced a year-over-year 4.9% increase in container volume for the January-October period, reaching a total of 257 million TEUs. Shanghai saw a modest year-over-year growth of 2.8%, handling 40.2 million TEUs, while Ningbo & Zhousan port increased box volumes by 4.5%, handling 30.2 million TEUs. Beibu Gulf exhibited the highest percentage growth with a remarkable 16.5% year-over-year increase, reaching 6.51 million TEUs.

In response to demand downturns in traditional markets, container lines are redirecting more tonnage to Indian trades. ONE is expected to offer co-loading space for other carriers, with HMM identified as a potential slot buyer. Notably, the Asia Subcontinent Express 2 (AS2) by CMA CGM, launching in early December, will provide a direct service between India and China, reflecting the shifting cargo flow patterns as Asian supply chains diversify. The AS2’s weekly rotation includes Shanghai, Ningbo, Shekou, Singapore, Colombo, Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Singapore, and Shanghai.

ANL Announces: TRANZTAS (TTZ) To See New Vessel & Three New Calls

ANL has exciting news for TRANZTAS (TTZ) service users. They’ve introduced an additional vessel and increased calls to Port Chalmers, Nelson, and Napier.

The upgraded service, incorporating the extra New Zealand ports, kicks off with CMA CGM Semarang 2329/2330 in December on the Eastbound leg.

TRANZTAS new rotation: SYD – MEL – AKL – POE – LYT – NSN – NPE – TRG – SYD

The “Palawan” will make ad hoc calls into Fremantle and Adelaide before reaching Sydney and Melbourne as part of the TRANZTAS service.

This revamped service promises New Zealand exporters faster transit times from Tauranga to Australia, plus a direct route from Nelson and Port Chalmers to Australia. Additionally, it opens up connections on other ANL services to Asia, the US, and Europe.

Check out the updated TRANZTAS route map below for more details.

Ongoing Industrial Action at DPW

Unfortunately, there is little change in that DP World today have announced another update suggesting the members of the Construction, Forestry, Maritime, Mining and Energy Union (CFMMEU, MUA Division) have, despite continued efforts to reach an understanding, outlined a further series of work bans and stoppages up to and including Monday 18 December.

The ongoing labor disputes and the recent ‘cyber incident’ at DP World Australia ports are still causing major headaches in the shipping and logistics sector. This has set off a chain reaction of challenges, resulting in considerable delays and higher operational costs. Backlogs, work bans, stoppages, and the need to work through weekends to avoid hefty container storage charges have all contributed to the disruptions currently being faced.

Full Media Statement HERE

Full List of Upcoming Protected Industrial Actions HERE

Should you require specific information or assistance, feel free to reach out. We’re here to ensure that your shipments continue to move smoothly.

OptiBook to launch at Patrick Terminals

Industry has welcomed Patrick Terminal’s decision to implement OptiBook which came into effect firstly in Melbourne on Sunday, 3rd Dec 2023 and has changed the way Availability and Storage will be applied:

• ‘Availability’ and ‘Storage Start’ dates will now be set at the container level, not against the vessel,
• once the container has been made available by the terminal, the carrier will have 72 hoursfrom the ‘Available‘ date and time to collect the container prior to the commencement of ‘Storage Start’ date and time.

To ensure we can secure a slot for your containers’ as soon as discharged and made available, we need to ensure all documentation has been received well in advance so we can provide transport with the Electronic Import Delivery Order (EIDO) and a customs cleared status.

Resources:

2 NOVEMBER 2023 :    Patrick / OneStop Media Release & FAQs
24 NOVEMBER 2023 :  Patrick Optibook Implementation – Terminal Communication #1

FTA / APSA Submission to the Inquiry into Price Gouging and Unfair Pricing Practices

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have made a formal submission to the Inquiry into price gouging and unfair pricing practices being chaired by Professor Allan Fels on behalf of Australian Council of Trade Unions.

The FTA / APSA submission provided detail on the below unfair pricing practices costing the Australian trade sector $1billion per annum; costs that are cascading through supply chains fuelling inflationary pressures across the Australian economy.

• Shipping Competition (Repeal of Part Competition and Consumer Act, exclusive dealings via vertical integration, quayside cost recovery)
• Terminal Access Charges (stevedores, Empty Container Parks)
• Container detention (imports, exports)

FTA / APSA and the Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) gained coverage in the prestigious US media, the Journal of Commerce with an article titled “Rising marine terminal charges stir ire of Australian shipper groups” – full article HERE

VICT: 30 Day Final Industry Notice for Vehicle Booking System Tariff Adjustments

Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) is undertaking adjustments to their tariff structure in accordance with the guidelines outlined by the Victorian Department of Transport Voluntary Pricing for Stevedore Landside Charges. The revised tariffs are scheduled to take effect from January 1, 2024, and will impact the following categories:

• Vehicle Booking System Charges
  • Import Storage Charges
  • Late Receival

You can read their full notice HERE

Holiday Season Container Free Time

As we approach the festive season, we would like to remind our clients & partners to request additional free time on all import shipments during the Christmas and New Year period.

To ensure smooth operations and to accommodate the potential disruptions caused by the holiday season, we strongly recommend that you request a minimum of 14 days of free time on containers. Ideally, we encourage seeking 21 days’ free time to allow for any unforeseen delays or increased demand during this festive period.

Should you have any questions or require further assistance in planning your shipments over the Christmas and New Year period, please do not hesitate to reach out to our dedicated team.

Sila Global Christmas & New Year Trading Hours

Christmas Trading Hours:

• Friday, 22nd December 2023:Normal trading
• Monday, 25th December 2023:CLOSED for Christmas Day
• Tuesday, 26th December 2023:CLOSED for Boxing Day public holiday
• Wednesday, 27th December 2023:Open – Normal trading
• Thursday, 28th December 2023:Open – Normal trading
• Friday, 29th December 2023:Open – Normal Trading

New Year Trading Hours:

• Monday, 1st January 2024:CLOSED for New Year’s Day public holiday

Tuesday, 2nd January 2024: Resume normal trading

We are wishing all of our valued clients & partners a safe and happy holiday! 

At SILA, we’re all about keeping you in the loop and offering top-notch solutions. We’re in this together, tackling challenges and grabbing opportunities.

As the year winds down, we just want to say a big thanks for trusting us at SILA. You’re a crucial part of our journey, and we appreciate it!

Feel free to get in touch with our dedicated team for help and solutions tailored to your needs.

SILA Global Commercial Team
CCO – jason@sila.net.au
BDM – johann@sila.net.au | BDM – monowar@sila.net.au
T: (+61) 02 9556 4866 | E: sales@silanet.au