Australia Day Public Holiday Notice

Dear Valued Clients,

We'd like to bring to your attention an upcoming public holiday in Australia.

A national public holiday is scheduled for Monday, January 27th, and our Australian offices will be closed on this day.

Your understanding and cooperation during this period are greatly appreciated. Should you have any specific concerns or require assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our team in advance.

Contact Information:

Thank you for your continued partnership.

Best regards,

SILA Global Pty Ltd

by SilaAdmin

Sea Cargo Terminal Festive Season Operating Hours

To our Valued Customers,

Below is a summary of Sea Cargo Terminal Operating Hours during the 24/25 Festive Season period. Further updates will be communicated if required.

Patrick Terminals Christmas and New Year Working Arrangements 2024/25 are available on the Patrick e-Link portal and as follows:

 

Hutchinson Ports Christmas and New Year work arrangements are available on Hutchinson Ports portal, and below for Brisbane and Sydney respectively.

BRISBANE:

SYDNEY:

VICT are yet to finalize trading hours and will advertise soon.

Whilst still subject to minor changes, VICT will be to close Christmas Eve Night, Christmas Day & New Years Eve.

Road will close at 1400 Christmas Eve & re-open at 0600 Boxing Day. Road will close again on New Years Eve at 1400 & re-open New Years Day at 0600.

Outside of these closures, it will be business as usual.

 

BRISBANE:

 

MELBOURNE:

Operating hours will be provided about a week in advance as they are determined by the vessels scheduled to call.

SYDNEY:

FREMANTLE: 

 

 

MIRRAT Christmas and New Year 2024/2025 R&D Arrangements is available here.

 

 

While SILA will do everything we can to assist customers in mitigating potential additional charges applicable throughout this period, we will not be liable for additional charges.

Please reach out to sales@sila.net.au should you have any questions. 

Best regards,

SILA Global Team

by SilaAdmin

MUA announces industrial action for Port of Brisbane

To our Valued Customers,

"THE MARITIME Union of Australia (MUA) has notified Qube Ports of upcoming protected industrial action that will commence at the Port of Brisbane this Friday (6 December).

The MUA informed the port operator that all members of the Construction, Forestry and Maritime Employees Union (CFMEU) whose employment is covered by the terms of the “Qube Ports Pty Ltd Port of Brisbane Enterprise Agreement 2020” will participate in the work restrictions and stoppages.

Commencing at 0001 on 6 December, the restrictions will be in place for seven days. In a letter to Qube, the MUA stated the industrial action is being taken for the purpose of supporting or advancing claims made in respect of a proposed enterprise agreement.

Just last week, the MUA revealed that it anticipates 10 Australian ports will be engaged in industrial action by Christmas time, the result of the stalled negotiations with the port operator.

Speaking to DCN at that time, a Qube spokesperson stated, “Far from trying to drag negotiations out, Qube has had a generous wage offer on the table as far back as July”.

“It would see stevedores, who are already paid 143% above the award, lock in pay rises of 5 per cent in each of the first two years of new agreements and 4 per cent for each of the two years after that, with backpay to 1 July 2024.

“The union unilaterally rejected that offer and negotiations have gone nowhere because the CFMEU refuses to negotiate on their long list of claims that would more than double Qube Ports’ operating costs.”

The last employment agreement between the two expired in June this year, with the MUA claiming the bargaining process to have been stalled since April.

A list of the restrictions that will be in place at the Port of Brisbane starting 6 December includes;

  • An 8-hour stoppage from when the vessel ties up at the berth.
  • Will only work 8-hour shifts.
  • Will only commence work at 0700, 1500, and 2300.
  • There will be no shift extensions.
  • A ban on performance of shift pre-starts.
  • Will not work during meal breaks or other breaks.
  • Once the start time is ordered they will not accept any variation to that start time.
  • Will not accept any call ins outside of allocated shifts.
  • Will engage in a ban on the performance of Grade 5, 6 and/or 7 upgrade work.
  • Will only drive up to 15km/h on the wharf for PCC/RoRo ops.
  • Will not transfer between berths and sites once allocated to work.
  • Will not use personal phones for work purposes whilst on shift.
  • Stoppage of work from 2300 to 0700, Commencing 2300 Saturday 7 December to 0700 Sunday 8 December.
  • 1-hour stoppage of work at 0530,1330 and 2130 daily, commencing 0530 Friday 6 December.
  • 1-hour stoppage of work at 0730,1530 and 2330 on Sunday 8 December.
  • 24-hour stoppage commencing 1500 Friday 6 December.".

Please reach out to sales@sila.net.au should you have any questions. 

Best regards,

SILA Global Team

by SilaAdmin

Office Closure: November 29th from 12pm

Dear Valued Clients, 

On November 29th, we're closing our offices from 12pm local time on Friday 29th November 2024 for system upgrades and maintenance.

The offices will be unattended during this time, so please make arrangements accordingly.

We will open as per normal on Monday 2nd December 2024.

If you have any questions, please contact your local SILA representative.

Thank you for your understanding, and we'll return with improved systems and a refreshed team!

SILA Operations - operations@sila.net.au
SILA Sales - sales@sila.net.au 

T: (+61) 07 3908 1690

Best regards,

SILA Global Pty Ltd

by SilaAdmin

Christmas and New Year Trading Hours Update

Dear Valued Clients,

As the festive season approaches, we would like to take a moment to thank you for your continued support throughout the year.

Please be advised of our 2024/2025 Christmas Holiday Season closure dates.

SILA Global Holiday Trading Hours

  • Mon, 23 Dec: Open
  • Tue, 24 Dec: Closing at 1:00pm (AEST)
  • Wed, 25 Dec & Thu, 26 Dec: Closed (Christmas & Boxing Day)
  • Fri, 27 Dec & Mon, 30 Dec: Open
  • Tue, 31 Dec: Closing at 1:00pm (AEST)
  • Wed, 1 Jan: Closed (New Year’s Day)

Normal hours resume from Thu, 2 Jan 2025.

From all of us at SILA Global, we wish you and your loved ones a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year filled with happiness and success. We look forward to working with you again in 2025!

by SilaAdmin

Disruptions Due to Protest-Related Vandalism in Melbourne

Dear Valued Customers & Partners,

We regret to inform you of recent incidents in Melbourne, where protesters have deliberately targeted trucks involved in container freight transport. These actions are considered a serious escalation in coordinated vandalism, posing significant risks to the safety and efficiency of freight operations.

At least five heavy vehicles were immobilised at key intersections across Melbourne after protesters cut air lines between prime movers and trailers. The protesters appeared to be specifically targeting equipment designed to disable braking systems, which suggests a high level of premeditation.

The protests have severely impacted container freight movements, with disruptions reported throughout the day. Given the likelihood that these protests will continue for the remainder of the week, the Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) is actively engaging with the Victorian Government and the Department of Transport to seek temporary approval for heavy vehicles (up to 85.5 tonnes GVM) to detour via the Bolte Bridge for access to and from Webb Dock.

We understand the potential impact these issues may have on our services and your operations. Our team is actively monitoring the situation and will keep you informed of any updates.

Your patience and understanding during this period are highly appreciated. If you have any immediate concerns or require further assistance, please feel free to contact us.

by SilaAdmin

ADVISORY - PORT STRIKE NOTIFICATION INDIA

Dear Valued Customers & Partners,

We wish to inform you of the impending Nationwide Port Strike called by the All-India Port Workers’ Federation, representing six major unions. This strike is scheduled to commence on 28th August 2024, across India.

The latest update indicates that the Revised Offer/Proposal regarding the Wage Structure/Pay Scale for Workers, put forward by the Indian Ports Association (IPA), has been rejected by the Workers’ Federation. As a result, the strike is set to proceed.

A crucial conciliatory meeting between the IPA and representatives of the Workers’ Federation is scheduled for 27th August in New Delhi. The outcome of this meeting will determine the future course of the strike.

Port-Wise Updates for Your Reference:

West Coast India – Likely Impact on Port Operations:

  • KANDLA:Strike notice served. Dry-bulk vessels at General Cargo Berths will be the first affected.
  • MUMBAI:Strike notice served. Work at general cargo berths will be the first affected.
  • JNPT:Strike notice served. Minimal impact expected as private operators are involved.
  • NEW MANGALORE:No strike notice served yet; minimal impact anticipated.
  • MORMUGAO (GOA):Strike notice served. Likely to be impacted.
  • KOCHI:Strike notice served. Likely to be impacted.

East Coast India – Likely Impact on Port Operations:

  • VOC PORT, TUTICORIN:Strike notice served. Awaiting port authorities' response.
  • CHENNAI:Strike notice served. Potential impact on dry-bulk movement.
  • ENNORE:Unlikely to be affected as most berths are privately operated.
  • KATTUPALLI:Not affected by the strike; privately operated.
  • VIZAG:Strike notice served. Potential disruption to cargo discharges/loading operations if the strike continues.

We understand the potential impact these issues may have on our services and your operations. Our team is actively monitoring the situation and will keep you informed of any updates.

Your patience and understanding during this period are highly appreciated. If you have any immediate concerns or require further assistance, please feel free to contact us.

SILA Imports - operations@sila.net.au
SILA Sales – sales@sila.net.au
T: (+61) 07 3908 1690

SILA Global Pty Ltd

by SilaAdmin

Impact of Ningbo Port Explosion

Dear Valued Customers & Partners,

We would like to inform you of a recent incident involving an explosion on a YML vessel at Ningbo Port. The vessel, YM MOBILITY / 079W, was carrying containers from five shipping lines: HMM, ONE, HPL, OOCL, and COSCO. The vessel was en route to the destinations Jebel Ali, Hamad, and Umm Qas.

This explosion may lead to port congestion and delays at Ningbo Port. The situation is being closely monitored, and we are working to minimise any potential disruptions to our services.

Details of the Incident:

A powerful explosion occurred on Friday at Ningbo-Zhoushan Port, one of the world's busiest shipping hubs. The blast, which happened at approximately 1:40 p.m. local time on the 9th of August on the YM Mobility, originated from a container near the bow of the ship and involved hazardous materials. The explosion sent shockwaves felt up to a kilometer away, damaging nearby structures, though fortunately, there were no reported injuries.

State broadcaster CCTV has shown footage of the fireball and black smoke engulfing the ship’s containers, with debris scattered across the dock. The vessel was docked at the Beilun terminal, and the incident is expected to cause temporary disruptions as safety inspections and clean-up operations are conducted.

Given the critical role of Ningbo-Zhoushan in global trade, this incident underscores the risks associated with shipping hazardous materials. Ningbo Port processed nearly 6,000 commercial vessels in July 2024, highlighting its significance in international and domestic trade.

We understand the potential impact these issues may have on our services and your operations. Our team is actively monitoring the situation and will keep you informed of any updates.

Your patience and understanding during this period are highly appreciated. If you have any immediate concerns or require further assistance, please feel free to contact us.

Related Articles for further information: 

SILA Imports - operations@sila.net.au
SILA Sales – sales@sila.net.au
T: (+61) 07 3908 1690

SILA Global Pty Ltd

by SilaAdmin

BMSB 2024-2025 Seasonal Measures

Dear Valued Clients,

As we approach the 2024-2025 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) season, we would like to remind you of the important measures and updates that apply to goods shipped between 1 September and 30 April (inclusive). These measures are crucial to ensuring compliance with biosecurity regulations and preventing the introduction of BMSB into Australia.

Key BMSB Measures:

  1. Applicable Goods:
    • BMSB measures apply to any target high-risk, or target risk goods manufactured in or shipped from a target risk country during the BMSB season.
  2. Containerised Cargo:
    • 'Containerised' refers to sealed 6-sided containers. Please note that Open Tops (OT) do not fall under this category.
  3. Offshore Treatment:
    • It is preferred that shipments from BMSB target risk countries or goods undergo treatment offshore rather than onshore to prevent delays and additional expenses.
  4. Mandatory Offshore Treatment:
    • Break Bulk, RO/RO, Flat Racks, and OTs must be treated offshore. These consignments cannot be approved for onshore treatment during the BMSB season and will be ordered for re-export by DAFF at the Importer/Owner's expense.
  5. Pre-Border Biosecurity Treatment Providers:

Updated Measures and New Inclusions:

  • Additional Surveillance:
    China and the Republic of Korea have been added to the list for heightened vessel surveillance.
  • Goods Classification:
    • Target High Risk Goods:Mandatory treatment is required.
    • Target Risk Goods:Subject to random inspection.
    • Tariffs 94 & 95:Subject to random inspection for emerging risk countries only.
    • Emerging Risk Countries:The United Kingdom and China.

AusTreat Scheme Update:

  • The AusTreat Schemehas replaced the Offshore BMSB Treatment Provider (TP) Scheme.
  • From 1 September 2024, all high-risk goods from BMSB countries must be treated by an approved treatment provider registered under AusTreat.

For more detailed information, please visit AusTreat Information.

Stay informed about the BMSB season measures by visiting the BMSB information page.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Customs Broker, Nicoll Demo, at customs@sila.net.au.

Thank you for your attention to these important measures

by SilaAdmin

Important Updates from DAFF & ABF

Dear Valued Customers & Partners,

Please be informed of the following updates:

  1. Prices for Biosecurity and Imported Food Regulatory Activities:

    The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) has released the new fees and charges for biosecurity and imported food regulatory activities which will commence on 1 July 2024.

    In 2023, in conjunction with the implementation of new charges, the department committed to an annual review of regulatory charges and made changes to legislation to include indexation.

    In 2024, the department will embed the annual review and apply indexation to regulatory fees and charges. This approach to pricing aims to avoid large price increases in the future and provides opportunity for more frequent engagement with stakeholders on changes to fees and charges.

    Key indexed charges for biosecurity regulatory activities

    FID charge (air): Current price $43 New price $45
    FID charge (sea): Current price $63 New price $66
    In office fee during ordinary hours (per 15 mins) Current price $37 New price $39

    Click here for a full list of all fees and charges

    Please click Read More to view IIAN 139-2024 in its entirety.

  2. Import Prohibition on Certain Small Air Conditioning Equipment:

    With the effect from 1 July 2024, the importation of certain small air conditioning equipment will be prohibited.

    Small air conditioning equipment is defined in the OPSGGM Regulations as any of the following:

  • the outdoor unit of a single head split system air conditioning system
  • a portable air conditioning system
  • an air conditioning system that consists of a single unit designed to be mounted on a wall or window.

    The above equipment is prohibited where that equipment contains, or is designed to use, a hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant that has a global warming potential (GWP) of over 750, has a standard charge of up to 2.6 kg of refrigerant, and is designed primarily to cool or heat (or both) a stationary space for human comfort.

    Importers can apply for an equipment licence from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW), for the import of the above equipment in certain circumstances.

    Please click Read More to view ACN 2024/24 in its entirety.

SILA Imports / Export / Booking - operations@sila.net.au
SILA Sales - sales@sila.net.au 
T: (+61) 07 3908 1690

SILA Global Pty Ltd

by SilaAdmin