Uncategorized

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: 

• Major explosion on YM Mobility Ship at Ningbo Port - NNR Global Logistics
• China Explosion: A powerful explosion sets off a fireball on a container ship at a Chinese port (9news.com.au)
• An explosion occurs on a container ship docked at Ningbo port; no causalities reported - Global Times

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:
   • We encourage you to refer to the Pre-Border Biosecurity Treatment Providers list for the most up-to-date information on approved offshore treatment providers. Visit Pre-border Biosecurity Treatment Providers - DAFF.

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

Container Detention Policy and Current De-Hire Park Delays

Dear Valued Customers & Partners,

We would like to remind you that SILA Global and our transport partners require a minimum of 14 free days of detention for all shipments into Australia. This policy is essential to mitigate any additional costs for container detention, which are the responsibility of the importer.

Additionally, we have been informed that some de-hire parks are currently experiencing delays and heavy congestion in processing empty de-hires, which may result in delays in container returns.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding this matter, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated Sales team.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

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

Important Update: Transition to Our New System

Dear Valued Customers & Partners,

We are excited to announce that we will be transitioning to a new system on 1^st of July 2024 to enhance your experience with SILA Global. This upgrade is part of our commitment to provide you with the best service and ensure a more efficient and user-friendly interface.

Key Details About the Transition:

**Transition Date**
The new system will go live on the 1^st of July 2024. During this time, there might be brief periods of disruption.

**Enhanced Features**
The new system includes several enhanced features such as purchase order management, new quoting format, client portal, enhanced tracking interface and more. These improvements are designed to streamline your interactions with our services.

**Action Required**
We kindly ask for patience from our customers and vendors during this phase and your support is appreciated.

**Support**
Our support team is ready to assist you during this transition. If you encounter any issues or have questions, please do not hesitate to contact your sales representative directly or sales@sila.net.au for more information.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we make these important updates. Our goal is to provide you with a superior experience, and we are confident that the new system will meet your expectations.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. 

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

Reduced intervention rates on CBIS eligible raw nuts, dried mushrooms and truffles

by SilaAdmin

Conclusion of the 2023-24 BMSB Risk Season

Dear Valued Customers & Partners,

We wish to inform you about the conclusion of the 2023-24 Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) risk season, as notified by the International Forwarders & Customs Brokers Association of Australia (IFCBAA).

Goods shipped on board or vessels departing from BMSB identified target risk countries on or after 1 May 2024 will no longer be subject to the BMSB seasonal measures, including Seasonal Pest Inspection (SPI) on arrival.

Target high risk goods manufactured in or shipped from target risk countries that are shipped on board vessels between 1 September 2023 and 30 April 2024, remain subject to BMSB measures on arrival regardless of the arrival date.

Master consolidator declarations will be required to be lodged for containers subject to Seasonal Pest holds that have been shipped on board between 1 September 2023 and 30 April 2024.

If your consignment has been shipped on board a vessel on or after 1 May 2024, a NIL RISK declaration is to be made.

AEPCOMM can continue to be utilised to facilitate the clearance of goods subject to the BMSB seasonal measures.

For goods shipped after 1 May 2024 (outside of the BMSB seasonal measures), AEPCOMM can be utilised to assess standard biosecurity measures. Accredited persons must refer to the Approved Commodities webpage and relevant BICON cases when undertaking assessments.

Should you have any queries or require further assistance regarding the conclusion of the BMSB risk season or any other matter related to your shipments, please do not hesitate to contact our dedicated team, who will be more than happy to assist you.

Thank you for your continued trust and partnership.

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

QLD Public Holiday - Monday, 6th May 2024

Dear Valued Customers & Partners,

We wanted to inform you that Monday, May 6th, is a public holiday in Queensland. As a result, our head office will be operating with skeleton staff on that day.

While we will have limited personnel available, please rest assured that we will do our utmost to ensure minimal disruption to our services during this time. However, we kindly ask for your understanding if there are any delays in response times.

Should you have any urgent matters requiring immediate attention on May 6th, please don't hesitate to reach out to us in advance, and we will do our best to accommodate your needs.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

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