Market Update - September

Greetings from SILA Global!

As we step into the month of September, we are bracing for the peak season ahead!

At present, rates remain 'stable' but carriers continue to push for a hefty GRI and we can expect carriers to continue to use blank sailings as a tactic to push prices up by limiting space to increase supply.

Now is the time to start planning your shipments, allowing ample time for adjustments and potential delays, exploring multiple transportation options, and leveraging technology solutions that provide real-time tracking and visibility into your cargo's journey. Reach out to your SILA Sales Representative and have a chat about your options and our innovative solutions, like SV3, to ensure you are prepared!

China Shipping Update: ZIM and MSC Collaboration

  1. The anticipated merging of ZIM's China Australia Express (CAX) service and MSC's Panada services is undergoing a slight delay due to vessel registration processes with the Australian (AU) port authority. As of the latest information, the commencement is expected to take place in early to mid-October. Read more here.
  2. Both ZIM and MSC will be deploying a combined total of seven vessels for this collaboration. The itinerary for this newly enhanced Panada service will closely resemble the existing one.
  3. ZIM is set to suspend its current Thailand Fremantle Express (TFX) service. South China cargo will be redirected to Panada, while South East Asia (SEA) cargo will be routed to Singapore and connected to the Kiwi service or Capricorn service of MSC.
  4. By approximately week 37/38, an upgrade in vessel size to around 5000 TEUs is planned for the MSC's Panada service.
  5. ZIM, Hapag Lloyd, and TS Lines will utilize New Zealand Express (NZE) service to effectively serve New Zealand (NZ).

Space Supply and Scheduling

  • ZIM's China Australia Express (CAX) service will experience a blank sailing in week 37 (10/9 to 16/9).
  • The space supply for this month will vary due to rescheduling caused by recent typhoons.
  • September's space supply will be ample, except for week 38 (17/9 to 23/9) due to missing North East Asia (A3N) service in Qingdao, North East Asia Express (NEAX) service in Ningbo & Shenzhen, and ZIM's China Australia Express (CAX) service in Shenzhen. This may lead to a reduced supply in that specific week and potentially increase the likelihood of another full General Rate Increase (GRI) in the 2nd half of September (2H09).

GRI and Rate Updates

  • In the first half of September (1H09), all carriers initiated a General Rate Increase (GRI) of approximately USD 150/TEU.
  • For the second half of September (2H09), A3 carriers and PIL have already announced another GRI of USD 150/TEU, effective from 15th September.
  • Carriers are actively pursuing rate increases in preparation for potential rate reductions in the first half of October (1H10), coinciding with China's Golden Week holiday
  • Starting on September 15th, ANL is set to initiate a Rate Restoration program. This program will involve charges of USD 100 for 20’ dry/reefer containers and USD 200 for 40’ dry/reefer containers, applicable to all shipments originating from South East Asia, India Sub Continent, and the Middle East heading to the main ports of Australia. Read more here.

Seasonal measures for Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB)

We bring to your attention the significant BMSB (Brown Marmorated Stink Bug) seasonal measures applicable to specific goods originating in or shipped from countries designated as target risk countries. These measures encompass shipments dispatched between 1 September and 30 April (inclusive) and also encompass vessels that dock, load or tranship from these countries within the same period.

Key Points to Note:

  1. Scope of Application: The BMSB seasonal measures are to be applied to a defined set of goods that are either manufactured in or dispatched from target risk countries.
  2. Timeframe: The measures pertain to goods shipped during the period from 1 September to 30 April.
  3. Vessel Inclusion: Vessels that berth, load, or undertake transshipment activities from target risk countries within the specified period are also subject to these measures.

Important Clarification:

  • The date recorded as "shipped-on-board," as indicated on the Ocean Bill of Lading, is the determining factor in ascertaining when goods have been shipped. Please note that "gate in" dates and times will not be considered valid for establishing the shipping date.These measures are implemented to address the potential risks associated with the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug and to ensure the protection of our environment and agricultural industry.

    Read more information on BMSB Season here

Please reach out to our dedicated representatives for guidance and solutions that cater to your specific requirements and thank you for entrusting us with your shipping 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


Insight - August 2023

VICT Container VGM Check Weighing – Weight Discrepancy Fee

Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA) released an update on the VICT Weight Discrepancy Fee that has been in place since 1st June 2023.

Since 1 June 2023, Victoria International Container Terminal (VICT) at Webb Dock, Melbourne has been applying a VGM Weight Discrepancy Fee for full import and export containers determined to have a +/- one tonne variance from the container’s Verified Gross Mass (VGM) declared to and documented by the shipping line.

VICT has calibrated the load cells attached to the “spreaders” on its Automated Stacking Cranes (ASCs) to meet Australia’s weight measurement standards.  Effectively therefore, VICT weighs every container passing through the container terminal.

In consultation with VICT, CTAA has explored the ramifications of the check weighing processes now in place at VICT and the application of the VGM Weight Discrepancy Fee.

In the short time that the VGM Weight Discrepancy Fee process has been in place at VICT:

  • 7% of full import containers have recorded a variance of +/- one tonne from the declared VGM;
  • 3% of full export containers have recorded a variance of +/- one tonne from the declared VGM

Some containers have been found to have larger variances than one tonne.  For example, 7% of the containers found to have a variance have recorded a variance greater than five tonnes from the declared VGM.

In an Update on the issues, we have suggested what steps forwarders, importers and exporters should take to ensure more accurate declarations of Verified Gross Mass (VGM) are made at the port of origin (for imports), and at Australian ports for exports, to avoid Weight Discrepancy Fee “penalties” at VICT or at other container terminals in Australia.

Continue reading... 


The Impact of AI on the Logistics Industry

Artificial Intelligence is a next-level technology that understands, learns, and replicates human activity and produces efficiency more than a human.

An MHI study projected that the pace of AI growth is predicted to rise from 14% to 73% over the next 5 years. Recently AI has been gaining traction in the logistics industry. Thanks to AI abilities, there are no domains that can escape from it.

Digitalization is now essential for any domain with changing customer demands. In that, logistics is not an exception, it is indeed for them to smooth the operations. Along with digitalization, integrating machine learning and AI could bring automated operations and error-free supply management.


Here are a few impacts that AI has on the logistics industry:-

  • Predictive Analysis
  • Computer Vision
  • Speeding the Delivery
  • Big Data
  • Influence on Costs
  • Improved Client Experience
  • Enhanced Safety

AI has a lot of use cases in the logistics industry. The tech is having a holistic approach to doing everything in logistics from production to fast shipment and safe delivery. With these significant impacts, there is no doubt that AI influence in logistics will drive revolutionary growth in the upcoming decades with cutting-edge advancements. Thereby driving efficiency and profitability.

Read the full article here

Reach out to your SILA Sales representative today or sales@sila.net.au to learn how SILA's visual platforms (SV3) can improve your supply chain


ABF Commissioner Michael Outram APM Speech to the Trans-Tasman Business Circle

Investing in the border as a strategic asset

What do I mean when I call the border a strategic asset?

Well, in good times, you can call these times the good times now, the border is of course an economic asset that should be used to leverage economic growth and productivity through trade and travel primarily. It can generate more money of course, through increased productivity and migration.

In times of crisis, the border is an asset that can protect our economic and national security. And border settings should be able to be adjusted by Government, in cooperation with industry, in a really fast and agile and nimble way to guard against risks, harness opportunities and enhance our overall resilience. And that did not happen in the pandemic, we weren't able to do it because we're still on a paper based systems.

The border has to be an efficient mechanism to ensure our economic security, protect our supply chains, of course, and protect our community during a crisis. And we all know from the pandemic, the thing about crises is we don't know when they're coming. But we know we have to prepare for more.

So I want to create a broader policy discussion around the border, and the way we look at it, more border as a system – not just a series of lines on a map or entry or exit points or new ports or new airports, cargo containers, passport checks. These shouldn't be thought of in a policy sense at all as separate or siloed – all the domains or functions that industry and governments sometimes think in terms of. The whole thing's interconnected and needs to be thought on in those terms, as being an interconnected system.

Read the Commissioners full speech here


AUSTRALIAN TRUSTED TRADER


Australian Trusted Trader reduces red tape for Trusted Traders at the border, improves certainty in export markets, and expedites the flow of their cargo in and out of Australia, which means faster access to market.

Administered by Home Affairs with the Australian Border Force, Trusted Trader is free and accredits Australian businesses with compliant trade practices and a secure supply chain. Once accredited, businesses have access to a growing range of benefits that simplify their customs processes.

SILA Global is an Australian Trusted Trader (ATT) and we encourage our clients to explore the benefits of being an ATT. If you would like to discuss this further or be guided through the process, our in-house customs broker, Nic Demo, is happy to help!

Nicoll Demo
nicoll@sila.net.au
(07) 3908 1622


AMAZON AUSTRALIA ANNOUNCES ROBOTICS FULFILMENT CENTRE FOR MELBOURNE 

New robotics centre to create around 2,000 jobs, working alongside cutting-edge technology

Around 2,000 additional jobs will be created during construction and fit out of the building

Amazon Australia announced plans to open its second Amazon Robotics fulfilment centre (FC) at the AustralianSuper owned Craigieburn Logistics Estate, in Craigieburn, northern Melbourne. Targeting completion in 2025, the new site will house up to 25 million of the smaller items that are sold on Amazon.com.au. Amazon Australia’s investment in the site continues the company’s commitment to Australia, boosting employment opportunities and improving selection and delivery promise for customers around the country.

It will create around 2,000 local jobs once fully operational, with the opportunity to work alongside advanced robotics. Excavation works have begun on the site which is being developed by LOGOS. It is expected the construction and fit out of the state-of-the-art facility will create an additional 2,000 jobs for the area. Once open, the site will offer a diverse range of job opportunities from part time to full time, in a high-tech, industry-leading workplace. Jobs will range from highly skilled roles like IT, HR and engineering, to entry level roles with on-the-job training. The majority of jobs will be permanent full-time roles, offering exciting career opportunities, competitive pay and benefits such as subsidised healthcare and up to 20 weeks paid parental leave.

The fulfilment centre will span around 209,000 square metres across four levels – that’s equivalent to 11 Melbourne Cricket Grounds, or five times the size of Federation Square, making it the largest warehouse ever built in Australia (beating Amazon’s Western Sydney robotics site by 9,000 sqm). The construction of this second robotics site follows the successful launch of Amazon Australia’s first robotics site in Western Sydney in 2022, which doubled the company’s operational footprint.

Read the full Amazon Notice here


ANTI-DUMPING NOTICE NO 2023/041

Certain Hollow Structural Sections exported to Australia  from countries subject to Anti-Dumping Measures

Findings of Exemption Inquiry No. 0093

Read more here.

 



2023-24 BMSB Seasonal Measures

Dear Valued Clients,

DAFF has created a BMSB Frequently Asked Questions webpage to help guide us through this coming BMSB season.

BMSB seasonal measures will apply to targeted goods manufactured in or shipped from target risk countries, that have been shipped between 1 September and 30 April (inclusive), and to vessels that berth, load, or tranship from target risk countries within the same period.

Note: The shipped-on-board date, as indicated on the Ocean Bill of Lading, is the date used to determine when goods have been shipped. “Gate in” dates and times will not be accepted to determine when goods are shipped.

We continuously review the measures throughout the season and may make necessary adjustments based on detections of BMSB and changes in the risk pathways.

Read more here...

Important things to note this season:-

  • 'Containerised' means sealed 6-sided – OT (Open Tops) do not fall under this category.
  • It is preferred that shipments from BMSB Target risk countries/goods are treated offshore, rather than onshore to prevent avoidable delays and additional expenses.
  • Break Bulk, Flat Racks & OTs must be treated OFF shore in all instances and cannot/will not be approved to be treated onshore during BMSB season. These consignments will be ordered for re-export by DAFF at the Importer/Owners' expense.
  • The offshore BMSB Treatment Provider web page has been updated for easier reference – we encourage our clients to please check this list for the most up-to-date details regarding approved offshore treatment providers.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to our in-house customs broker, Nicoll Demo (+61) 07 3908 1690.

Thank you - SILA Global Team

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


QLD Ekka Public Holiday

Dear Valued Clients,

Wednesday, 16th August 2023 is a Public Holiday in Queensland for the Royal Queensland Show (Ekka).

SILA Global's head office in Brisbane will be open with 'skeleton staff' on this day and we appreciate your patience during this time.

Important things to note: 

  • Most Port of Brisbane terminals will still be operating during this time and free time will be 'per usual'.
  • Patrick FI has advised the Terminal will not be opening for R&D operations and will close at 2130hrs Tuesday 15th August and re-open 0600hrs Thursday 17th August.
  • Empty parks will be closed so empty containers cannot be de-hired on this day and detention-free days will be 'per usual'.
  • Cargolink has advised they will be closed with no staff onsite.
  • Most transport carriers are closed however, if they are operating, they will be passing on a Public Holiday Surcharge if services are required on this day

If you have any questions or concerns, kindly contact your SILA Logistics Coordinator or imports@sila.net.au / exports@sila.net.au accordingly.

Thank you - SILA Global Team


Appointments to the International Trade Remedies Forum (ITRF)

Dear Valued Customs, 

Please see the below notice released by Dr. Bradley Armstrong PSM, Commissioner of the Anti-Dumping Commission, seeking expressions of interest from organisations and businesses to be appointed as a member to the International Trade Remedies Forum (ITRF).

I, Dr Bradley Armstrong PSM, Commissioner of the Anti-Dumping Commission, am seeking expressions of interest from organisations and businesses to be appointed as a member to the International Trade Remedies Forum (ITRF). The current membership of the ITRF will expire on 31 December 2023.

The ITRF is a group of representatives from Australian manufacturers and producers, importers, unions and government agencies. It provides key users of the anti-dumping system the opportunity to advise government on how to improve anti-dumping legislation (Part XVB of the Customs Act 1901 and the Customs Tariff (Anti-Dumping) Act 1975).  

The Minister for Industry and Science, The Hon. Ed Husic MP, appoints members for a period of up to 3 years based upon considerastion of my membership recommendations.

Further information on the ITRF, including meeting outcomes and current membership, is available at www.industry.gov.au/anti-dumping-commission/about-anti-dumpingcommission/international-trade-remedies-forum.

If you wish to be considered for appointment to the ITRF, please email ITRFSecretariat@adcommission.gov.au, providing an overview of your organisation, its membership or business structure and its interest in becoming an ITRF representative by  COB Friday 25 August.  Expressions of interest should not exceed 500 words.

Enquiries about this notice should be made to ITRFSecretariat@adcommission.gov.au.    

Dr Bradley Armstrong PSM
Commissioner
Anti-Dumping Commission  

24 July 2023 

Kind Regards,

SILA Global Pty Ltd


Market Update - August 2023

Dear Valued Clients,

It has been indicated that a planned General Rate Increase (GRI) will take effect in mid-August 2023. Shipping lines have been pushing for GRIs for a few months, which have been marginally successful at best. However, plans to reduce space by the lines to increase demand and increase rates seem to be working and we expect this tactic to continue as the year unfolds. Initial news of an August GRI hinted at a figure around 300/TEU, however, we expect this to sit at around 150/TEU.

  • Confirmed Blank Sailings are:
    • A3C blank on the 1stweek of August
    • CAT blank on the 4thweek of August
  • Potential blank sailing is NEAX on the 3rd week of August
  • Most sailings are expected to be full due to reduced supply

With the recent strong forecast in August, we are confident shipping lines will implement GRI whenever they can. Assuming carriers are using the blank sailing policy to push up the rate for the preparation of the potential “peak” season in October 2023, it is expected that we will have another push for a 300/600 increase in September 2023.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss this further, please kindly reach out to your SILA Sales representative directly or sales@sila.net.au


Roundup - July 2023

SILA Team Showcase

Congratulations Cassie!

Our brilliant Head of Operations is killing it! After being awarded a rare Scholarship for Women Working in the transport and logistics sector Australia-wide, she has now completed the Executive Ready Program with Women & Leadership Australia!

This is an intense 7-month leadership and career accelerator designed to propel participants toward executive-level performance, behaviours, and mindsets.

At SILA, we prioritize continuous professional development to ensure we stay at the forefront of industry trends and deliver the highest level of expertise to our clients. Cassie's accomplishment demonstrates her commitment to excellence and her dedication to providing you with exceptional service.

We are proud of Cassie's accomplishment, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have on partnerships with our clients.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a meeting with Cassie, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Well done, Tanya! 

Our dedicated team member, Tanya Rose, has successfully obtained her Dangerous Goods Certification, further enhancing our capabilities in handling and transporting hazardous materials.

At SILA, we understand the critical importance of safety and compliance when it comes to handling dangerous goods. With Tanya's certification, we have taken another significant step towards ensuring the secure and efficient transport of hazardous materials for our valued clients.

The Dangerous Goods Certification is a testament to Tanya's expertise and commitment to upholding the highest industry standards. Her comprehensive knowledge of the regulations and best practices surrounding the safe transportation of hazardous materials will play a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity of our services.

We remain dedicated to prioritizing safety, compliance, and the satisfaction of our clients. We believe that Tanya's certification adds significant value to our team and further strengthens our ability to serve you with excellence.

We extend our congratulations to Tanya on achieving this important certification and express our gratitude for her commitment to professional development. Her dedication ensures that we continue to deliver the highest level of quality and safety in our services.

Welcome to the team, Monowar! 

It is our pleasure to introduce our new NSW Business Development Manager, Monowar Hashem.

With Monowar joining our team, we are further strengthening our commitment to delivering exceptional service and forging lasting partnerships. Monowar brings a wealth of experience in shipping & logistics and a proven track record of driving growth and success.

As our Business Development Manager, Monowar will be responsible for identifying new opportunities, nurturing client relationships, and developing innovative strategies to help our clients thrive in today's dynamic market. His dedication, strategic thinking, and client-centric approach make him an invaluable addition to our team.

We believe that with Monowar's expertise and our shared commitment to excellence, we will continue to deliver outstanding results and exceed your expectations. We encourage you to connect with Monowar to discuss your business goals, explore new possibilities, and discover how we can collaborate to achieve mutual success.

At SILA, we are committed to providing you with the highest level of service, and we are confident that Monowar will play a pivotal role in ensuring our clients’ continued satisfaction. We value our partnerships and look forward to the opportunities that lie ahead.

If you have any questions or would like to schedule a meeting, please don't hesitate to reach out to Monowar directly or contact our dedicated sales team at sales@sila.net.au.

Events & Networking

Leeward Group - 2023 Industry Engagement Cocktail Party

Last month (June) Leeward Group brought together key professionals and industry leaders for 3 stellar evenings across Melbourne, Sydney & Brisbane.

The event was a resounding success, and we are grateful for the overwhelmingly positive response from attendees. The evening was filled with engaging conversations, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of ideas that have the potential to shape the future of our industry.

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who attended and contributed to the event's success. Your active participation, enthusiasm, and willingness to engage created an atmosphere of camaraderie and collaboration that was truly inspiring.

As we move forward, we are committed to nurturing the connections that were established and we encourage you to reach out to your fellow attendees and continue the conversations that started at the event. Together, we can leverage our collective expertise and create a network that drives innovation and growth.

Lastly, we extend our sincere appreciation to our clients for your continued support and trust in our services. Your partnership is the driving force behind our success, and we remain dedicated to delivering the highest level of quality and value to you.

Once again, thank you Leeward Group for hosting such a successful event and we look forward to future opportunities to bring our industry community together and continue building strong relationships that propel us all toward continued success.

SILA Ops Christmas in July

This month, we hosted a little "Christmas in July" office party, and we wanted to take a moment to share some of the highlights with you. It was a day filled with laughter, camaraderie, and festive spirit that brought our team even closer.

Our staff engaged in friendly competition - UNO - and strengthened their bonds. The excitement of the Secret Santa gift exchange was palpable, as thoughtful presents brought smiles to everyone's faces. Mouthwatering holiday-inspired treats and beverages were enjoyed throughout the day, adding to the overall festive ambiance.

Needless to say, the little event was a hoot and we can't wait to do it again next year!

National Pyjama Day

SILA Global, along with Leeward Group, Quay Shipping & Nautical Shipping, enthusiastically participated in National Pyjama Day; a charity whose vision is of a world of unlimited opportunity for all children.

Together, we can make a significant difference and support their mission! Your generous contribution - whether it's a monetary donation, your valuable time, or simply wearing your pyjamas and hashtagging #InMyPjs - will help us reach our shared goal.

We firmly believe that corporate social responsibility plays a crucial role in building a more compassionate and sustainable world. With your support, we can create a meaningful impact and inspire others to follow suit.

If you would like to know more, please visit their website - thepyjamafoundation.com

Together, let's make a difference and leave a lasting legacy of compassion and care.

Thank you for being part of this meaningful journey with us.

Industry News

Celebrating 13 Years of SILA!

We are celebrating the 13th anniversary of our company! This milestone marks a significant achievement and is a testament to the trust and support you have placed in us over the years. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude for your continued partnership and loyalty.

Since our establishment in 2010, we have been dedicated to providing exceptional service that meets your unique needs. Throughout this incredible journey, we have grown together, overcoming challenges and achieving remarkable milestones. Our success would not have been possible without your unwavering trust and collaboration.

As we reflect on the past 13 years, we take pride in the relationships we have built with each of our valued clients. Your feedback and insights have been invaluable in shaping our growth and improving our offerings. We are committed to continually enhancing our services to exceed your expectations and adapt to the evolving industry landscape.

On behalf of our entire team, we would like to express our deepest appreciation for your trust and confidence in our company. We are excited about the future and eager to embark on the next chapter of our journey together. Thank you for being an integral part of our success!

Here's to celebrating 13 years of achievement, and many more prosperous years ahead!

Smart container fleet to expand six-fold over the next five years

The global telematics enabled container equipment fleet is forecast to grow six-fold over the next five years and account for 30% of global box inventories by 2027, driven by wider adoption across the dry container fleet. This is one of the main conclusions from Drewry’s recently published Container Census & Leasing Annual Review & Forecast 2023/24 report.

Smart containers have increased in prominence in recent years, a trend that accelerated following the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic and resultant supply chain disruption, which highlighted the need for better cargo visibility to cope with longer and more volatile transit times. And the pace of adoption of smart containers is expected to accelerate over the next five years as device costs fall and first mover carriers challenge others to follow.

A container becomes “smart” when fitted with a telematics device that provides real-time tracking and monitoring, enabling operators to increase turn time of their containers and so improve equipment availability. It also allows beneficial cargo owners (BCOs) to understand the location and status of their cargo so that they can better control their supply chains.

There are a number of factors driving this market growth. Supply chain disruption and port congestion that plagued the pandemic era, provided a wake-up call for improved visibility of cargo flows and container fleet management. And despite weak market conditions, carriers have funds to invest following the recent boom in industry profitability, and see opportunities to improve the efficiency of their operations through the deployment of smart containers.

Drewry estimates that by the end of 2022 around 5.6% of the global container equipment fleet was fitted with smart technology devices following growth of 57% through the year; an acceleration from the 32% gain recorded the previous year. However, take-up varies considerably by equipment type, with penetration already strong in reefer and intermodal containers but much lower in the dry box sector. Already over half of both the maritime reefer and land based intermodal container fleets are smart-enabled, the former up from a third last year, according to Drewry estimates.

Drewry forecasts that the number of smart containers in the global fleet will accelerate over the next five years, to reach over 10 million units, representing as much as 30% of worldwide box inventories. As technological innovation lowers the cost of devices and enhances their value to both transport operators and BCOs, uptake is expected to hasten.

Smart fleet acceleration will now be driven by strong uptake in the dry container fleet where penetration is currently as little as 0.7%, according to Drewry estimates. Several carriers including Hapag-Lloyd and Japan’s ONE have publicly committed to equipping their entire dry box fleet with smart devices, the former as soon as next year. Drewry believes that these moves will force other leading carriers to follow suit. Shipping line return on investment will come from the potential to optimise their box fleet and cargo operations. Past initiatives to develop the dry smart fleet failed because they relied on BCO demand which was deterred by additional fees and lack of integration into carrier IoT service offerings.

Furthermore, digitising their container fleets will enable carriers to better control maritime supply chain information flows, enhancing their cargo visibility offering and so tethering BCO clients into longer term contractual commitments. They face increasing competition from alternative tracking solutions such as removable devices or predictive analytical tools. But to achieve this step change will require further investment to integrate smart containers into carrier IoT systems and collaboration among industry stakeholders to enable data sharing, particularly between carrier alliance and VSA partners.

In the meantime, shipping lines are expected to focus on building a critical mass of smart device installs to leverage operational benefits across their container fleets and cargo operations, while readying for the next step change in supply chain visibility service offerings.

Source: Drewry’s Container Census & Leasing Annual Review & Forecast 2023/24
Author of the article: John Fossey, Drewry's Senior Analyst, Container Equipment Research

PORT OF NEWCASTLE AND MHI ANNOUNCE CLEAN ENERGY PARTNERSHIPS

A landmark precinct project enabling a new, scalable economy, positioning the Hunter Region as a global, diversified energy gateway and a catalyst for economic growth, job opportunities and innovative career pathways.

Port of Newcastle and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. have unveiled, during a visit by Mr. Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy, to the Port today, an MOU setting out a pathway towards the enablement of a world-class clean energy economy in the Hunter Region through the Port’s Clean Energy Precinct, which secured a $100-million Commonwealth funding grant in the 2022 Federal Budget.

Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said the once in a generation project was the centrepiece of the Port’s future diversification strategy.

"Our dedicated 220-hectare Clean Energy Precinct will offer the perfect platform for large scale clean energy production, which will be supported by common user, open access, shared infrastructure across clean energy storage, transport and export facilities servicing production from the Precinct itself and from right across the Hunter Region” he said.

Dr. Hitoshi Kaguchi, Senior Executive Vice President at MHI said: “We are delighted to be involved in a major development project for the Port of Newcastle, a promising hydrogen hub in Australia. We possess various technologies that are considered necessary for the realization of a hydrogen hub in the Port of Newcastle, such as hydrogen and ammonia power generation and CO2 capture technologies, ammonia and methanol production plants, ammonia and CO2 carriers, etc., and based on these technologies, we will study the optimization of the equipment configuration for the energy facility in the port. The port has long been an important base for Japan as a resource shipping port, and through this project, we will work together with the port to contribute to the decarbonization of Australia and Japan.”

Together the Port of Newcastle and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries will collaborate on optimization of the configuration of the Port’s Clean Energy Precinct, explore opportunities for MHI to supply technology to the Clean Energy Precinct and across the Hunter Region, the export of clean energy products to Japan and the potential further collaboration with other clean energy projects in the port area across a range of energy vectors.

Project Lead and the Port’s Chief Commercial Officer Simon Byrnes said the Clean Energy Precinct MOUs spanned collaboration on the development of inland and offshore wind projects, electricity transmission and water supply, clean energy production, clean energy storage, distribution and export facilities, export and bunkering, skills and training pathways, advanced manufacturing and innovation hubs. Drawing on the world leading expertise of companies in our key markets of Japan and Korea is extremely important to driving that vision forward.

“By collaborating with all levels of government, with industry partners and education providers, we are working to deliver a shared ambition to accelerate innovation, foster technological advancement, generating jobs and educational pathways for this new industry at scale,” Mr Byrnes said. “Our vision is a thriving Hunter community which is viewed as the best place to work in the clean energy industry, both in Australia and across the world’.

Further information on the Clean Energy Precinct project can be found at Clean Energy Precinct including a factsheet with details of the MOU and supporting partnerships.

Source: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.


DAFF increase to Full Import Declaration charges

DAFF increase to Full Import Declaration charges 

Dear Valued Clients,

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Forestry (DAFF) will be increasing their Full Import Declaration (FID) charges for goods arriving in Australia by air and sea from 1st July 2023.

 

The department has completed its comprehensive review of the biosecurity cost recovery arrangement. The outcome proposes changes to existing regulatory charging to align fees and charges with the cost to deliver biosecurity and imported food activities.

The review process ensured the proposed price changes will recover only the minimum efficient costs of delivering our regulatory activities. These changes are set out in the draft 2023-24 CRIS.

The purpose of this notice is to advise industry:

  • That the draft CRIS has been published on the department’s website and includes proposed fees and charges for biosecurity and imported food regulatory activities, set to come into effect from 1 July 2023.
  • The proposed fees and charges become final when amendments to relevant charging legislation have been approved.

Continue reading...

 

We appreciate your understanding.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these changes, kindly reach out to your SILA sales representative directly or e-mail your concerns to sales@sila.net.au.

Thank you,

SILA Global Pty Ltd


Expansion to Shanghai

Dear Valued Clients & Partners, 

We are excited to announce the opening of our office in Shanghai, China. This location will allow us to better serve our customers in the region and continue to grow our business in Asia.

Our Shanghai office is strategically located in the heart of the city, with easy access to major transportation hubs and ports. Our team of experienced logistics professionals will be on hand to provide personalized service and support to meet all of your supply chain needs.

We are committed to providing our customers with the highest level of service and quality, and our new office in Shanghai is just one of the ways we are meeting that commitment.

We look forward to continuing to work with you and serving your logistics needs. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our services, please don't hesitate to reach out to your SILA sales representative directly or e-mail your queries to sales@sila.net.au.

Thank you for your continued business and support.

SILA Global Pty Ltd


Changes to Brisbane Services

Changes to Brisbane Services - Effective Immediately  

Dear Valued Clients, 

Our Brisbane FCL transport & unpack provider has made the unforeseen decision to downsize their operations, effectively immediately. 

This has resulted in SILA needing to take immediate action, make significant changes, and subsequently adjust container transport & unpack rates accordingly. 

Whilst these adjustments are unavoidable and necessary, we sincerely apologise for the inconvenience caused and our dedicated Sales team will be in touch with affected clients to discuss the impact on their shipments, and new rates, as necessary.

If you have any immediate questions or concerns regarding these changes, kindly reach out to your SILA sales representative directly or e-mail your concerns to sales@sila.net.au.

Thank you, 

SILA Global Pty Ltd