By Andrea Dyson | Posted 4 June 2021

Covid-19 shuts Yantian Port

Operations at Yantian port have now been suspended due to 7 cases of Covid-19 reported at the port in Shenzhen, China.

This is causing a massive space and equipment challenge, not just for the Port of Yantian, but also for Shekou Port. At this point in time, all exports that originated out of Yantian will have to be re-booked to sail out of Shekou.

Unfortunately, South China to Australia vessel capacity out of Shekou will not be enough to carry all bookings, as space will be cut by 28-31%, and several vessels are stuck at Yantian due to the situation there.

If your shipment is affected by the delays, we will be in touch with you ASAP. If you are concerned about future bookings out of either of these ports, please feel free to give us a call on 02 8339 1944.

Industrial action at Hutchison in Brisbane

The new notices of protected industrial action at HPA’s Brisbane terminal include:

  • four consecutive four-hour stoppages of work from 7am Tuesday 22 June until 11pm Tuesday 22 June
  • two consecutive four-hour stoppages from 7am Wednesday 23 June until 3pm  Wednesday 23 June
  • two consecutive four-hour stoppages from 7am Thursday 24 June until 3pm Thursday 24 June

Protesters expected at Sydney and Melbourne Ports on 10 June 2021

The CLIMATE-change protest group Extinction Rebellion are planning to disrupt fuel logistics at the Port Botany Bulk Liquids Berth and at ExxonMobil’s Yarraville Terminal in Melbourne.

According to Daily Cargo News, while the protests at the Terminals aren’t directed at container transport, operators are concerned about the level of disruption the protests may cause. Similar protests at the Port of Hamburg in Germany have added to the significant congestion issues they have already experienced there.

Strike action planned on 11 June

According to Daily Cargo News, the  Maritime Union of Australia plans to carry out eight 12-hour stoppages at the Victoria International Container Terminal starting on Friday 11 June. Each stoppage will commence at 6pm every day.

Container Transport Alliance Australia director, Neil Chambers said, inevitably there will be impacts as larger volume container transport operate “landside night shift operations into VICT for import pick-ups and export deliveries,” he said.

If any of our deliveries are impacted, we will be sure to let people know. If you are concerned about your shipment, please give us a call on 02 8339 1944 if you have any concerns.

Future delays expected

The above snapshot is a familiar scenario throughout ports worldwide with no substantial improvement in sight.

Our advice is that if you are running tight on a deadline, the sooner you can book with us the better. As shipping lines are not accepting pre-bookings, please advise your suppliers to notify our agents as soon as cargo ready dates are known.

This is not an ideal scenario, but as always, we will work our hardest to ensure your cargo is delivered as safely and promptly as possible. Again, give us a call on 02 8339 1944 if you have any concerns.

*Feature image courtesy of Belt and Road News.