In February 2023 Cyclone Gabrielle left a trail of destruction across New Zealand (NZ). Given NZ is a predominantly agriculturally driven economy; the damaged infrastructure and disrupted transportation networks are expected to have a significant impact on the nation's supply chains. Reports indicate that the cyclone...
The first seven weeks of 2023 has seen 50+ Asia-Europe westbound sailings cancelled, with the chance that carriers could decide to blank more sailings if demand continues to decrease more than expected. According to Alphaliner, Ocean Alliance members CMA CGM, Cosco, OOCL and Evergreen have voided...
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) is currently conducting compliance sampling of containers to verify that the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) requirements of Marine Order 42 (Carriage, stowage and securing of cargoes and containers) 2016 ('MO42') are being met. The MO42 requires shippers to ensure that...
Protracted labour negotiations, industrial action and workplace shutdowns attributed to the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) are causing unease for exporters across Western USA ports. As negotiations continue with few signs of progress, there is increasing concern amongst exporters as they attempt to deal with...
Operations at the majority of ports across Australia are running smoothly. There are currently either minimal or no delays at Fremantle and Melbourne. Brisbane is currently experiencing delays of 0.5 to 3 days, whilst Sydney is seeing delays averaging 1-4 days. Across the Tasman Sea, Napier...
The calmer end of year shipping season has seen empty containers pile up at Chinese ports such as Guangzhou, Yantian and Shekou, marking a complete reversal of the severe equipment shortages experienced during 2021’s pandemic-induced consumer spending boom. Indicative of the slower pace are the lower...
US imports from Asia have experienced a substantial decline, reaching their lowest level in 20 months in October, as demand in the eastbound trans-Pacific falls from the record highs reached earlier this year. According to data from PIERS, Asian imports in October totalled 1.44 million TEU,...
Recent data from shipping analyst Sea-Intelligence indicates that the global "empty container problem" is intensifying, with the transportation time between cargo being ready for export and the importer taking delivery increasing from an average of 45 days (pre-pandemic) to 112 days at its peak in...
According to ocean shipping analyst Sea-Intelligence, freight rates are due for a decline in response to reduced vessel utilisation rates, which have been on a downward trend since their spike in the peak season of 2020. Vessel utilisation rates correspond to spot rates. Once utilisation rates...
Suez Canal transit tolls will increase from January 2023 by 15% for all types of vessels, with the exclusion of dry bulk ships and cruise ships, which will incur a 10% increase. According to the Suez Canal Authority (SCA) the rise in toll rates is in...