Freight News

Panama Canal Update – Sept 14 2023

Panama Canal Update – Sept 14 2023 The Panama Canal Authority told reporters to expect the possibility that the daily transit allowance could be reduced again in a press conference yesterday.     The ACP has received a recommendation in its budget for the 2024 fiscal year to lower daily transits to 30-31 per day, […]

Panama Canal Congestion

Panama Canal Congestion On July 30th, the Panama Canal Authority implemented restrictions to combat what they describe as an “unprecedented” drought. While canal delays due to low water levels are not new, the canal faced the lowest rainfall this century and the Gaten Lake, which feeds the canal, has water levels at a four-year low. […]

Seasonal measures for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB)

Seasonal measures for Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) The brown marmorated stick bug (BMSB) is ranked 9 on Australia’s National Priority Plant Pest list. The bug is known to feed on around 300 different plant species and are known to feed on and severely damage fruit and vegetable crops. Giving it the potential to severely […]

Vessel fire kills two and injures another six

Vessel fire kills two and injures another six On Wednesday last week at 9:30 p.m. local time, a fire erupted on board a vessel docked at the Port of Newark. The vessel Grande Costa d’Avorio is a combination container roll-on roll-off vessel (ConRO) owned and operated by the Italian company Grimaldi Deep Sea, a part […]

Japan’s largest port targeted by Russian hackers

Japan’s Port of Nagoya is suspected to be the latest target of LockBit 3.0, a hacker group based in Russia. The cyber hack was noticed on Tuesday at 6:30 a.m. (JST) when an employee was unable to start the computer, according to Nagoya Port Authority. Through the hacked system, LockBit 3.0 accessed a printer where […]

Climate protesters disrupt port operations along Australia’s East Coast

Climate protesters disrupt port operations along Australia’s East Coast Last week, Blockade Australia protesters disrupted port operations across Australia’s east coast. The group engaged in five consecutive days of protests across ports in Melbourne, Newcastle and Brisbane in a desperate plea for climate action. There was a total of 13 demonstrations to designed to disrupt […]

Svitzer abandons EBA termination action

Svitzer abandons action to terminate its enterprise bargaining agreement with the three unions representing Australian tugboat workers. The previous EBA expired in 2019. The Maritime Union Australia, Australian Maritime Officers Unions and the Australian Institute of Marine Power have been negotiating with the Dutch owned company since. Svitzer announced it’s plan to cancel the EBA […]

Australian port congestion continues into 2023

Australian port congestion continues into 2023 It’s certainly not news that ports globally have been struggling with congestion since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic for a multitude of reasons, most recently Australian port congestion is a result of the large amount of cargo arriving in Australia with seed contamination. Most terminals country wide are […]

Seasonal measures for brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB)

Seasonal measures for brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB) Updated 07/09/22 The brown marmorated stick bug (BMSB) is ranked 9 on Australia’s National Priority Plant Pest list. The bug is known to feed on around 300 different plant species and are known to feed on and severely damage fruit and vegetable crops. Giving it the potential to […]

Australian Port Congestion Update

Australian Port Congestion Update 22nd of June, 2022 The team at K Line have provided the following update on port congestion around Australia…   PCC/RORO Terminals yard situation around the country:   Please note, due to vessel and berth congestion in most ports around the country which is resulting in extended waiting times for vessels […]

Biosecurity cameras to help detect foreign invasive species threat

Biosecurity cameras to help detect foreign invasive species threat Upcoming Biosecurity Automated Threat Detection System (BATDS) Trial at DP World Australia’s Brisbane Terminal   The Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment is undertaking a validation trial of the Biosecurity Automated Threat Detection System (BATDS) in partnership with Trellis Data and DP World Australia’s Brisbane […]

Australian Wharf Update

Australian Wharf Update 17th of May, 2022 Port congestion doesn’t seem to be making any improvements. The following containers the latest wait time information for Australian Wharfs.   Brisbane AAT FICT expects to experience Berth & Yard congestion upto Thursday 29th May 2022 due to the number of vessels expected during this period and T/S […]

Container freight update for Oceania from MAERSK

Container freight update for Oceania from MAERSK Greater China Area Covid- 19 update – Lockdown continues in Shanghai and Beijing. Extensions of the Maersk relief package to assist on Detention & Demurrage. Please monitor customer advisories. Re-Opening reefer bookings to Shanghai port, with first cargo accepted to arrive in Shanghai from 26 June 2022 and onwards. Please […]

Australian Port Update

Australian Port Update Latest Update: 9th May 2022. Ports across Australia are experiencing considerable delays. The following is an update on the current wait times at ports across the country. PCC/RORO Terminals yard situation around the country Pls note, due to vessel and berth congestion in most ports around the country which is resulting in […]

Canada joins investigation into Shipping Carriers

Canada joins investigation into Shipping Carriers Canada is the latest to join an International Group Investigating the “Obscene Profit” of Shipping Carriers Canada’s Competition Bureau is forming a working group with their counterparts in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, focused on investigating potential anti-competitive behaviour of global shipping carriers. The working […]

COVID-19 Updates for Australian Used Equipment Importers from the Department of Agriculture

COVID-19 Updates for Australian Used Equipment Importers from the Department of Agriculture Impacts to Service Standards in Queensland, South Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania, Victoria and New South Wales for bookings and inspections during COVID-19 pandemic Who does this COVID-19 Updates for Australian Used Equipment Importers from the Department of Agriculture notice affect? Department of Agriculture COVID-19 […]

Our European biosecurity specialists are back

fter a seemingly endless hiatus due to COVID travel restrictions, our European biosecurity specialists, Robbie Sichigea (left) and Florin Radu (right), are well and truly back in business

Upcoming Protected Industrial Action taken by the Maritime Union of Australia

Upcoming Protected Industrial Action taken by the Maritime Union of Australia On the week commencing November 1st there will be stoppages at Patricks East Swanson Terminal as a result of MUA protected Action.   The MUA protected action will occur over the following days. 1 x 4hr stoppage on Monday 1ST November from 0300-0700hrs 1 […]

CTAA: Rising Container Detention an Insidious Consequences of Shipping Capacity Squeeze

Rising Container Detention an Insidious Consequence of Shipping Capacity Squeeze   Written and Published by Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA), 18 August 2021.    The shipping capacity squeeze on containerised imports into Australia and exports to overseas markets is having many impacts on shipment delays, equipment availability, “rolled” cargo, and unprecedented rising ocean freight rates. […]

Seasonal measures for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) 2021-22

Seasonal measures for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) 2021-22 For the 2021-22 BMSB risk season, BMSB seasonal measures will apply to targeted goods manufactured and shipped from target risk countries, that have been shipped between 1 September 2021 and 30 April 2022 (inclusive), and to vessels that berth, load, or tranship from target risk countries […]

Sea container measures to protect against khapra beetle

The Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment have issued a new industry advice notice  regarding sea container measures to protect against the khapra beetle. The following highlights key takeaways from this latest notice.

Global Shipping Snapshot

The global shipping scene was in disarray even before the Suez blockage, and the trouble is far from over. 2020 Snapshot, 2021 so far, and what may lie ahead.   It’s no surprise that COVID-19 has had a monumental impact on many international industries. For an international shipping industry, already dealing with the concurrent challenges […]

Importer and directors fined for shipping container crash death

IMPORTER AND DIRECTORS FINED FOR SHIPPING CONTAINER CRASH DEATH Australian consignee found liable for shipping container crash death caused by improper load restraint in container from China, setting a legal precedent in Australia.   Australian importer, Futurewood Pty Ltd, and its two directors, were fined for breaching the chain of responsibility on load restraint over a […]

2020-21 BMSB Season

Season Seasonal measures in Australia for managing Brown Marmorated Stink Bug In response to the rapid expansion of BMSB throughout Europe and North America, the Australian Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment (DAWE) has retained the current seasonal measures to manage the risk of BMSB from arriving in Australia for the 2020–21 BMSB risk […]

New Zealand Cleaning Certificate Update

New Zealand Biosecurity has new requirements in place and has updated its former cleaning certificate for used outdoor or targeted machinery.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug sees Heightened Seasonal Measures

This year we’ve seen a rapid expansion of the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug across Europe and North America. To combat this heightened risk the Australian Department of Agriculture have strengthened their measure for the 2019-20 risk season. The department has worked closely with he New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries on this season’s measure to […]

Missing Crew found after RoRo Vessel Overturned

Early Sunday morning a Roll-on/Roll-off vessel overturned off the East Coast of the United States…

CoR and Freight Forwarders and Brokers

While the transport and logistics world is up to its ears in Chain Of Responsibility (COR) advice at present, it would be a mistake to think importers and exporters are missing out.

Storm Activity Near South-East USA

There is currently a Category Four storm Hurricane Florence located south-east of Bermuda, moving west-north-west. On its current track it is predicted to make landfall near Wilmington, North Carolina, late on Thursday 13th. Find out more about Florence and other storms which will affect vessels located in or passing through these locations.

Latest News DAWR – Seasonal Measures for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) 1 September 2018 – 30 April 2019

DAWR (the Australian Department of Agriculture & Water Resources, formerly known as AQIS) has today provided the final measures which will be implemented for the forthcoming BMSB season, commencing on 1 September 2018 to 30 April 2019.
Details of the seasonal measures can be found in this article with information regarding target risk countries, target high risk goods and treatment options.

Kazakhstan Centre Stage at the 25th World Mining Congress

A spotlight shone on the mining industry in Kazakhstan last month, as the 25th World Mining Congress was held in its capital city Astana. The country is viewed as one of the world’s most promising emerging markets and in this article we look at its potential for future development and mineral exploration.

Latest News – DAWR, Seasonal Measures for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) 2018-2019

DAWR (the Australian Department of Agriculture & Water Resources, formerly known as AQIS) has today provided an update on the DRAFT measures to be implemented for the forthcoming BMSB season, commencing on 1 September 2018 to 30 April 2019. Find out about the increased BMSB threat and the expanded DAWR list of targeted countries, targeted high risk commodities and targeted risk goods.

Fire on Ship at Port Kembla Suspends Shipping

In the early hours of Monday morning a major fire broke out on the Australian-flagged self-discharging bulker Iron Chieftain whilst the vessel was alongside at Port Kembla.

Tier 4 Final, or equivalent equipment will be required in New South Wales open cut coal mines

Find out about the EPA proposed transition timeline for equipment in New South Wales open cut coal mines.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) 2017-18 Season Mandatory Measures – Update

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug season is here. Find out about the updated mandatory measures for the 2017-18 season and the affect it may have on your shipments.

Every time you send or receive money, there is a very real risk it will be taken from you!

After falling victim to three very sophisticated cyber-attacks, Freightplus has implemented a set of robust company procedures to fend off future cyber-fraud attempts.

Our company accountant, Michelle Irwin, B.Bus (PAX) C.P.A., has put together a brief introduction on the various methods of cyber-fraud and a few simple tips to protect yourself against them.

ACCC Makes a Decision to Allow Qube Holdings’ Takeover of Empty Container Park MCS

On March, 8th 2018 the ACCC made a decision on the takeover of empty container park Maritime Container Services, allowing Qube Holdings’ proposal to be accepted after much research and investigation into competition in the market.

How to prepare heavy machinery for Australia

The Australian government has stringent biosecurity controls for machinery entering the country. Find out how to prepare your heavy machinery correctly.

CMA CMG Theodore Roosevelt breaks numerous records on its voyage to the U.S. East Coast

As the largest ship to ever call at U.S. East Coast ports, the CMA CGM Theodore Roosevelt made its way from the Panama Canal to New York, it is hard not to notice the significant enhancements that are being made to ports and waterways along the entire coastline.

Insatiable global lithium demand leads the way for new mining projects in Western Australia

As companies and Governments all over the globe look for ways to reduce emissions an increasing amount of applications for lithium-ion batteries are being developed, benefits of which are now being felt by the Western Australian mines which produce many of the main minerals used to manufacture the batteries. Find out what the benefits are and the existing and future projects which are happening in the region.

Impact of Hurricane Irma, Hurricane Jose

For the latest information regarding shipping ports and cargo affected by Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Jose.

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug (BMSB) 2017-18 Season Mandatory Measures

The Brown Marmorated Stink Bug season is here. Find out about the mandatory measures for the 2017-18 season and the affect it may have on your shipments.

Mining and construction set to boost Queensland’s economy

Led by the mining and construction industries, economic growth looks set to return to northern Queensland after years of uncertainty.

Why is Latin America the next hotbed for mining activity?

Across the world, the mining industry is changing significantly. Find out how Latin America in particular is encouraging mining activity. 

Panama Canal expansion opens new shipping channels

The world’s first man-made canal has received a much-needed expansion to ensure larger ships can pass through. What will it mean for international freight?

Suez Canal expansion brings more options to sea freight

The Panama Canal isn’t the only shipping lane to evolve in recent years. How has the Suez Canal changed to meet growing sea freight demand? 

Global agriculture set for sustained expansion

As the world’s population rises, so does its demand for food products. Which regions will see new levels of growth for their agriculture industries?

How the ChAFTA could boost Australian mining activity

Australia’s free trade agreement with China solidifies and already strong import and export relationship. How will it evolve in the future?

How shipping trade lanes will evolve with new partnerships

New international free-trade agreements could shift the flow of global shipping. However, will this be enough to offset busy regional trade lanes?

Come fly or sail away with me? Get to know if air or sea freight is better

When it comes to heavy duty haulage, the importance of finding the best means of transport for your business cannot be overstated.

Could the fallout from Brexit influence international freight in the future?

The success of international shipping depends on global relations. Could Brexit impact the ease of transporting goods across Europe?

Brown Marmorated Stink Bug

Emergency measures for break bulk and FCL containerised vehicles, machinery and automotive parts Please see the attached Notice from Department of Agriculture concerning amendments to the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug: Emergency measures for break bulk and FCL containerised vehicles, machinery and automotive part, including an FAQ fact sheet.

130,000 Litre Oil Spill at Port Botany

According to media reports this morning, the Caltex Oil facility at Port Botany has this morning spilled 130,000 litres of unleaded fuel.  Caltex say the fuel gushed from a 2 million litre tank at around 01:00am this morning, triggering fears of an explosion and resulting in a 1,000m2 lockdown of the surrounding areas. Latest reports say the spill has now been contained and workers have moved […]

New freighter service to Port Moresby

Qantas Freight kicked off its new weekly freighter service between Australia and Papua New Guinea on Saturday 6 July 2013. The flight between Cairns, Brisbane and Port Moresby will be operated by a Boeing 737-300F aircraft, offering 15 tonnes of cargo capacity. The freighter service will operate each Saturday on the following schedule (listed in local times): […]

More Industrial Action at Newcastle port

Newcastle Port is to be hit with a series of four-hour work stoppages starting 11pm tonight as Port Waratah Coal Services (PWCS) workers begin another round of industrial action. The stoppages are expected to last until Wednesday, June 26. A PWCS spokesperson told Lloyd’s List Australia despite the stoppages, negotiations with the Maritime Union of […]

Used Machinery Imported with Unacceptable Levels of Biosecurity Risk Material

Who does this notice affect? This Notice is for all importers of used machinery into Australia. What has changed? DAFF is seeing an increasing number of imported used machines with high levels of Biosecurity Risk Material (BRM). Used machinery can pose a high biosecurity risk if it is contaminated with BRM such as soil, animal […]

Changes to import conditions for new and used machinery and equipment

Who does this notice affect? Importers of new and/or used machinery and equipment. What has changed? New import conditions have been approved for new and used machinery and equipment. The previous 14 ICON cases have been streamlined into four cases. Each case covers all countries and the standard end use: ‘All uses other than as […]

Schoeller Shipping company fined $10.4 million for illegally dumping tainted water

NEWARK — A pair of subsidiaries of a Cyprus-based shipping and hotel holding company pleaded guilty in federal court this morning to illegally dumping oil-tainted bilge water on four occasions, and then falsifying records for inspections in New Jersey, Delaware and California to cover it up. The dumping occurred far out at sea, well away […]

Four New Vessels for Australia – PNG Trade

Swire group’s China Navigation Company (CNCo) subsidiary has ordered four 22,000 dwt chief class multipurpose vessels. from Zhejiang Ouhua shipbuilding in Zhoushan. Delivery is scheduled for 2015 with an option for an additional 2+2 vessels in continuation. Swire Shipping say the chief class represents a significant investment and has been specifically designed to meet the […]

European Economy: All Eyes On Cyprus as Bail Out Talks Wrap Up Early

FIERCE negotiations to resurrect a deal for the EU and the IMF to bail out Cyprus appear to have wrapped up early. Early reports state that a preliminary agreement is in place to hit Bank of Cyprus depositors with a massive levy – as much as 40 per cent on deposits of more than 100,000 […]

New Monthly Shipping Link for Tasmania

Boost to Freightplus services for Tasmania’s machinery importers and exporters Swire Shipping has today announced a new direct monthly link between Tasmania, Asia, New Zealand and the Pacific.  Swire Shipping and has a reasonably solid track record serving regional markets in Australasia and obviously believes there is sufficient demand for the new service.  With more […]

Heavy Machinery Trade Made Chile Logical Location for Freightplus

Freightplus (Chile) Open For Business   A presence in Chile has always been on the cards for Freightplus, identified early as being a logical location in which to replicate the operational model that has worked so well elsewhere. Chile is party to Free Trade Agreements with USA, Europe and Australia – Freightplus’ three largest markets […]