Import/Export Market Update for November

It is anticipated that the volume associated with peak, coupled with the industrial action and vessel bunching will substantially increase, resulting in further delays and disruptions.

There continues to be external factors beyond our control such as, countries COVID-19 Restrictions, Industrial Actions (Patricks, DP World, Hutchison and Tug Boat operator Svitzer), Empty Park crisis, Container chain system hack, shorter working weeks because of public holidays (Melbourne), severe weather conditions (Sydney & Brisbane).

We are all working tirelessly to mitigate any risk to delivering containers in full and on time and de-hiring empty containers within time.

Europe

More than a quarter of a billion Europeans are now in, or facing, fresh lockdowns after a second wave of Covid-19 deluged the continent.

• Current/imposing lockdowns; Wales, Northern Ireland, England, France, Germany, Greece, Belgium, Ireland, Austria and the Czech Republic (Scotland – pending decision)
• Imposed restrictions; Italy, Portugal and Spain, have imposed restrictions at a regional level and have warned they also may go into full lockdown mode
• Note: essential businesses will continue to be operational, however any purchases you make during lock downs, you may have delays on receipt of your goods

Asia

• There has been a worldwide surge in demand. Shipping lines did not anticipate this and significantly restricted capacity due to an early fall in demand when China shut down due to Covid-19. Lines are currently at capacity and it’s very difficult to get space on vessels ex-China
• Some lines have begun bypassing New Zealand to reduce delays in schedules also, with no current plans of adding extra services
• These two factors are pushing up the market freight rates and are expected to continue to increase

Trans-Tasman

The last month or so has been an incredibly challenging time across the board moving Trans-Tasman cargo. This has been caused by several factors, least of which are issues with the ports, both in New Zealand and Australia.

Sydney/Melbourne

• The effects of the past industrial action is still lingering, with the terminal experiencing a 14-16 day delay in providing vessel berths and congestion surcharges remain in place for the foreseeable future
• Eastbound services (AU to NZ) are fully booked until early December at the point and are rapidly filling beyond this date

Brisbane

• MSC have announced a congestion surcharge and many services have been impacted by congestion
• Westbound (NZ to AU) services are heavily impacted currently with only one weekly service option currently operating which has also omitted Brisbane, Lyttelton & Wellington in recent weeks

Adelaide/Fremantle

• These two ports are essentially in the same situation as Sydney/Melbourne as many of the services tranship via these ports

Auckland

• Vessels continue to experience significant delays, with delays & wait times for vessels being reported between 10-13 days
• As a result of this, Shipping Lines are introducing congestion and peak season surcharges