DP WORLD Australia has announced new terminal access charges, to take place from 1 May at the stevedore’s Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney terminals. 

In November, DPWA deferred the increase in TACs at its Australian container terminals. It cited the challenges faced by consumers and businesses in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for doing so. 

In a press release, DPWA noted that 2020 had been a difficult trading year and reliable and efficient access to ports is a key driver in Australia’s economic recovery. 

DPWA made it clear that the changes only apply to the TACs, and there are no new charges to the landside interface with the transport industry.  

At the beginning of this month, Patrick Terminals imposed fees on longer trucks picking up containers, among other fee increases. 

DPWA said its business costs are continuing to rise, which necessitates a review of its service charges to rebalance cost recovery. It said these costs include ongoing investments in terminal landside equipment, infrastructure and technology to improve service delivery and productivity. 

In the statement, DPWA noted that state and territory infrastructure and transport ministers have agreed to develop voluntary national guidelines for applying stevedore infrastructure and access charges at Australia’s container ports. The stevedore said it looks forward to participating in this process as the new guidelines are developed. 

 DPWA chief operating officer Andrew Adam said the company’s priority remains maintaining the competitiveness and sustainability of Australian ports. 

“DP World is proud of its response to meeting the challenges of COVID-19 ensuring the steady flow of goods around the country to businesses and consumers,” he said. 

“In a year like no other, DP World Australia has worked tirelessly to facilitate the smooth and efficient flow of goods and resources across the supply chain. 

The new charges per full container are as follows: 

Export Containers 

  • Brisbane: $89.50 
  • Sydney: $89.50 
  • Melbourne: $89.50 

Import Containers 

  • Brisbane: $124.00 
  • Sydney: $126.60 
  • Melbourne: $139.20