Geopolitics, trade and AI highlighted in panel discussion
A PANEL session at the Ports Australia Biennial conference has noted geopolitics and the rapid pace of technological change as key future influences on ports. The session, chaired...
Life saving Darwin marine officers honoured for rescue
THREE Darwin marine professionals have been recognised for a remarkable rescue in Darwin Harbour that medical staff say likely saved the life of a missing yachtsman who had been...
Stateships collapse laid bare in newly released 1995 Cabinet papers
NEWLY released 1995 Cabinet papers reveal the decisive, and ultimately terminal, steps that led to the closure of Western Australia’s coastal shipping service, Stateships, marking...
OPINION: Why ports need salvage agreements in advance
THURSDAY was World Maritime Day. The International Maritime Organization theme is From Policy to Practice. Last Friday a laden Capesize went aground off Gladstone. Four days spent...
Operators urged to review severe weather plans as El Niño strengthens
AUSTRALIA’S transport, shipping and logistics operators should revisit their severe‑weather and business‑continuity plans as El Niño conditions intensify heading into summer....
OPINION: What future for Smartship Australia?
BENEATH the everyday activity of Australia’s ports, pilotage and deck-officer community, one question is increasingly being asked: what is happening at Smartship Australia? That...
World Container Index – 24 September 2026
THE DREWRY World Container Index (WCI), decreased 1% to $4,468 per 40ft container, due to a decrease in rates on the Asia-Europe trade route. Source: Drewry World Container Index...
Northern Sea Route: Shortcut to resilient shipping or just another geopolitical risk?
THE NORTHERN Sea Route (NSR) was mainly a geographic curiosity for international shipping for many years. Today, the NSR is attracting attention from shipowners, cargo interests...
Refloated Cape Falcon now under inspection
BLIGHTED bulker Cape Falcon is now safely located at Gladstone’s N11 under the direction of the Regional Harbour Master anchorage after rather unexpectedly floating free on this...
Capacity, congestion and a little Golden Week chaos
I'M SURE it’s been a busy week for most, with not only the lead up to China’s compressed holiday calendar, but also the AFL Grand Final keeping plenty of us occupied. I’m sure...
Inaugural air freight summit to launch at Avalon Airport
THE INAUGURAL Australian Air Freight Summit will launch at Avalon Australian International Airshow 2027, creating a dedicated national forum focused on the future of Australia’s...
Port of LA head reflects upon changing trade trends
PORT of Los Angeles executive director Gene Seroka has used a presentation in Sydney to reflect upon the changing nature of trade. Speaking to the Ports Australia Biennial, Mr...
Train driver at fault in Port Botany derailment
IN 2023 a Pacific National train driver took the wrong track at Port Botany, colliding with a Qube Logistics train causing severe damage and derailment of both trains. The cause...
Senator McKenzie defends the role of diesel in national economy
OPPOSITION politician Bridget McKenzie has used the Ports Australia Biennial Conference in Sydney to defend the ongoing role of diesel fuel for the national economy. While wars in...
Seafarer welfare improving, but evidence not yet daily reality for all
FIVE years after the launch of the Delivering on Seafarers’ Rights Code of Conduct, increasing numbers of shipping companies are said to be demonstrating “real change” in seafarer...
