IT FEELS like we’ve finally turned a corner with the weather, at least in my neck of the woods, it feels like spring has definitely sprung! The house suddenly feels a little bigger without clothes horses everywhere and school uniforms pleading to dry. That said… it looks like they might need to hang around a little longer as some wet weather is on it's on the way!
This week has been a busy one in the logistics world, with much focus on blank sailings ahead of China’s Golden Week holidays (October 1–8). This period typically causes scheduling instability, and with recent congestion and weather related vessel delays, I can only imagine the challenges the upcoming period will bring.
Delays have not just been felt at sea, but also on land. A four hour shutdown at the Port of Melbourne on Monday reportedly left around 1,000 containers unmoved and disrupted nearly 500 truck movements. The disruption was caused by pro-Palestinian protestors blocking Webb Dock Drive, bringing operations at VICT, MEDLOG Empty Container Park, and other port facilities to a standstill, until police cleared the site and reopened access. Rumours suggest further disruptions could be on the way early next week.
It would be remiss not to mention the giant elephant in the room. Former President Donald Trump is pushing the Supreme Court to uphold his tariffs and has warned that if they’re struck down, key trade deals with partners like South Korea and the EU could unravel. He even cautioned the U.S. could become “unbelievably poor again” without the leverage these tariffs provide. Any U.S. policy shift could further extend uncertainty in global trade.
So, what else should be thinking about?
💠 NZ Customs partners with WiseTech to digitise its tariff system
💠 MSC Eagle revises service rotation
💠 Kwinana Bulk Jetty congestion drives $70M demurrage costs
💠 FACT MUA stop work meeting today: 9am–2pm
💠 Oman to build a green ship recycling yard
💠 Maersk container blast reported at Incheon Port
💠 Yangzijiang Shipbuilding secures $920M in new contracts
💠 Tanker & bulker collision reported off Singapore
💠 Japan’s Big 6 ports record growth in foreign-trade containers
💠 Hutchison Ports orders two post-Panamax STS cranes for Port Botany
💠 Kenwick IMT celebrates first birthday
💠 Port of Melbourne posts record trade value in FY2025 results
💠 U.S. tariff threat on IMO Net-Zero supporters
💠 Portuguese Navy investigates containership boarding
💠 GSF & FIATA update ICS2 data guidance as rollout milestone hits
Today’s picture features the Conti Annapurna, which was berthed at Patrick Terminal. Built in 2004, she measures 334 m long and 42 m wide, with a capacity of 7,747 TEU. She was built by Hyundai Heavy Industries in South Korea.
Did you know South Korea usually ranks second globally in container shipbuilding, just behind China? Rankings can fluctuate, and in some months, like January and March 2025, South Korea even led in new orders.
Have a great weekend everyone!