2019 – Celebrating the shipping container that changed the world – 50 years of international container shipping for Australia

In 2019 we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the arrival of the Encounter Bay, commencing the era of international container trade connecting Australia to the world.  Shipping is a vital but virtually invisible industry to the majority of the Australian population. It has been fantastic to see two landmark activities that promote knowledge of the shipping industry coincide with this historic year read more

2016 summary of port tariff variations

Darwin and Port Hedland did not increase any rates, with Port Hedland extending the 2014 tariffs for a second year. Rate increases at the Port of Melbourne were between 1.4 to 1.6% although a reduction of 2.5% was applied to export container wharfage.

The commodity-based Port Access Charge at the Port of Brisbane has seen the $0.01 per cubic metre increase for motor vehicles progressively raise the charge by over 6% each year since its inception in 2011. Harbour Dues for reefer containers were increased by 20.4% to align with the dues paid on dry containers.

In Western Australia the Mid-West Ports Geraldton withdrew the Port Enhancement Project charge but other charges were increased significantly; ship loading 32%, wharfage 50% and ship charges by 80%.

Port Botany recorded the single biggest increase to an individual charge with the wharfage for the transhipment of a container increased by 155%. The increase was introduced to raise the charge from 16% to 40% of the import full container wharfage, surrendering its competitiveness with the Port of Melbourne which applies transhipment at 35% of the respective cargo wharfage.  In terms of the export full container wharfage, the new transhipment charge represents an increase from 25% to 62% of the export full container wharfage.  A further loss of competitiveness for transhipments is demonstrated when the allowable duration for the container to reside at the respective ports is considered with the Port of Melbourne providing 90 days while Port Botany only 14 days.

The level of rate increases for ship services such as towage and pilotage are generally higher than all other ports charges. A notable exception for towage was the decrease at the Port of Mackay where the change of operator to Smit Lamnalco in 2015 resulted in a 17% reduction from the previous tariff. While the scale of Melbourne pilotage rate increases was similar to the port increases, the introduction of additional minimum notice charges and surcharges has increased the scope of applicable charges. The objective of the new pilotage charges is to incentivise customers to place orders and requests for variations with reasonable notice to ensure that the associated costs are borne by the customers who are responsible for them.

Download the summary here

FONASBA 2015 Young Ship Agent and Ship Broker Award

Download a copy of the eBook containing all entries for the FONASBA 2015 Young Ship Agent and Ship Broker Award

This impressive document stands testament to the enthusiasm, dedication  and sheer hard work of our seven award entrants, who are reading in copy, and reconfirms our Federation’s commitment to supporting and encouraging the efforts of member associations in promoting education and training in the shore-based maritime sector.

2012 Snapshot of the Breakbulk Shipping Industry in Australia

SAL has completed a 2012 study of the Breakbulk Shipping Industry in Australia.
Download the report here

Metropolitan Intermodal Terminal Study 2011

Chi Thai, a Masters graduate from the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS) at the University of Sydney joined Shipping Australia in January 2011 as part of the ITLS postgraduate work experience programme.  Chi’s project was how we can maximise the potential of these inland ports or intermodal terminals, in Sydney and Melbourne in terms of advancing their commercial benefits and their efficiency of operation, especially in terms of the rail operation.  Her initial paper led to us applying for project funds from the Tradegate/Australian Chamber of Industry and Commerce Cargo Automation Development Fund to extend her placement for another six months in order to develop the ideas which emerged from her initial paper.  Chi completed her project just before the end of 2011.  She carried out extensive research and prepared the report on the basis of the information made available to her as a result of a thorough literature review and interviews.
Download the report here

Break Bulk Study 2009

SAL has completed a study into a sector which is a first in Australia as far as we are aware of the various facts, importer and shipping provider problems and perceptions of the break bulk shipping industry which is so important to the Australian economy.
Download the report here

Code of Practice Fresh Fruit and Vegetables in Refrigerated Containers

This document is a draft only.
Download the report here

Draft – Code of Practice for the Transmission of Accurate Container Weight Declarations

The model national Road Transport Reform (Compliance and Enforcement) Bill makes provisions for compliance with, and enforcement of, laws relating to the operation of heavy vehicles that form part of the system of nationally consistent road transport laws.

The Bill imposes duties and responsibilities on all parties in the container transport chain to take reasonable steps to prevent non-compliance with the heavy vehicle laws.

The industry code sets out the framework for compliance with the Road Transport Reform (Compliance and Enforcement) Bill and provides a foundation for responsible entities who subscribe to the code to make a reasonable steps defense should circumstances require it.
Download the report here

Standards for Food Quality Shipping Containers

This guide has been developed as a general reference for all those involved in the supply, preparation and inspection of dry containers for the carriage of export foodstuffs.

It is not intended to supersede or override any existing regulations, only to offer simple descriptions and explanations of current Australian Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (DAFF) – Biosecurity requirements for ‘DAFF Level 2’ phytosanitary certification and inspection practices.

It covers the most common areas of concern, providing information about rules, conditions and circumstances, as well as giving reference points for further information.
Download the report here

Marine Acronyms

A document produced for the benefit of the shipping industry and lists common acronyms used the the industry.
Download the full list here

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Upcoming Events

May 8
Shipping Australia QLD Shipping Industry Golf Day
Join friends and colleagues for an enjoyable day, followed by a sumptuous dinner at the 2024 SAL QLD Shipping Industry Golf Day. The Golf Day will once again be held at the Wynnum Golf Club (located in beautiful Bayside and meanders over 31 hectares of picturesque parkland) on 8th May 2024. Ticket price includes: Light...

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Port regulation upheld in NT; should be extended nationwide, says Shipping Australia
Darwin Port should continue to be subject to regulatory oversight of access to, and pricing of, services – that’s the main conclusion of Utilities Commission of the Northern Territory. The Commission is an independent statutory body that oversees various sectors, including ports, in the Northern Territory and it has now provided a report on its...
LINX Port Services joins Shipping Australia!
Shipping Australia is delighted to welcome LINX Port Services as our newest corporate associate member! LINX Port Services is one of the country’s leading port logistics and infrastructure providers operating in 16 locations across Australia. Specialists in stevedoring, berth operations and management, infrastructure and warehousing the team of nearly 1,000 skilled operators support national and...

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Shipping Australia – Annual Review 2023
January, 2024

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