Port workers at DP World Terminals in Australia opted to extend their industrial action another week. The new deadline for the action is now 30 January.

The series of work bans and strikes that started on 7 October 2023 did not provoke a positive response from port operator DP World. On the contrary, the operator decided to cut workers' pay after the latest extension.

In addition to 24-hour stoppages, workers have conducted bans on overtime and shift extensions and on loading and unloading of trucks and trains. Operations in the ports of Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane and Fremantle have been significantly affected by the action.

Cargo destined for New Zealand shipped via Australia or on vessels calling Australian ports has also experienced delays. Last week, berthing windows at the Port of Auckland were significantly affected by delays to vessels offshore, including the industrial action in Australia.

According to the latest advisory, the new strikes at all four ports include overtime and shift extension bans. In addition, a series of stoppages ranging from 2 to 8 hours will also take place through 30 January.

Seaexplorer data shows that the 7-day average vessel waiting time at Australia's largest container port, Port of Melbourne, is 3.53 days.

For inquiries about your shipment, feel free to contact your Kuehne+Nagel local representative. You can also refer to the latest Kuehne+Nagel market assessment about the impact of the situation on containerised cargo.