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Port Strikes End, But Australian Freight Faces Major Backlog Challenges

sadra98

Updated: Jan 22

Australian freight forwarder International Cargo Express (ICE) has warned of backlogs at Australian ports affected by strikes against terminal operator Qube.

The union campaign against Qube – ongoing for months at ports including Brisbane, Kembla, Melbourne, Adelaide, Darwin and Fremantle – ended this week, following the Maritime Union of Australia’s (MUA) decision to lift protected industrial action on Wednesday. 

ICE said that, while this marked a positive step forward, “the widespread delays in loading, unloading and transporting goods have created a significant backlog, expected to impact supply chains in the short term”.  

Indeed, automotive reporter Drive reported more than a dozen car-carrying vessels – an estimated 36,000-plus vehicles – were waiting offshore early this week, unable to dock due to the stand-off between union and terminal operator. 

ICE MD Ronald Spahr warned that the timeline for resolving the delays was “uncertain”, but he noted that shipping lines would have the most accurate information on when vessels can enter the ports. 

He told businesses to “implement actionable strategies to strengthen supply chain resilience”, as other industrial action is anticipated within the Australian maritime sector.  

Mr. Spahr explained that ICE’s mitigation strategies included identifying alternative shipping routes and ports and advised shippers to consider postponing shipments and pre-ordering or using alternative transport modes like air freight, “when appropriate”. 

He added: “Adopting advanced technology for supply chain visibility and maintaining buffer inventories can provide a significant edge.” 

The Loadstar has previously reported trade association Shipping Australia’s call for reform of Australia’s industrial relations law and policy, “so that no single group, body or entity has the power to hold the entire nation to ransom”. 

It is pushing for more notice of strikes and fixed length, staggered bargaining procedures to avoid lengthy stoppages coinciding at multiple ports.  

Mr. Spahr concluded: “Sea freight operations are influenced by various geopolitical and local factors, which makes proactive planning essential… In today’s dynamic global logistics environment, safeguarding supply chains against disruptions requires a proactive approach.”,


Credit by Charlotte Goldstone January 17, 2025.

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