Last week, CTAA reported that logistics operators are continuing to experience extreme congestion at DP World’s West Swanson Terminal in Melbourne.
See this previous update at: https://mailchi.mp/74fdf8e9c420/dp-world-melbourne-terminal-extreme-congestion-2324750
The accompanying photo shows a panoramic view of the completion of the concrete pour in the north park of the Terminal which will accommodate new drive-on truck grids.
This redevelopment will be progressively commissioned as the concrete cures over the coming weeks. Until then, more than a third of the landside capacity of the Terminal remains unavailable for operations.
Our update on 31 May noted the heavy vessel program, with import containers being available for import delivery and 10 vessels receiving for export.
Truck turnaround times have blown out on some shifts to over 4 hours, meaning that transport operators miss subsequent vehicle time slots and can’t complete the freight task planned.
In an operational message to transport operators yesterday, DP World has confirmed that as we move closer to the long weekend (Kings Birthday on Monday, 10 June) “the volume of cargo for vessels cutting off and available will exceed the road capacity on multiple shifts.”
DP World has indicated that this is due to vessel bunching, “particularly considering 2xA3N service vessels (ANL) calling within 24hrs of one another rather than the scheduled 7 days apart.”
DP World has warned that it will not be able to accommodate preferred slotting times for the “vast majority of the (landside) industry.”
“Demand for preferred operational times will far outstrip what can be supplied and full use of every zone that the terminal is open will be required.”
Again, freight forwarders, importers and exporters are urged to speak with their container transport providers about the impacts of the extreme delays.
Charges for futile truck trips, truck waiting time at the wharf, weekend surcharge rates, and additional lifts via transport yards, are commercial matters between transport operators and their customers.
Regards,
Neil Chambers
Container Transport Alliance Australia (CTAA)