SYDNEY PORT CONGESTION SURCHARGE

Please note that we’ve received notification from three carriers that they will be implementing a congestion surcharge for containers being imported and exported through the port of Sydney. The reason for this surcharge, as stated by the shipping lines is that it’s due to the ongoing congestion in the port of Sydney, caused by industrial actions which are impacting Sydney’s terminals productivity. Therefore, they’re going to apply a surcharge so that they can continue to maintain their service at the required level apparently.

Below are the details we’ve received from these carriers for your information and we’re already hearing that other carriers are preparing to implement this surcharge as well.  We’ve also received information that some carriers are now bypassing Sydney altogether and discharging in Melbourne or Brisbane with additional costs to be borne by the importers to transport the goods back to Sydney. Our Industry Associations are already appealing to the carriers to try and have these surcharges cancelled and they’re also urgently seeking further meetings with the ACCC and the NSW Government to try and stop the shipping lines and terminals being able to charge these unregulated fees whenever they want.

We will continue to monitor this situation and keep you updated, but unfortunately we’ll have to pass on these below surcharges from these carriers. Please also note that this will affect both FCL and LCL shipments that are already in transit, as these surcharges have been put info affect almost immediately without any prior warning or consultation.

Please see details provided by MSC as follows:

A Congestion Surcharge of USD 300 per 20GP and USD 600 per 40GP will be introduced with the following validity:

• Import cargo: for vessel arrival on the 14 September and onward
• Export cargo: from commercial date 14 September and onward
• For Import cargo from US: from cargo possession on 8 October
• For Export cargo to US: from cargo possession on 8 October

Please see details provided by ANL / CMA as follows: 

A Congestion Surcharge of USD 285 per 20GP and USD 570 per 40GP will be introduced with the following validity:

• Import cargo: for vessel arrival on the 17 September and onward
• Export cargo: from commercial date 17 September and onward
• For Import cargo from US: from cargo possession on 10 October
• For Export cargo to US: from cargo possession on 10 October

Please see details provided by Pacific Asia Express (PAE) as follows: 

A Congestion Surcharge of USD 300 per 20GP and USD 600 per 40GP will be introduced with the following validity:

• Import cargo: for vessel arrival from the 1st October onward
• Export cargo: from vessel departure from the 21st September onward

Below is a link to an article on this matter published by our Industry body which may be of interest and please feel free to contact your CFL representative if you have any questions or if you need to discuss any of these details further.

Click here