Concerns raised over Webb Dock containers, noise

Residents of the Melbourne bay-side suburb of Williamstown have raised concerns about towering stacks of containers blocking their view.

According to local newspaper Star, their concerns are due to the impending development of the Webb Dock container terminal at the port of Melbourne which is expected to handle about a million teu each year.

The issue was discussed at a public meeting last week while additional concerns over noise at the terminal were also voiced.

A spokesman for the Port of Melbourne Corporation declined to comment on the container issues but did say residents would be listened to.

“The Port of Melbourne Corporation has an open and transparent consultation program in place,” he told Lloyd List Australia.

A Webb Dock container terminal is seen as the likely home for a third stevedore at Australia’s largest container port, creating the opportunity for an operator like Hutchison to move in and compete with DP World and Patrick/Asciano.

Surge in Australian exports in 2011

National goods and services exports increased 10.2% in 2011 to $313.3bn, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has reported. Top of Form

This is the first time exports have reached more than $300bn during any 12 month period, DFAT says. The record export performance caused an annual trade surplus of $18.3bn, according to the report. Mineral exports led the way to this increase.

Number of pirate attacks drops sharply

Pirate attacks in the first half of 2012 have fallen sharply, according to an International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) International Maritime Bureau’s (IMB) report.

There was a decrease of 66%, with 177 incidents being reported in the January to June period of 2012 compared to 266 in the corresponding period in 2011.

Wider Panama Canal will benefit ship design and operational costs

One of the biggest benefits to ship capacity and fuel efficiency in the near future will be the widening of the Panama Canal, according to experts at Wallenius Marine, one of the Scandinavian shipowners that have been pushing the boundaries of sustainable ship management in recent years.

What effect will an expanded Panama Canal have on ship design? Vessel optimisation demands have seen vessels get larger over recent years to meet operational demands and costs. The width of the Panama Canal has, however, been a limiting factor for far too long.

Tasmania unlikely to challenge Melbourne port fee

Peak body the Tasmanian Freight and Logistics Council (TFLC) has admitted the chances of mounting a legal challenge to the Victorian government’s Port Licensing Fee are slim. Top of Form

The TFLC says it has received legal advice suggesting a court appeal is possible, but has received no support from the Tasmanian government.

Under the Port of Melbourne's new tariff schedule, Tasmanian businesses will pay an extra US$10 million a year. Some wharf fees will more than double.

Nonetheless, the TFLC has taken heart from some apparent concessions from Victorian authorities.

Carriers reduce free box detention time

Shipping lines have announced a reduction in the time available before the shipping line will charge daily detention fees (known as “free container time”). Top of Form

From August 1, several shipping lines will reduce free container time from 10 days to seven days. Free container time will be deemed to begin running from the first day of availability.

Carbon Tax review

We have been advised that in the coming months there will be a review of shipping costs due to the implementation of the Carbon Tax on 1st July, 2012.  We will keep you updated with any changes as they come to hand.

Fremantle port issues continue, with transport & storage costs set to soar – Effective 1st August 2012

In addition to previous ITM Newsletters, port congestion and the lack of infrastructure at Fremantle Port is still causing major transport and handling problems.

The Fremantle Port landside infrastructure is buckling under the strain of record container numbers, and the Transport and Logistics Industry cannot manage the demand.  This is causing major concerns with Importers, Exporters, Shipping Lines, Forwarders, Customs Brokers and Transport Companies.

The Industry, as a whole, has struggled to cope with the increased volumes over the past twelve months, and have been forced into making significant changes / initiatives in order to meet the demand moving forward. These new changes / initiatives will be introduced across the board, affecting all transport companies, and will have a major cost impact on all importers and exporters.

The net effect resulting in increased transport and handling costs – effective 1st August 2012.

Our transport providers, along with ITM will do everything possible to minimise these additional costs, but will need the support and flexibility from our clients to work through this difficult period.

Please contact your Account Manager for further details.



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