11/25/2021 | News release | Distributed by Public on 11/24/2021 18:53
Weaker container volumes seen in October
October 2021 was a weaker month for total container throughput (full and empty) with a total of 255,332 TEU, 10.8% below the previous year.
Total container imports decreased 10.1% on October 2020. Imports of furniture, domestic appliances, textiles and miscellaneous manufactures were all down on October 2020 volumes.
Total container exports decreased 11.5% on October 2020. Exports of timber, non-ferrous metals, pulp and waste paper and meat were all down on October 2020 volumes.
Overall October 2021 container trade results compared with October 2020 were as follows:
Trade outlook
Container trade for early November 2021 is tracking similar to the comparative month in 2020 with vessel congestion and delays resulting in some port omissions for Melbourne.
Supply chain
Moving into the traditional peak season, demand globally remains very strong with shipping congestion in Asia and Oceania ports continuing to place pressure on vessel schedules and capacity, resulting in further port omissions and rotations.
Across several Australian ports shipping lines have advised of port omissions in an attempt to recover time in their schedules. Throughout October and early November Melbourne has been impacted by congestion and delays due to previous COVID-19 cases, in addition to protected industrial action affecting terminal labour availability, which has seen subcontracting of some vessels between terminals.
Industrial relations
On November 8th Patrick Terminals lodged an application with the Fair Work Commission (FWC) seeking to terminate industrial action being undertaken by the Maritime Union of Australia (MUA).
Patrick Terminals and the MUA attended a conciliation session on November 10th at the Fair Work Commission in an attempt to find a resolution before the hearing date, with the outcome being that the MUA have agreed to withdraw ongoing industrial action effective from 10th November, with no further action to be notified before 10th December 2021.
Please call your Port of Melbourne contact or email us at [email protected] if you have any queries.
Saul Cannon
Chief Executive Officer
To download a PDF of this update click here.