Happy Chinese New Year
This year we welcome the year of the rat! Stockwell International would like to take the opportunity to thank everyone we closely work with throughout China and to wish you all a happy and successful Chinese New Year!
Please keep in mind that due to high demand and a large number of blank sailings, freight prices will remain quite high for the period during and after Chinese New Year. We also seen a large amount of rollovers for shipments ex-China as a result of the large amount of services being blanked (see below) so we ask our clients to remain patient during this testing period.
Coronavirus
Please be advised due to Chinese New Year Holidays and the outbreak of Corona Virus the Chinese Government has announced the extend of the Chinese New Year holiday until February 9, most offices will reopen February 10.
Port Authority of New South Wales (Port Authority) has released the current steps being taken to mitigate exposure to Coronavirus. They have developed guidelines for operational employees in line with those issued by the Health authorities. To ensure the safety of employees and crew members working across ports, Port Authority of New South Wales have initiated the following requirements effective immediately:
Masters of all ships due to arrive at our ports are required to declare their last 5 ports of call and confirm that they have no crew members showing symptoms of the novel coronavirus on-board;
Where novel coronavirus is evident, our employees will not be required to board the vessel; and,
Port Authority will delay pilotage services to ships that have transited directly from China, which have been at sea for less than the 14-day quarantine period.
Along with the lower demand for Southbound volume during the holiday period, there will be a high number in blank sailings on numerous voyages during February and into March. This will cause significant delays for cargo being imported from China so we ask our clients to remain understanding during this period. Stockwells will keep you notified of any further updates or delays.
Offshore Treatment Providers Suspended
Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) has received advice from the Department of Agriculture that they have published a notice in regards to an immediate suspension of offshore treatment providers.
See the full list of suspended treatment providers.
Shortage of Methyl Bromide in Singapore
Stockwell International has been advised that that there is shortage of Methyl Bromide in Singapore. With limited slots to treat cargo, treatment will soon no longer be taking new bookings due to this issue.
Singapore treatment provider’s are looing into alternative treatment methods. However, all cargo subject to BMSB treatment in Singapore will be held and shipped in a treatable FAK. Upon arrival in Australia the FAK will be treated at the FCL level.
Due to these delays, we strongly suggest that BMSB fumigation is done at origin to avoid further hold up. Please see the list of approved offshore providers.
If you are unsure if you if BMSB Fumigation is applicable for your shipment please refer to Department Of Agriculture’s website.
Low Sulphur Recovery
Persistent rise in the LSFO prices for bunker will cause the following Low Sulphur Recovery levels from the 1st of March 2020 on transhipment trades from Asia/Americas/Africa to the Pacific Islands.
USD 325 per dry teu USD 488 per reefer teu
This surcharge is to be applied on top of current ongoing rates.
DHL Rate Increase
Please be advised that DHL has reviewed their network performance and as a result they have confirmed a rate increase of 4.9% will apply from 1 February 2020 for all DHL Parcels.
As such this rate increase will need to passed on to all click2ship DHL International Export, Import and Domestic products.
Rate Increases
Fuel Levy
Please note that effective 1st January 2020, Stockwell’s fuel surcharge has increased from 12% to 13%. This increase applies to NSW, QLD and VIC only.
Air Freight Increase
Please note that as of February 1st air freight will be increased; Currently $0.15/kg – Min $80.00
Increase to $0.20/kg – Min $80.00
Extension of Landside Opening Hours – VICT
VICT has announced an extension of Landside operating hours. Starting at 06:00hrs on Sunday 2nd February 2020, VICT will effectively remain open 7 days a week, closing only between 14:00hrs Saturday and 06:00hrs Sunday.
