Shipping Outlook

Global and local trade conditions remain fluid, with pricing and service levels continuing to adjust across supply chains.

Across the major trade lanes into Australia, base freight rates are largely holding steady. However, additional surcharges continue to filter through, with emergency bunker (fuel) related charges being applied selectively depending on origin, carrier, and trade lane. As with previous weeks, these remain subject to change.

On the transport side, fuel surcharges for local cartage continue to fluctuate on a weekly basis, reflecting ongoing volatility in fuel pricing.

Airfreight is seeing some tightening in capacity. Airlines are continuing to adjust schedules, with some services being reduced or cancelled due to a combination of operational factors, including fuel costs, demand shifts, and ongoing global disruptions. This is contributing to longer transit times on certain routes and placing upward pressure on rates in affected lanes.

From a global perspective, port congestion remains a factor across several key hubs. Shanghai and Ningbo continue to experience delays, with approximately 630,000+ TEU at anchorage awaiting berthing, although volumes are generally moving through efficiently. Qingdao is also seeing congestion related delays.

In Europe, Hamburg, Bremerhaven and Antwerp are experiencing pockets of congestion, leading to some schedule disruption.

Uncertainty remains around transits through the Strait of Hormuz, with ongoing developments continuing to impact vessel movements in the region.

Locally, Fremantle Port has seen some impact to berthing schedules, with delays caused by vessels arriving outside their allocated windows, along with weather related disruptions earlier today.

Overall, while base rates remain relatively stable, ongoing surcharges, congestion, and schedule adjustments continue to influence total supply chain costs and transit reliability.