Maersk suspends operations related to general strike at Australian terminals

On January 4, DP World Australia received additional protective industrial action notices from the CFMMEU (the Australian Maritime Union sector) for each of the terminals in the Ports of Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Fremantle, and it is understood that the strike action will continue until January 15, 2024.The notices were issued by the CFMMEU (the Australian Maritime Union sector) in response to the strike action.

Maersk has indicated that it will suspend its operations at the Ports of Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne for a certain period of time, but will not be affected by the strike at the Port of Fremantle for the time being, as set out below:

The Australian union is understood to have been involved in strike action since October, carrying out stoppages and 24-hour strikes in a bid to secure an 8 percent annual pay rise. The strike action has resulted in a backlog of some 45,000 containers, causing significant losses.

The stoppages are said to mean that ships importing various commodities such as home appliances and medicines as well as exporting ships loaded with local products such as red meat and fresh fruits will face delays of 10 to 12 days in getting their products overseas.

Brian Hack, managing director of freight forwarder EES Shipping, said the economic and reputational damage to Australia would only continue to worsen if the strikes did not end soon.

Hack added: "This is no longer just an issue for DP World and the Australian Maritime Union, Australian businesses are being significantly impacted and are losing money due to ongoing delays and uncertainty."

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