Global Disruption Updates

New Zealand: As we have previously reported, back in August New Zealand suffered severe rainfall and flooding which caused several road closures and shut down major highways. One of those highways SH 6 - the main route between Blenheim and Nelson - is now undergoing repairs and will be closed until December 18th until those repairs are finalized. As an alternative, traffic will be diverted through SH 63. However, due to this diversion, additional charges will be applicable for cargo shipping EXW. The charges will only be applicable until December 18th when the repairs are scheduled to conclude. 

Australia: Australian towing company Svitzer announced an indefinite lockout of its employees beginning this Friday. When the lockout becomes effective, no vessels will be towed in or out of Australian ports, which will have a big impact on shipping operations. This lockout is in response to industrial action taken by the employees and their unions. 

In other news, due to severe weather hitting Australia over the weekend, many regions there have suffered from flooding and road closures. Unfortunately, a train derailment occurred on the Adelaide to Melbourne line which has caused a rail closure until at least December 5th. Containers are working to be redirected to Melbourne via other routes, but additional delays should be expected.

We are continuing to follow these situations closely, but please plan for additional congestion and delays if you have cargo shipping from Australia.    

Spain: In better news, the truckers strike we reported on last week has officially been called off. Thankfully, disruption was minimal, and cargo flow has returned to normal.