DCN December Edition 2019

First published in 1891
December 2019
thedcn.com.au
The voice of Australian shipping & maritime logistics
Awards
Edition
34 Developments in
maritime in NT
40 The air cargo gamechanger
in Sydney
46 Workplace health
and safety feature

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XXXXXX
Contents
34
16
FEATURES
16
34
40
46
The shipping industry’s night of nights
All the winners from the DCN Shipping & Maritime Industry Awards
Northern Territory
Wrap-up of maritime and trade developments in The Top End
Air cargo
Why Western Sydney Airport will be a game-changer for air freight
Workplace health & safety
How a maritime operator in PNG is protecting women in the workplace
COLUMNS
46
40
8 A word from the minister
Deputy PM McCormack discusses
the benefits of the Inland Rail
28 Women in maritime
Exclusive interview with India’s
only female marine pilot
30 40 years of Port Botany
Special anniversary feature
looking back at the history of
NSW’s major trade gateway
32 Industry opinion
The FTA looks at impacts on
exporters of stevedoring charges
54 Trade law
Perspectives from the National
Conference of the CBFCA
56 Port sustainability
2019 World Greenport Congress
58 Industry opinion
Shipping line consolidation study
60 Industry analytics
Analysis of ACCC’s monitoring
report for container stevedoring
62 Out and about
Industry events across Australia
64 Mission to seafarers
Critical support amidst tragedy
66 The grill
From coastal Vietnam to logistics
at RMIT: Professor Vinh Thai
4 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

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maritime in NT
First published in 1891
December 2019
thedcn.com.au
EDITORIAL
ISSUE NUMBER 1253 December 2019
At the 2019 DCN Shipping & Maritime Industry Awards are
(from left) Jeanine Drummond, Alison Cusack, David Field and MC Nicole Livingstone
From the editor
Welcome to the final edition of Daily Cargo News for 2019. It is
something of a cliché, but the year has gone fast. From the point
of view of a reporter, it has been a busy year with many interesting
topics to cover and weighty issues to sink our collective teeth into.
Some examples have been terminal access charges/infrastructure
fees, stink bugs, the federal election and ongoing debates about the
future of coastal shipping.
DCN recently held its Australian Shipping and Maritime Industry
Awards in Melbourne, a tremendous night that was not only a lot
of fun, but also helped celebrate the many high achievers within
shipping and logistics. You can find profiles of all the winners
and a great range of photos in this edition. Thanks to those who
attended, we hope you enjoyed the evening and look forward to
seeing you at the 2020 event.
The year ahead promises to be a fascinating one as industry and
regulators come to terms with new rules governing low-sulphur
content fuel driven by the IMO. As environmental issues become
ever-more prominent, sustainability within shipping and logistics is
sure to be a big issue as well.
DCN would like to thank all of our readers, subscribers and
sponsors for their support during the year. We wish you all a Merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year and look forward to bringing you
all the important news and analysis in 2020.
David Sexton
Editor, Daily Cargo News
Stay up to date with the latest industry news and insights
by subscribing to one of our subscription packages!
thedcn.com.au
Publisher
Lloyd O’Harte lloyd.oharte@thedcn.com.au
Editor
David Sexton david.sexton@thedcn.com.au
Deputy Editor
Paula Wallace paula.wallace@thedcn.com.au
Creative Director Lee McLachlan
Production Manager
Grant Lopez grant.lopez@thedcn.com.au
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Tel: 0431 956 645
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Tel: 02 9126 9713
The voice of Australian shipping & maritime logistics
34 Developments in
Awards
Edition
40 The air cargo gamechanger
in Sydney
46 Workplace health
and safety feature
DCN1219_CoverFinal.indd 1 21-Nov-19 1:23:39 AM
COVER IMAGES
James Morgan
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6 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

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WORD FROM THE MINISTER
Inland Rail:
a national celebration
With the first section of greenfield track already open, Deputy Prime Minister Michael
McCormack recaps what was an important year for Inland Rail
CHRISTMAS IS ALMOST UPON US.
It is a time to pause, celebrate and reflect
on the year’s achievements. But this
Christmas, we can look a lot further back
as we approach the 100th anniversary
of the founding of The National Party
of Australia on 22 January 2020. With
uninterrupted representation in the
Australian Parliament, our party has
achieved much in that time. We’ve fought
passionately for the things we believe in.
We’re passionate about promoting vital
infrastructure across regional Australia and
connecting the regions to the rest of the
country. We’ve always done that. In 1970,
we delivered standard gauge rail between
Sydney and Perth and February is the 50th
anniversary of that achievement. We’re
very proud of our party’s role in delivering
standard gauge from east to west. Today, we
are just as pleased with of our role in building
Inland Rail from north to south and 2019
was a tremendous year for Inland Rail.
A SIGNIFICANT MILESTONE
In August, a significant milestone was
reached with the opening of the first
section of greenfield track – the North
West Connection – with the first trains
already running on this track. The North
West Connection is a 5.3km greenfield rail
track joining the existing Broken Hill Line
to the existing rail track south of Henry
Parkes Way, near Parkes in the Central
West of New South Wales, significantly
increasing the efficiency of trains heading
across Australia.
Inland Rail will help cater to the growing
demand for domestic inter-capital freight
and will provide regional businesses and
farmers with new opportunities to grow
their exports by helping them transport
their produce to market when and where
it is required. By mid-next year, the North
West Connection is scheduled to link up
with the rest of the Parkes to Narromine
section of Inland Rail, which we started
building a year ago.
BENEFITS FOR FREIGHT
The North West Connection is vital for our
freight industry and we will see markedly
improved travel times and capacity for
multiple train movements throughout
the intersecting network, which means,
when Inland Rail is fully operational,
more productive supply chains operating
across Australia. Initial modelling from the
CSIRO indicates an average transport cost
saving of $76 per tonne can be achieved by
shifting specific agricultural supply chains
from road to rail and this CSIRO study is
now being extended right along the route.
BENEFITS FOR THE REGIONS
In October, the Parkes Logistics Terminal
opened. Terminals play a vital role in
the consolidation, storage and transfer
of freight between rail and road — our
terminals are critical to our supply chain
network, ensuring that truck, train, ship
and plane are connected and keeping our
nation running. Parkes is at the centre of
this future connectivity, as we’ve already
seen with the North West Connection
This once-in-a-generation project will transform
the way freight is moved around our great country.
opening up freight supply chains as far
reaching as Perth.
Make no mistake, the regions form
Australia’s economic backbone. They grow
the crops, farm the stock, harness the
energy and help keep some of our most
precious cultural heritage alive. Without the
regions, Australians living in the cities could
never have the lifestyle they enjoy today.
Michael McCormack, Deputy Prime Minister
and minister for infrastructure
So it’s good news that our strong economic
management allows us to invest in projects
with a regional focus, such as Inland Rail.
INFRASTRUCTURE PIPELINE
Inland Rail is a centrepiece of the Liberal
and Nationals government’s $100bn
infrastructure pipeline. This once-ina-generation
project will transform the
way freight is moved around our great
country. It will support 16,000 jobs during
construction and provide a $16bn boost to
our national economy over the long-term.
As individual sections are completed
and added to the national network,
regional producers will have earlier access
to the national capability of Inland Rail.
Today, The Nationals’ 100 year-old
commitment to the regions is stronger
than ever. We have championed
connecting the regions to the rest of the
country from the start. And that’s exactly
what we’re doing.
I would like to wish everyone across this
great nation a happy and festive Christmas
and safe and prosperous New Year.
Image supplied
8 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

News in brief
Full details at thedcn.com.au
Baltic Exchange seeks to raise Asia-Pacific profile
Baltic Exchange chief executive Mark
Jackson and Baltic Exchange Asia head
Lu Su Ling visited Melbourne for a
lunch organised with Maritime Industry
Australia Limited.
Mr Jackson has a strong connection with
Australia. He grew up in Sydney and has
family in Melbourne.
The Baltic Exchange was purchased by
the Singapore Exchange three years ago,
strengthening its connection with the Asia-
Pacific region, something upon which Mr
Jackson is keen to build.
“The Baltic has been positioning itself as,
and I think achieving, a global membership
organisation. We have a small office in
Singapore and they really have relied on…
people coming to Singapore to engage with
us,” Mr Jackson said, when asked about the
purpose of the visit.
“Mining companies
move their offices [to
Singapore] and a lot
of people move their
offices there because
Singapore attracts
business,” he said.
“But the fact is, there
is quite an active shipping
Mr Jackson also spoke of the impact of
the acquisition by the Singapore Exchange.
“The Baltic is now owned by a
regulated entity that is also
a regulator of its own
marketplace,” he said.
“So we put in place
much stricter audit
controls which also led
into us now having an
application to our own
regulator (the Financial
community here in the bulk
side of things in Australia and
we want to see if we can capture
Mark Jackson and
Lu Su Ling
Conduct Authority in the
UK) and I think that having
SGX and their knowledge of
some of that interest and provide services
from the Baltic Exchange.”
marketplaces process procedure has helped
us ‘up our game’.”
FREIGHT VOLUMES BOOST
TASPORTS’ BOTTOM LINE
The highest freight volumes since 2008 propelled
TasPorts to a record net profit for the 2018/19
financial year.
Imoloria The net profit sumenti of $12m was up dist from $5.8m omnis in
2017/18.
Molorem
According
poreruptae
to the
volorpo
TasPorts
rerciende
annual
incipsu
report,
vitionsero eos am sunt, simi, sit aut vellita que esti omnitate pel ium accus aligni.
At the eum company ex et que moved non et more poruntiistis than 15.5m aliatectem tonnes fuga. during Ratibusam restrup ictate labores doluptatiur, velibus di ipsapis.
the Ucius reporting nobiti que period, dellaut a 3% inctur, rise compared ex eatiamet with ommossitiam the et ut eatur aut la nosam quia audae modiOtatecta sin ra nimus eos
mi, previous odis et, financial ut et praepudi year. It consent was the fuga. fourth Ut year duciae in a prorias ut ea vellaut harum el ilibus qui temque cullessiti sim volor.
row the company reported a profit.
The result comprised a trading profit of $14.2m
for TasPorts ($9m in 2017/18), a net loss of $2.1m for
Bass Island Line ($3m loss the previous year) and a
net loss of $103,000 for Southern Export Terminals
(a $235,000 loss the previous year).
Chairman Stephen Bradford said the board
was optimistic profitable performance could be
continued into the future.
“The results allow TasPorts to continue our
significant infrastructure remediation and
renewal program while at the same time providing
appropriate returns to the Tasmanian government,”
Mr Bradford said.
Hobart waterfront
Image supplied; Joel Everard
10 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

INFLATION UP
DESPITE “GLOBAL
HEADWINDS”
Image supplied
VTA elects new president
and vice president
Changes were announced for the Victorian
Transport Association following its annual
meeting, with Mike Lean taking over as
president from Cameron Dunn who has
been in the role since 2016.
Mr Lean is chief executive of national
road transport operator Wettenhalls and is
experienced in the transport sector. He has
experience in both the military and senior
levels of business. As well as previously
holding the role as VTA vice-president,
he was also chair of the important VTA
Finance Committee.
Prior to his appointment at
Wettenhalls, Mr Lean was CEO of the
Port of Hastings Development Authority,
general manager of the shipyard in
Williamstown and operations manager of
a workshop and warehousing distribution
Surveys seek to shed light
on maritime gender diversity
Mike Lean (left) and Cameron Dunn
facility in Wodonga. As an army officer,
he commanded an Infantry battalion in
East Timor.
The VTA Executive Council also elected
Mick Rocke as vice president, who has
experience within the industry and was the
recent recipient of the VTA WFD Chalmers
Award. Dennis Ryan was also re-elected
vice president for another term.
VTA chief executive Peter Anderson
congratulated the new office holders.
“On behalf of the Secretariat of the VTA,
we extend our congratulations and best
wishes to Mike, Mick and Dennis on their
elections and wish them every success,” Mr
Anderson said.
“I would also like to acknowledge and
thank Cameron Dunn for {his} energy,
professionalism and enthusiasm.”.
Two surveys aimed at shedding light on gender diversity in the Australian
maritime sector have been prepared by industry group Maritime Industry
Australia Limited.
One survey is aimed at employees and the other targets business owners and
human resource managers.
MIAL chief executive Teresa Lloyd said the surveys were in keeping with the 2019
World Maritime Day theme of Empowering Women in the Maritime Community.
With this data, MIAL is to analyse how organisations promote diversity and will
look to develop industry initiatives to increase diversity and inclusion.
Whereas the MIAL Seafaring Skills Census 2018 focused on seagoing roles, this
survey intends to explore other roles within the industry.
Although diversity and inclusion encompass a range of groups, these surveys
focus on women.
“The maritime industry is taking great strides toward gender parity in terms of
participation, seniority and remuneration,” Ms Lloyd said.”
A Consumer Price Index indicating
national inflation rising 1.7% in the
year to September showed Australia
is weathering global uncertainty,
Australian Chamber of Commerce
and Industry chief economist Ross
Lambie said.
Dr Lambie also urged the
government to retain a surplus and
resist calls to get spending during a
time of quieter economic growth.
“Although inflation remains
outside the Reserve Bank’s target
range of 2% to 3%, it is promising to
see the September quarter Consumer
Price Index improve from a low of
1.3% in the March quarter and 1.6% in
the June quarter,” he said.
“This is despite global uncertainty
- driven by the US-China trade and
technology dispute, Brexit, protests
in Hong Kong and tensions in the
Middle East - presenting a significant
risk to the Australian economy.”
He said the low inflationary
environment was not unique to
Australia, with low inflation the norm
in many developed countries.
“We urge the government to keep
its focus on achieving the budget
surplus and continue to identify
opportunities for productivityenhancing
economic reform,” Dr
Lambie said.
“It is important we look for reforms
which increase the competitiveness
of SMEs and encourage businesses
to take risks, invest, grow and create
jobs,” he said.”
Dr Lambie said the relatively
low level of inflation suggested the
Australian economy was still to
experience the full impact of the
personal tax cuts delivered in July and
the Reserve Bank’s recent decision to
lower the cash rate to 0.75%.
“We would hope to see these
measures reflected in improved
economic conditions in the next few
months,” he said.
“The downturn in the housing
market over the past year has
weighed heavily on consumer
confidence and held back household
spending. However, there are signs
the housing sector has turned the
corner in recent months, with a
modest improvement in Sydney and
Melbourne house prices.”
thedcn.com.au December 2019 11

NEWS IN BRIEF
Gangway injury prompts
safety warning
Berge Daisetsu
Injuries to two crew members on a bulker prompted a
warning about the importance of adhering to “best practice”
while working aloft.
The incident occurred in early January last year on the
vessel Berge Daisetsu while it was at Portland, Victoria.
A team of six crewmembers were cleaning and painting
the cargo hold.
The crew rigged a portable gangway which that
suspended from the cargo crane hook via slings.
The ship’s crewmembers completed a risk assessment,
however, the equipment and machinery use was contrary to
company policy and procedures.
As two crewmembers worked aloft on the platform, the
crane’s block caught on the coaming and came free, sending
an unexpected heavy shock into the platform.
The two crewmembers were knocked over and landed
heavily on their knees and lower body, causing them
serious injury.
The ATSB investigation found the equipment and
machinery were unsuitable for the task, making hazard
identification difficult, and exposed the workers to
increased risk.
“This accident illustrates the consequence of deviating
from accepted safety management procedures and industry
best practice,” said ATSB director transport safety Stuart
Macleod.
“The use of machinery and equipment contrary to its
intended purpose, makes hazard identification difficult
and exposes those directly involved to significantly
increased risk.”
The investigation also found the fall arrest equipment
used was incorrectly attached to the workers on the
suspended platform.
According to the ATSB, had either of them fallen from the
platform, the equipment would not have worked correctly,
“resulting in serious or fatal injuries”.
Berge Bulk Maritime has completed the supply of
approved working aloft equipment to its geared bulk
carriers and is modifying vessel cranes for personnel lifting.
Port of Townsville
master plan
announced
Sustainable development and protection of the Great
Barrier Reef are twin aims of the Port of Townsville
Master Plan.
Port of Townsville is listed as one of four priority ports
recognised as fundamental to the economic future growth
of the region.
The final master plan for the port has been prepared
by the Department of Transport and Main Roads in
collaboration with Townsville Port, Townsville City
Council, state agencies and other stakeholders, including
community and environmental groups.
Port of Townsville chief executive Ranee Crosby said
finalisation of the master plan was the result of long-term
planning, consultation and environmental stewardship.
“We are acutely aware of our location, in the Great
Barrier Reef World Heritage Area, and undertake a
comprehensive range of environmental programs to
ensure we continue to protect the environmental values of
Cleveland Bay and surrounding areas,” Ms Crosby said.
“As the trade gateway for the North West Minerals
Province, and the largest general cargo and container
port in northern Australia, the master plan articulates our
commitment to responsible stewardship of port lands and
waters.”
Master planning is said to align with other key portrelated
projects associated with the ongoing sustainable
development of the port including the Port Expansion
Project – Channel Upgrade Project, Townsville Eastern
Access Rail Corridor and the Townsville City Deal.
The master plan is to be implemented by a port overlay
- a regulatory document which implements the master
plan that is given effect through existing development
assessment and strategic planning processes undertaken
by the Port, Townsville City Council and the Queensland
Government.
The draft port overlay is open for public consultation
until 16 December.
Aerial view of the Port of Townsville
Berge Daisetsu ; Port of Townsville
12 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

Rail a focus of Port of Melbourne
30-year strategy
Getting more freight on to rail is a key
theme of the Port of Melbourne’s 30-year
Port Development Strategy 2050 that has
been released for consultation.
Port of Melbourne chief executive
Brendan Bourke said the 2050 PDS was
a roadmap for future development and
outlined 10 key projects to improve
capacity, honing in on rail.
“The port’s plan for rail terminals
supports the government’s intention to
move more freight on rail. We are working
with the government to progress this
project,” Mr Bourke said.
“Moving containers by rail will help get
trucks off local roads, particularly in the
inner-west of Melbourne.”
Mr Bourke said the community
increasingly relied on the port to deliver
goods needed to support their daily lives.
“We are committed to investing in the
port to ensure it remains the premier port
in Australia, a cornerstone of the Victorian
economy, and to move goods in and out of
the port to their destination more quickly.”
The 2050 PDS provides a framework for
the next 30 years, yet proponents say it is
also flexible to respond to industry trends
and innovation.
“We will continue to refine the 2050
PDS as new and additional information
becomes available and will refresh the
document every five years,” Mr Bourke said.
There are a number of projects that PoM
forecasts will need to be delivered by 2035
and 2050 to meet demand and supplement
efficiency and productivity improvement
projects. Along with developing several rail
projects these include upgrading Swanson
Dock East and West berths; expanding
Webb Dock East container terminal and
upgrading berths; and developing a new
Webb Dock Norh container terminal, to
name a few.
The 2050 PDS has been developed
together with industry, key stakeholders
and the community, with 190 stakeholders
participating in shaping its development.
It has been welcomed by the Victorian
Transport Association. Chief executive
Peter Anderson said the document was
“significant”.
“The VTA welcomes the Port of
Melbourne’s PDS 2050,” he said.
“The issue for our industry is not about
getting trucks off our roads but how we
better manage the movement of freight
through our communities.”
Mr Anderson said there was no time
for delay.
“The Port of Melbourne needs to
become more productive and efficient
and we need to accelerate these plans as
quickly as possible.
“It is about all stakeholders working
together,” he said.
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thedcn.com.au December 2019 13

NEWS IN BRIEF
LODESTAR AND SWIRE TO PROVIDE
NZ–ASIA BREAKBULK SERVICE
Lodestar and Swire Shipping announced a joint breakbulk
shipping service between New Zealand and North Asia.
Lodestar is the logistics and shipping division of Oji Fibre
Solutions, while Swire Shipping is the liner shipping division
of The China Navigation Company.
The new service is to provide a monthly frequency
carrying pulp, timber and forest product-related cargo.
The two New Zealand ports are Napier and Tauranga, while
the main Asian ports are Incheon (Korea), Qingdao (China),
Lianyungang (China), Onsan (Korea), Tomakomai (Japan) and
Kaohsiung (Taiwan).
A total of three Saiki class 38,000 dwt bulkers are
deployed in the service, MV Glorious Saiki, MV Furness
Portland, and MV Furness Southern Cross.
“Lodestar seeks to provide cost effective shipping
solutions that enable our customers to gain a high degree
of confidence that their products will be delivered on
time and in prime condition,” said Murray Horne, general
manager, Lodestar.
“We are excited to journey on this partnership with Swire,
and confident we can grow and develop our businesses
together in the future.
“Lodestar remains in a strong position to continue to
deliver high-quality shipping and logistics solutions for Oji
Fibre Solutions in New Zealand, as well as for our growing
third-party customer base.”
Swire Shipping general manager projects Chris Blake said
the partnership with Lodestar reinforced their focus on
delivering quality and sustainable shipping services.
“The service will be the foundation for future innovative
solutions, to service New Zealand import and export
cargoes,” Mr Blake said.
“It also underpins our commitment to growing the
shipping industry in New Zealand through strategic tie-ups
with like-minded partners, offering bigger ships, as well as
providing a comprehensive range of shipping solutions that
our customers want and need.”
MV Furness Portland
TasPorts executive general manager Matthew Johnston and
West Tamar Council Mayor Christina Holmdahl presented
Captain Håkan Gustafsson with a plaque and gift
Plaque ceremony onboard
Caledonia Sky cruise ship
Cruise ship Caledonian Sky got a warm welcome on the occasion
of its maiden voyage to Beauty Point courtesy of TasPorts, Tourism
Northern Tasmania and the West Tamar Council.
The small luxury expedition vessel called alongside Inspection
Head Wharf bringing more than 180 passengers and crew to the
Tamar region.
TasPorts executive general manager growth, Matthew Johnston
said the company’s previous $4m investment had enabled
sustainable growth of the cruise industry at Beauty Point.
“TasPorts is supporting regional dispersal of cruise ship
passengers and has invested in infrastructure upgrades at
Inspection Head Wharf to enable expedition ships to call in the
Tamar,” Mr Johnston said.
“The call by Caledonian Sky is the third of her seven scheduled
Tasmanian calls and is the first of two luxury vessels scheduled to
call to Beauty Point this cruise season.”
West Tamar Council Mayor Christina Holmdahl said they were
pleased to see another cruise ship docking.
“The third ship to dock at Beauty Point in the past two years
provides a great boost for our local economy and encourages us that
we’re on the right track with the planned upgrades to the area as
detailed in the Beauty Point Foreshore Master Plan,” she said.
Tourism Northern Tasmania CEO, Chris Griffin said they hoped
cruise ship visits to the Tamar Valley would become a regular
summer occurrence.
“The valley offers exactly what these discerning visitors
are looking for in a Tasmania port visit; great food and wine
experiences enjoyed while meeting real Tasmanian’s and sampling
our unique way of life,” Mr Griffin said.
INDUSTRY EVENTS
2020
23-26 Mar 12th International Harbour Masters Congress, Hobart www.globalportoperations.com
To notify DCN of events please email us at editorial@paragonmedia.com.au
Image supplied; TasPorts
14 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

BRINGING THE PORT
TO THE PRODUCT
T-Ports uses state-of-the-art technology, an innovative business
model and integration in the supply chain to create low-cost,
highly efficient port infrastructure.
The first of its SA developments is at
Lucky Bay, near Cowell on Eyre Peninsula,
with planning underway for a second port
at Wallaroo on the Yorke Peninsula.
The first bespoke transhipment
vessel, currently nearing completion
in China, has capacity for transport of
commodities from SA to other states
- in bulk and by container.
1800 87 67 87 + www.tports.com

2019 DCN AUSTRALIAN SHIPPING & MARITIME INDUSTRY AWARDS
THE SHIPPING & MARITIME INDUSTRY’S
The shipping and maritime logistics industry gathered for
the year’s glitziest gala dinner last month to celebrate the
sector’s outstanding achievers for 2019.
Among the 460 attendees at the Plaza Ballroom in
Melbourne, were The Hon. Melissa Horne, Victorian
Minister for Public Transport and Minister for Ports and
Freight and MC Olympic great Nicole Livingstone.
This year, Daily Cargo News, presented awards in 19
different categories, for the first time offering separate
awards for environmental excellence and safety. Another
first for the event, was its partnership with RightShip which
enabled the event to be carbon neutral.
The evening raised nearly $5000 for the Mission to
Seafarers (Melbourne) via the traditional raffle.
DCN would like to congratulate all the winners, highly
commended entries and all the finalists in this year’s
awards. Additionally, DCN thanks all the sponsors,
especially the event’s host sponsor Port of Melbourne.
The next time the Australian Maritime & Shipping
Industry Awards will take place will be in Sydney in 2020.
James Morgan
16 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

AUSTRALIAN MARITIME
HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE
CAPT. JAMES PATRICK
Fairfax Syndicate
Captain James Ronald Patrick was born in Bothwell, Scotland in 1880. Aged 12 he
ran away to sea, serving as an apprentice on the Glasgow Shipping Company’s
Loch Line which operated clippers to Australia. In 1900 he settled in Sydney.
With the advent of World War 1 James Patrick joined the Royal Australian Navy,
serving in many theatres of war and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Commander.
For his service in the Royal Australian Navy Captain James Patrick received
numerous medals including the Gallipoli Star.
Immediately after the war James Patrick formed a new shipping venture Patrick
Steamship Co Ltd.
James along with his two sons, Ken and Ron, the Reeds and Radfords took on
the establishment, and broke down barriers. He was the first to introduce profit
sharing for his crew.
On July 16, 1941 with Australia’s entry into WWII, James Patrick and
Company’s ships were requisitioned by the federal government to be managed
under the control of the Shipping Control Board with Captain Patrick appointed
as a board member.
Sadly, Captain James Ronald Patrick died suddenly
on May 7, 1945 while playing cards with his family.
He was known as a dynamic, courageous and
passionate person and laid the platform for the
largest stevedoring company in Australia.
This year marks the centenary of the company
Captain James Patrick founded. He would be proud
that his legacy is a company that has been at the
forefront of innovation and achievement.
SPONSORED BY HFW
GENDER DIVERSITY
AWARD
WINNER SVITZER AUSTRALIA
Svitzer is addressing gender inequality in
its workforce through the implementation
of a diversity strategy in efforts to increase
the percentage of women from the current
level of 6.9% (the figure is slightly higher
in shore-based roles and lower in seagoing
roles). Globally the company is led
by a female CEO, Henriette Thygesen and
has strong female representation in its
Australian executive. Svitzer Australia’s
senior leadership team comprises 50%
women. This year, the company will
implement the first two phases of its
diversity strategy, which formalises its
commitment to following through on the
actions outlined over the next two years.
Svitzer Australia’s Nicolaj Noes (far right) and
Nicole Holyer accept their award from Robert Dunn
HIGHLY COMMENDED
LINX Cargo Care Group; Port of Brisbane
SPONSORED BY
Port Authority of New South Wales
thedcn.com.au December 2019 17

2019 DCN AUSTRALIAN SHIPPING & MARITIME INDUSTRY AWARDS
NEWSMAKER OF THE YEAR AWARD
WINNER TERESA LLOYD, CEO, MARITIME INDUSTRY AUSTRALIA LIMITED
Teresa provided the evidence needed via
the MIAL Seafaring Skills Census, to show
the looming maritime skills shortage and
underpinned MIAL’s work to preserve and
build Australia’s maritime skills base. MIAL has
just announced a new scope of work, seeking
information from employees and managers on
maritime diversity. Teresa has fought for the
abolition of the Seacare workers’ compensation
scheme, seeking a better and more sustainable
system. She has also driven awareness of the
potential impact of the sulphur cap 2020 not
just within the maritime industry but across
the Australian economy and has pushed the
coastal trading debate, including via discussion
panels prior to this year’s federal election. MIAL
contributed to the sourcing of $160m for the
SBAS (Satellite Based Augmentation System)
Project, vital for safe navigation in Australia.
Teresa has championed women and diversity for
example speaking at the AMSA-facilitated IMO
World Maritime Day function this year in Sydney,
attended by IMO Secretary-General Kitack Lim.
SPONSORED BY Daily Cargo News
DCN editor David Sexton
and MIAL CEO Teresa Lloyd
PORT OR TERMINAL
OF THE YEAR AWARD
WINNER MIRRAT
Jed Smith and Nathan
Ullrich of MIRRAT
accept their award
from Svitzer Australia
managing director
Nicolaj Noes (right)
Melbourne International RoRo and
Auto Terminal Pty Ltd (MIRRAT) is
Australia’s largest purpose-built roro
and automotive terminal. Situated
within the Port of Melbourne, the facility
began operations in mid-2016 and has
been servicing the Victorian market as
the sole provider of terminal services
to the PCC and ro-ro segments. The
terminal will increase the ports vehicle
and rolling cargo capacity to about one
million units. Key features include 14,000
automotive laydown bays, 20,000 square
metres of heavy-duty hardstand, two
wash bays and a 120-tonne gantry crane.
At the time of judging, MIRRAT had
facilitated 841 vessel calls and handled
more than 830,000 units across a wide
variety of commodities.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Port of Townsville; Victoria International
Container Terminal
SPONSORED BY
Svitzer Australia
18 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

&
THE 2019 DCN AUSTRALIAN
Shipping
Maritime
INDUSTRY AWARDS
WINNER
PROUD WINNERS OF CUSTOMS
BROKER OF THE YEAR AT
THE 2019 DCN SHIPPING
& MARITIME INDUSTRY
AWARDS
Australian owned,
globally focused
All Ports International is proud to have been awarded
Customs Broker of the Year. Professionalism and enhanced
communication with our loyal customer base were crucial
to our strong performance. Talk to us today and see how
our specialist expertise, and innovative customer service,
can make a real difference to your business.
allports.com.au
03 9933 3600

2019 DCN AUSTRALIAN SHIPPING & MARITIME INDUSTRY AWARDS
Dr Rochelle Macdonald (centre) with
Minister Melissa Horne (right) and Sheridan Jones of LINX CCG.
WOMEN IN SHIPPING & MARITIME LOGISTICS AWARD
WINNER DR ROCHELLE MACDONALD
Dr Rochelle Macdonald is an accomplished strategy and
development executive with extensive experience in the
resources, energy and transport industries.
Rochelle was appointed CEO of Mid West Ports Authority
in 2018, having previously led the strategic planning and
organisational change of some of Australia’s leading ports.
Rochelle is the former director of strategy and
development at Dampier Port Authority. She was responsible
for assembling and directing a professional team focused on
the development of the Port of Dampier, Port of Ashburton,
Port of Anketell and Port of Cape Preston East, and success of
infrastructure projects, including Wheatstone and Pluto.
Rochelle’s journey eventually took her east where she
accepted the position of general manager engineering and
development at North Queensland Bulk Ports, going on to
become acting CEO.
After almost three years in Queensland, Rochelle applied
for the position of CEO at MWPA, securing the role out of more
than 200 applicants.
As the fourth female port CEO in Australian history,
Rochelle is also a strong advocate for gender equality in the
maritime workplace.
Rochelle said her executive team at MWPA is a perfect
example of effective promotion of workplace gender diversity.
“I don’t know of any other port in Australia that has that
gender diversity on MWPA executive, with three women and
two men” she says.
“At MWPA, women can do anything. If they want to train as
an engineer, sparky, a boilermaker, it’s open. It’s all about the
best person for the job.”
Using her extensive knowledge of ports spanning almost
two decades, within her first month at MWPA Rochelle had
already embarked on a strategy reset for the organisation.
This includes the release of the draft Geraldton Port
Master Plan – mapping the development and infrastructure
requirements of Geraldton Port to accommodate potentially
significant trade growth over the next 30 years.
HIGHLY COMMENDED Susan Hull; Caroline Zalai
SPONSORED BY LINX Cargo Care Group
Susan Hull (left) and Caroline Zalai
20 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

YOUNG
ACHIEVEMENT
AWARD
WINNER JACKSON MEYER
Establishing Verus Global at the age of
22, Jackson Meyer is leading the next
generation of freight forwarders not
just in Australia but around the world.
He has worked tirelessly to establish
the Verus Global group with 14 offices
in Australia (2), China (7), Hong Kong
and United Kingdom (4). With a global
staff count of 45 and growing, Verus
has a strong focus on connection,
efficiency and innovation. Jackson’s
vision for Verus Global is simple; bridge
the gap between global giants and
local small enterprises. With sales for
FY20 of A$8m and a full-year forecast
showing revenue of A$34m+, he is
well on his way in leading the team to
achieving his mission.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Alison Cusack; Katie Marshall
SPONSORED BY The Merchant Navy
War Memorial Fund
Jackson Meyer accepts Young Achievement Award from David Field
SUPPLY CHAIN INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY AWARD
WINNER MIZZEN
Mizzen provides digital rate
management and pricing software
for the container shipping industry
and operates mizzenit.com, a spot
market rate platform enabling
every major shipping line servicing
the Australian trades to deliver
prices to their customers online.
Shipping lines currently using
Mizzen’s digital platform to
automate and provide an instant
rate quote include Maersk,
Hamburg Süd, ANL, CMA CGM,
APL, HMM, Evergreen and Yang
Ming. The business has benefited
from a collaborative approach with
University of Technology Sydney
and 1 Stop Connections, providing
additional data visibility to the
supply chain.
Darren Burden, Jon Charles and (far right) Glenn Butcher from
Mizzen accept award from MIRRAT CEO Nathan Ullrich
HIGHLY COMMENDED
CSL Australia;
LINX Cargo Care Group
SPONSORED BY MIRRAT
thedcn.com.au December 2019 21

2019 DCN AUSTRALIAN SHIPPING & MARITIME INDUSTRY AWARDS
MARITIME SERVICES AWARD
WINNER ENGAGE TOWAGE
Engage Towage was awarded on the
basis of its salvage work of the crude
oil carrier Densa Whale which had lost
engine power and was immobile off
the coast of New South Wales in May
this year. The vessel was carrying
about 150m litres of Nigerian crude oil.
The nearest ports of Port Kembla and
Port Botany were unable to accept the
ship, so a decision was made to tow it
500 nautical miles to Brisbane using
the specialist vessels SL Diamantina
in tandem with the SL Martinique. The
journey was the longest and largest tow
in Australian waters for more than two
decades and took 28 days, performed
in often extreme weather. Thanks to
the efforts of Engage Towage, the Densa
Whale arrived safely in Brisbane.
Mark Malone (left) and Rob Garrett of Engage
Towage with NSW Ports CEO Marika Calfas
HIGHLY COMMENDED
AUSMEPA
SPONSORED BY
NSW Ports
The award-winning team from Engage Towage
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
WINNER HULLWIPER
Demand for innovative, green technology is on the
rise within the international shipping industry. Stricter
regulation aimed at controlling the harmful effects
of invasive alien species, the need to reduce carbon
emissions and to mitigate the harmful environmental
impact of heavy metals in paints are being taken
onboard by ports and governments round the world.
HullWiper’s ROV is an eco-friendly, diver and brush
free underwater hull cleaning technology which
significantly reduces fuel consumption, enhances
long-term operating efficiency and leaves a clean hull
that results in lower carbon emissions. The company is
committed to further developing the unit as the most
eco-efficient, progressive and environmentally sound
hull cleaning solution available on the market, capable
of transforming the maintenance industry for good.
HIGHLY COMMENDED Ahmet Hasanof
(DP World Australia); Svitzer Australia
SPONSORED BY CSL Australia
Bjorn Bijma and Paul Western from HullWiper with their award
22 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

COSCO SHIPPING LINES
COSCO is proud to be consistently recognised for excellent value
and service by the Shipping & Maritime Industry
THE 2019 DCN AUSTRALIAN
Shipping
Maritime
INDUSTRY AWARDS
HIGHLY COMMENDED
2019 Highly Commended
Liner Trade Award:
Australia to North East Asia
&
THE 2019 DCN AUSTRALIAN
Shipping
Maritime
INDUSTRY AWARDS
HIGHLY COMMENDED
2019 Highly Commended
Liner Trade Award:
Australia to South East Asia
&
THE 20198
DCN AUSTRALIAN
Shipping
&
Maritime
INDUSTRY AWARDS
WINNER
2018 Winner of the
Liner Trade Award:
Australia to North East Asia
coscoshipping.com.au

2019 DCN AUSTRALIAN SHIPPING & MARITIME INDUSTRY AWARDS
SAFETY AWARD
WINNER LINX CARGO CARE GROUP
Anthony Jones, Craig Walker and Michael Kemp accept the award for LINX CCG
LINX CCG is an organisation with more than 4000 employees
across 70 sites in two countries. In a first for the Australian
supply chain and logistics industry, the company released
its very own virtual reality safety training platform in March
2019. VR training is enabling LCCG to immerse its personnel
in diverse situations and expose them to critical risks in
hazardous work environments. The VR platform has enabled
LCCG to deliver consistent safety training across all levels of
the organisation.
HIGHLY COMMENDED Brad Gardner (DP World Australia)
SPONSORED BY CSL Australia
PHOTO BOOTH by Cusack & Co.
This year, the Australian Shipping & Maritime Industry
Awards featured a fun photo booth, in partnership with
law firm Cusack & Co, where attendees could capture a
record of the event with their friends and colleagues.
Barry Thomas of Hamburg Süd (right)
accepts award from Andrew Adam of DPWA
CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD
WINNER HAMBURG SÜD
This award recognises the standard of customer service offered
by individual shipping lines, or their agent, as seen by their
customers. The award was not open for individual nomination –
all shipping lines and their agents were automatically judged via
an online survey of subscribers to the DCN.
HIGHLY COMMENDED Hapag-Lloyd; OOCL
SPONSORED BY DP World Australia
24 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

SEAFARERS WELFARE
AWARD
WINNER JOHN KEWA
As port chaplain and manager of the Mission
to Seafarers Port Kembla, John Kewa has
made some outstanding contributions to
the welfare of seafarers. This year marks 15
years of dedicated work in his role and he is
still actively engaged with the Port Kembla
community. John has singlehandedly
organised sizeable donations from the main
port users which they now make annually,
and he has helped resolve a number of crew
access and transport issues at Port Kembla.
John is one of the two remaining accredited
Ship Welfare Visitors Course Trainers, and
he would not hesitate to travel across the
country to train port chaplains, volunteers
and others. John has trained more than 100
people across Australia.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Capt. Nigel Porteous;
The Flying Angel Club Fremantle
John Kewa (right) accepts his award from Allan Schwartz of AMSA
SPONSORED BY Australian Maritime Safety
Authority
CUSTOMS BROKER
OF THE YEAR
AWARD
WINNER ALL PORTS
INTERNATIONAL
All Ports International was
awarded on the basis of its own
nominations and the testimonials
of clients and customers, all
of whom referred to their high
standard of service. They were
variously described as “a young,
fresh and dynamic company”, with
other references to being “super
helpful” and providing “good oldfashioned
service”.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
3DL, Jason Mesiti
(Famous Pacific Shipping)
SPONSORED BY CBFCA
All Ports MD
Deanne Withers
accepts award
from the CBFCA’s
Zoran
Kostadinoski
thedcn.com.au December 2019 25

2019 DCN AUSTRALIAN SHIPPING & MARITIME INDUSTRY AWARDS
EXCELLENCE IN BULK
LOGISTICS OR HEAVY LIFT
HANDLING AWARD
WINNER
BBC CHARTERING AUSTRALIA
BBC Chartering was named this year’s winner
based on several heavy-lift moves but notably
helping transport a ship unloader from
Zhangjiang in China to Brisbane on the deck of
the ship BBC Olympus. The cargo was expertly
computer-modelled and planned well in advance
of any physical activity. It was a tricky operation
with just centimetres of space to place the big
unit onto the rails while avoiding the existing
structures. Months of preparation from the
commercial and technical teams from BBC staff in
Brisbane and Singapore led to the loading of this
incredible piece of machinery.
Alex Wellington of BBC (right) accepts award from Brett Winter from GeelongPort
HIGHLY COMMENDED Wallenius Wilhelmsen
Ocean; Fracht Australia
SPONSORED BY GeelongPort
FREIGHT FORWARDER
OF THE YEAR AWARD
WINNER
WHALE LOGISTICS AUSTRALIA
Whale Logistics is one of Australia’s
leading freight forwarder and
logistics companies. They deliver
digital-focused freight forwarding
services including comprehensive
sea, air and road freight solutions,
parcel delivery, customs clearance,
ecommerce solutions, warehouse
and distribution and tracking. The
company’s entry was based upon
demonstrated productivity and
efficiency improvements, as well as
impressive sales growth. A number
of case studies, including from major
customer Harvey Norman, were used
to support their nomination. In four
years in business they have become
industry leaders.
HIGHLY COMMENDED
Customs Agency Services; Globelink
SPONSORED BY IMPEX Personnel
Ryan Cummings of
Whale Logistics
(right) accepts
award from Tom
Griffiths of IMPEX
26 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

LINER TRADE AWARD
AUSTRALIA - NORTH EAST ASIA
WINNER MAERSK LINE
HIGHLY COMMENDED Evergreen; COSCO Shipping
SPONSORED BY Port of Brisbane
LINER TRADE AWARD
AUSTRALIA - SOUTH EAST ASIA
WINNER OOCL
HIGHLY COMMENDED Maersk Line; COSCO Shipping
SPONSORED BY Daily Cargo News
My Therese Blank of
Maersk accepts award
from Peter Keyte of
Port of Brisbane
LINER TRADE AWARD
AUSTRALIA - NZ, THE PACIFIC
ISLANDS & PNG
WINNER ANL
HIGHLY COMMENDED China Navigation Co; MSC
SPONSORED BY Leibherr-Australia
LINER TRADE AWARD
AUSTRALIA - NORTH AMERICA
WINNER HAMBURG SÜD
HIGHLY COMMENDED ANL; Maersk Line
SPONSORED BY Port of Melbourne
Tim Mason of OOCL accepts award
from Lindsay Reed of Daily Cargo News
CARBON OFFSETTING by RightShip
For the first time, the Australian Shipping & Maritime
Industry Awards ceremony was a carbon-neutral event,
in partnership with maritime risk management and
environmental assessment organisation, RightShip.
The carbon credits purchased to offset the awards
ceremony will support biodiversity restoration in Australia,
as well as renewable energy generation at the coastal Bac
Lieu wind farm in Vietnam.
ANL director Xavier Eiglier (left)
accepts award from Andrew
Vezos of Liebherr Australia
DCN Publisher Lloyd O’Harte with Rightship
sustainability specialist Sarah Braude
Barry Thomas
of Hamburg Süd
(right) accepts
award from Port
of Melbourne CEO
Brendan Bourke
thedcn.com.au December 2019 27

WOMEN IN MARITIME
Navigating treacherous waters
Reshma Nilofer Naha is the only female marine pilot in India. Her job is to guide ships
on the River Hooghly (sometimes called the Hugli), the route to Kolkata. She attended
the recent Australasian Marine Pilots Institute conference in Sydney and spoke with
Jillian Carson-Jackson about her career and offered some thoughts for the future
What made you consider a maritime
career?
I never dreamt of being in maritime. It was
my desire for an offbeat career that brought
me here. I was at the crossroads looking
for a career option or a change. I saw a
newspaper ad where A.P.Moller and Maersk
(now just Maersk) called for candidates for
a fully-sponsored dual competency bachelor
course (B.Sc. Nautical Science and B.E.
Marine engineering clubbed together) and
they would offer subsequent employment
in their fleet too. I had no second thoughts.
No financial burden for my parents and
employment assurance from the day you
joined college. What more could I ask for?
Reshma Nilofer Naha
Tell me about your career?
After a couple years sailing around the
world aboard some of the biggest Maersk
container ships, I was looking for a career
closer to home. I am the youngest of two
daughters and my elder sister lives abroad.
I had to be closer to my parents and was
looking for a shore option that wasn’t the
typical 9-5 job (I know that I wouldn’t have
survived the monotony).
Another newspaper ad came to my
rescue. I applied for the position of trainee
pilot with Kolkata Port Trust. They sought
applications from junior officers also (no
masters compulsory - due to a big shortage
of masters because of long training periods
in this river passage).
I saw the opportunity to become a
pilot. What followed was six-and-a-half
years of sweat. After extensive training I
became a pilot in early 2018. There has
been no looking back. The job satisfaction
is unparalleled. There is no monotony
and there are challenges galore. The
River Hooghly is considered the most
treacherous river pilotage in the world
with shifting sandbars, varying depths,
an extremely narrow channel and snake
like bends and turns with roaring tidal
currents (up to 10 knots).
What were some of the challenges?
Societal stigma about women in shipping
was among the biggest challenges. Whether
you like it or not, you become a flag
bearer for women. You’re constantly being
watched and judged and sometimes one
gets tired, angry and frustrated. This could
also lead to self-doubt. This is the toughest
battle. To fight that doubting, apprehensive,
discouraging self is what we pioneers have
to somehow overcome. I used methods
like self-pep talks, promising myself to
persevere and drawing support from family
and friends.
We women in maritime need to be
doubly good if not more, to survive here,
to be acknowledged, accepted and taken
seriously. And we women are fortunately so
good at that, multi-tasking and more.
How can we promote maritime careers
for women?
We first need more women out there to
stop the biases, issues and get seafaring
men used to working with women. For this,
we need employers to seriously increase
their female workforce. We still struggle
to get our girl cadets onboard. We need
to give visibility to the champions out
there. We need the women at the helm of
affairs - take those pioneers and put them
in top positions. When they rise, they will
automatically pull up other women along
the way.
What would you like to improve in the
industry?
As an Indian marine pilot I have a few
wishes. We need a robust workforce, bestin-class
personal protective equipment,
license standardisation, more resources,
tools and equipment to help with our work
and better infrastructure. We also need a
better voice as an association of pilots, and
quality safety management systems. These
are what I dream of for my community and
I will work towards.
What else would you like to share?
Being invited to the AMPI conference on
pilotage and port logistics this year has
been the best professional experience for
me, ever. I thank AMPI and the Nautical
Institute of South East Australia for
having sponsored this trip. I have learnt
many lessons. If all goes well, I will have
achieved my dream initiatives for the pilots
community in my country soon enough.
Image supplied
28 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

Gateway to trade and tourism
in regional Australia
Mid West Ports strongly
advocates gender diversity in
the workplace and would like
to congratulate our CEO,
Dr Rochelle Macdonald
on being awarded the
2019 Women in Shipping
& Maritime Logistics Award.
&
THE 2019 DCN AUSTRALIAN
Shipping
Maritime
INDUSTRY AWARDS
WINNER
Mid West Ports Authority has been overseeing safe, secure and efficient port and
marine services in the Mid West region since 1969. MWPA manages one of WA’s most
diverse operations in the Port of Geraldton, facilitating trade to 27 countries and the east
coast of Australia
www.midwestports.com.au
Tel: 08 9964 0520 I PO Box 1856 I 298 Marine Terrace I GERALDTON WA 6531

40 YEARS OF PORT BOTANY
NSW Ports is prioritising on
dock rail solutions to remove
trucks from Sydney’s roads
The rich history of Port Botany
When Port Botany was commissioned on 10 December 1979, there were great
expectations about its potential. Since then, it has cemented its place as the heartbeat
of the New South Wales economy, writes Paula Wallace
SYDNEY’S PORT BOTANY OPERATES
and how these factors have changed over
meeting the state’s large bulk liquid needs,”
around the clock handling goods and
time,” she tells Daily Cargo News.
Ms Calfas says.
delivering $3.7bn to annual gross state
“Many people assume that Port Botany
product. It has been central to the
has been around much longer than 40
AN ISLAND NATION
state’s development since it commenced
years. In fact, it doesn’t seem such a
Australia is an island nation and the state
operations 40 years ago.
particularly long time for an asset that has
of NSW has the largest population in the
To mark this anniversary, the operator
become so critical to the economy and our
country. Forty years ago the port was built
of Port Botany, NSW Ports, has compiled
lives. It begs the question, how was NSW’s
to allow NSW to handle the then new
40-plus highlights covering the port’s
trade handled before Port Botany?”
form of goods transport – containers - as
history, which it will unveil as part of
The initial construction of the port
Sydney Harbour did not have the large
celebrations in December.
was a feat in itself, and involved the
expanses of land required for container
The good news, according to NSW Ports
reclamation of 260 hectares of port land,
storage and handling.
CEO Marika Calfas, is that Port Botany
access roads, and community parkland.
Botany Bay was identified as the best
still has capacity to handle forecast trade
Wharves, berths and associated facilities
choice to meet the state’s expanding port
growth and she is keen to create awareness
were constructed behind a two-kilometre
needs. It would provide berth and storage
amongst the people of NSW of the port’s
armoured embankment designed to absorb
opportunities with large flat areas of land;
role in their lives.
and dissipate large storm waves.
a deep shipping channel; and proximity to
“The arrival of Port Botany’s 40th
“It was a mammoth undertaking that
distribution areas.
anniversary has given us the opportunity to
reflect on Port Botany’s current operations,
the role the port plays in our society today
delivered a world class facility that could
handle the largest vessels calling Australia
– both at the time, and today – while also
“Port Botany is integrally linked to our
lives and our lifestyles. In fact, in a Sydney
home, 42% of all household goods have
TIMELINE
1969
NSW Government approved the
development of port facilities in Botany
Bay as a port for containers, bulk liquids
and coal. The plan also included a
channel dredged to 21 metres and the
reclamation of 670 hectares of land
stretching from Bumborah Point towards
Sydney Airport.
MARCH 1979
The first container ship arrived at Port
Botany’s ANL terminal (now operated by
Patrick Terminals). The vessel, the Hyogo
Maru, berthed at 10am on 12 March 1979
and exchanged 150 TEU.
DECEMBER 1979
NSW Ports
Port Botany’s Brotherson Dock was
formally opened, beginning a new era for
shipping in Australia.
FEBRUARY 1982
Construction of the second container
terminal at Brotherson Dock
completed. The southern terminal
on Brotherson Dock was operated by
CTAL (now DP World) and brought the
total container capacity of the port to
600,000 TEU per annum.
APRIL 1998
Port Botany became one of a number
of venues involved in the ‘Australian
waterfront dispute’.
30 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

Port Botany is vital for liquid bulk trades
A typical setting at Port Botany
Marika Calfas, CEO, NSW Ports
been imported through Port Botany,” Ms
Calfas says.
It is also Australia’s largest common
user bulk liquids facility. When the bulk
liquids facility opened in 1979 it meant
that fuel no longer had to be trucked from
Melbourne to Sydney, as Sydney could be
supplied directly.
“Critically, Port Botany supports the
livelihoods of 25,000 people through job
creation,” she says.
LOOKING AHEAD
More recently, the Port Botany Expansion
project was a significant event in the
history of Port Botany. It was the biggest
expansion of the port since its original
construction.
The $1bn project included the design
and construction of the third container
terminal for Port Botany, and took more
than 10 years to deliver from inception to
commissioning.
The other significant event was the
introduction of automation into the port,
with Port Botany now boasting two semiautomated
container terminals.
NSW Ports wants to increase the volume
of cargo moved by rail, to reduce truck
growth and has a long-term goal to move
3m TEU by rail.
“This is important for our communities
because for every 1m TEU moved by rail, we
reduce the number of trucks to and from
Port Botany by 900 trucks per day,” Ms
Calfas says.
NSW Ports is also active in conserving
ecology and cultural heritage values at
its sites such as the endangered frog
breeding ponds.
Ms Calfas says one of the most
critical initiatives is to prevent urban
encroachment, to preserve a buffer between
port operations and residential areas.
Port Botany operates 24/7 to meet the
demand of businesses and consumers,
and residential development within close
proximity to the port can pose a risk to
ongoing operations.
“We are strong advocates for
strengthening the legislative planning
controls that protect port assets and
surrounding freight lands, which are
crucial to efficient port operations.
“And whilst there has been considerable
investment in the port over the last 40 years,
there will need to be continued investment
going forward,” Ms Calfas says.
* NSW Ports will celebrate Port Botany’s
40th anniversary in December and will release
its 40 highlights book through DCN at:
www.thedcn.com.au
JUNE 2000
Port Botany reached the milestone of
one million TEU per annum.
2001
The single biggest development at
Port Botany, the ‘$1 billion Port Botany
Expansion’, was announced in 2001.
The project was designed to cater for
long-term trade growth and included
the design and construction of the third
container terminal.
2010-11
Total container trade through Port Botany
passed two million TEU for the first time.
JULY 2012
Patrick Stevedores committed to
expanding its Port Botany container
terminal and converting it to
AutoStrad operations.
APRIL 2013
NSW Ports took over the management of
Port Botany on a 99-year lease from the
NSW government.
NOVEMBER 2013
Port Botany’s third container terminal
commenced operations on Hayes Dock,
marking the start of operations for
Hutchison Port Holdings.
2019
Container volumes at Port Botany
continued to grow, reaching 2.6 million
TEU in 2019. There are predictions NSW
container volumes could triple to over
seven million TEU in the next 30 years.
thedcn.com.au December 2019 31

INDUSTRY OPINION
Exporters worst hit by
stevedore charging regime
Paul Zalai provides a response to the recent DPWA announcements of increased
infrastructure surcharges and ancillary fees effective 1 January 2020
THE INFRASTRUCTURE SURCHARGE
AN EXPORTER’S PERSPECTIVE
to another 265% increase in just over a
(now more appropriately renamed by
In recent correspondence we received from
year, surprising for a system that uses an
DPWA as a Terminal Access Charge) will
Fletcher International Exports in Dubbo
“electronic” user interface.
increase at Fremantle, Melbourne, Sydney
NSW, the impact of the Infrastructure
Again, we ask that stevedores recover all
and Brisbane and will apply to all full
Surcharges/Terminal Access Charges
costs from commercial clients rather than
containers received or delivered to/from
highlighted a significant reduction in
imposing unregulated and increasing costs
landside operators to the terminal. Full
margins that are passed down the supply
on transport operators who have no option
containers received or delivered via road
chain to the farmer through lower paddock
but to pay for terminal access.
will be charged to the road carrier through
prices for their grain.
the 1-Stop Vehicle Booking System. Full
“For FIE’s NSW business alone the
WHO BENEFITS?
containers received or delivered to rail will
infrastructure levy equates to a whopping
It also needs to be questioned ‘who is
be charged to the rail terminal operator as
$1,775,600.00 paid annually, ultimately
benefiting by increased VBS fees’? The
a separate item on the invoices produced.
creating the equivalent void back with
DPWA Fremantle Notice justified an
As outlined in the table, DPWA has the
regional farming communities,” FIE says.
increase in fees by stating initiatives have
highest Infrastructure Surcharge/Terminal
The correspondence also highlights there
delivered a 20% improvement in road
Access Charge of all Australian stevedores.
has been no commensurate performance
efficiency for carriers and contributed
The rate of increase is particularly alarming
improvement from stevedores since
to an increase in rail utilisation. This
with no signs of abating. To put this in
the introduction of the Infrastructure
statement is at variance to the recently
context, the rate at DPWA in Melbourne
Surcharges/Terminal Access Charges and
released ACCC Container Stevedoring
has gone up from $3.45 to now being $98.
expressed serious concerns that there are
Monitoring Report 2018-19 report that
This equates to a staggering 2850% increase
no regulated controls to cap existing costs.
clearly shows truck turnaround times in
in just three years.
The impacts are forcing FIE to consider
Fremantle worsened by 1.6% to an average
We continue to ask regulators to look
a move away from containerised trade
of 22.4 minutes and truck utilisation went
at this model adopted by all Australian
movements to bulk vessel alternatives.
down 1% to 2.41 TEU per truck.
container stevedores of collecting revenue
from third party transport operators. Our
ROAD (VBS) ANCILLARY CHARGES
LEAD TIME FOR FEE INCREASES
argument remains that all charges should
The “sleeper” in the debate is the
DPWA say they recognise the importance
go back to the stevedore’s commercial client
administration fee for the electronic
of working closely with transport
being the shipping line. It is then up to
Vehicle Booking System that will also
operators as part of implementing new or
the shipping line to either absorb this cost
increase at all four of our terminals,
increased charges which is why they are
or pass it on in a negotiated commercial
effective from 1 January 2020. While we
providing extended notice, of 60 days, to
relationship with freight forwarders,
are focused on the main Infrastructure
assist with this transition. The reality is
importers or exporters.
Low margin commodity exporters are
particularly hardest hit by Infrastructure
Surcharges/Terminal Access Charges at a
time also when drought and other supply
chain pressures are impacting exports.
Surcharges/Terminal Access Charges,
ancillary charges are also rapidly increasing
with a VBS administration fee (electronic)
being charged $18.45 per slot from 1
January 2020, when in December 2018
they were only $6.95 per slot. This equates
there is no transparency in the process
and furthermore, DPWA’s definition of
consultation is to give us, as the peak
shipper industry body, a courtesy call
15 minutes before making the formal
announcement.
Aerovista Luchtfotografie
32 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

Sixty days lead time is insufficient and is
in fact a reduction to similar announcements
DPWA made the previous year that offered
a 90-day lead time. We received an example
of the impact to a major WA exporter that
these charges will cause significant losses
on existing forward supply commitments
and threaten the future viability of much
of their business.
“These fee increases equate to more
than $1.50 per tonne on every container
that we ship through DP World Fremantle
from 1st January 2020. This fee has also
been without consultation or sufficient
pre-warning, extending the losses to our
existing businesses caused by the abovementioned
Low Sulphur Fuel Surcharge.”
SUPPLY CHAIN IMPACT
Furthermore, transport operators are
understandably passing Infrastructure
Surcharges/Terminal Access Charges
down the supply chain, usually with an
additional administrative fee causing a
further cascading effect of costs onto
exporters and importers. Again, this adds
weight to our argument fees should be
negotiated and paid via contracted parties
and not imposed on transport operators.
RE-BALANCING REVENUE RECOVERY
DPWA provide a general rationale of
increased Infrastructure Surcharges/
Terminal Access Charges at each of their
four container terminals that they are
experiencing rising costs in the most
dynamic and competitive market conditions
in decades. DPWA claim a need to rebalance
revenue recovery from waterside to landside
to adequately account for landside costs and
being fundamental to a sustainable future
in this challenging market.
If the stevedores are in fact
“rebalancing” revenue recovery, then the
obvious beneficiary are shipping lines who
are paying them less. The latest ACCC
Container Stevedoring Monitoring Report
2018-19 shows revenue from quayside
falling from $266.10 per lift in 2009/10 to
just $190.40 per lift in 2018/19, almost a
40% reduction. The report also says since
the last reporting period (between 2017/18
and 2018/19), the quayside revenue per lift
has reduced by 8.1%.
Remarkably, in a depressed economic
environment, stevedores have still
managed to increase average revenue per
container lift for the first time in seven
years. According to the ACCC report, this
is attributable to the continuing cycle
of increases in stevedore Infrastructure
Surcharges. Something does not stack up
as shipping lines are certainly not passing
on savings to exporters and importers via
lower terminal handling charges. The result
being that exporters and importers are
copping a double whammy of increasing
charges without any offset or reduction
in shipping line administered terminal
handling charges.
FINAL THOUGHTS
While Infrastructure Surcharges/Terminal
Access Charges provide stevedores with
a healthy profit, they have significantly
increased the commercial strain on
logistics service providers who must carry
the impost of the charges in the first
instance and ultimately pass costs onto
exporters and importers.
Paul Zalai, director and co-founder of the Freight
and Trade Alliance and secretariat to the
Australian Peak Shippers Association
According to the World Bank Group
report Doing Business 2019, Australia
ranks 103rd for “trading across borders”
which measures a variety of costs
including domestic transport. These
spiralling increases in unregulated fees
administered by Australian stevedores
will only further negatively impact on our
international standing.
While we continue to benefit from Free
Trade Agreements, Mutual Recognition
Arrangements and the like, our respective
state and federal governments now need
to look at market access barriers at our
ports and introduce regulation to support
our trade sector. More must be done to
ensure a level-playing field for shippers and
transport operators.
INFRASTRUCTURE SURCHARGES - AS AT NOVEMBER 2019
Image supplied
STEVEDORE
PORT
INFRASTRUCTURE
SURCHARGE/ TERMINAL
ACCESS CHARGE
DATE
COMMENCED
TERMINAL ACCESS CHARGE
INCREASE COMMENCING
1 JAN 2020
Flinders Adelaide Container Terminal Adelaide $28.50 per full container + GST 1 Jul 18
Australian Amalgamated Terminals Brisbane $38. 70 per full container + GST 8 Nov 18
DP World Australia Brisbane $65.15 per container + GST 1 Jan 19 $89 per container + GST
Hutchison Ports Brisbane $50 per full container + GST 19 Aug 19
Patrick Brisbane $71.50 per laden container + GST 4 Mar 19
DP World Australia Fremantle $8.22 per container + GST 18 Sep 17 $45 per container + GST
Patrick Fremantle $7.50 per laden container + GST 12 Mar 18
DP World Australia Melbourne $85.30 per container + GST 1 Jan 19 $98 per container + GST
Patrick Melbourne $82.50 per laden container + GST 4 Mar 19
Victoria International Container Terminal Melbourne $85.00 per full container + GST 1 Mar 19
DP World Australia Sydney $63.80 per container + GST 1 Jan 19 $91 per container + GST
Hutchison Ports Sydney $63.11 per full container + GST 18 Nov 19
Data collated courtesy of the Australian Peak Shippers Association, Freight & Trade Alliance and the Container Transport Alliance Australia
thedcn.com.au December 2019 33

NORTHERN TERRITORY
FUELLING CHANGE
in the
An LNG vessel at Port of Darwin
34 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

Beyond the tropical setting there is work going on in and around
Darwin’s port by way of new infrastructure, writes David Sexton
Port of Darwin
Lying closer to Bali than Sydney, the city of Darwin,
capital of the Northern Territory has naturally
attracted dreamers. Those who see the big picture
and the region’s ability to connect Australia with
its Asian neighbours. Sometimes these dreams
may have been over-ambitious – the Alice Springs to
Darwin rail connection is not universally loved - but
there is much going on at present which suggests
justifiable cause for optimism.
One large new project for Darwin is the ‘ship lift’,
with the Territory government set to build the largest
dry dock facility in Northern Australia. Not only
is it seen as a job creator in the short term but also
positioning Darwin as an international and national
player in the marine services industry.
Territory-owned and based Paspaley Group is
partnering with the government in the $400m project.
The company owns and maintains a large fleet of
vessels, with many sailing in and out of Darwin
harbour regularly. The vessels currently maintained in
Darwin will help ensure the ongoing viability of the
ship lift, as the anchor tenant for the facility.
The NT requires a ship lift to maintain vessels
operating in or visiting Darwin harbour both now and
for the future. The new facility is said to be crucial
to keep pace with the growing industry demands and
increasing vessel sizes.
Darwin is the only functional deep water harbour
in Northern Australia, enhancing the need for this
infrastructure. Construction of the facility is set to
start in 2021 with the concept to be operational in
2023. The ship lift is to be 103m in length, 26m wide
and have a draft of 6m.
Key design features of the ship lift include 20
hectares of hardstand area for ship repair and
maintenance works; ship lift capable of lifting vessels
up to 5,000 tonnes; and four wet berths (wharves).
A spokesperson for the Northern Territory
Department of Trade, Business and Innovation said
the ship lift would be an improvement on anything
currently operating in Darwin.
“The current commercial ship lift facilities in
Darwin are aging and small, and the ship lift at the
Coonawarra Naval Base is due to be decommissioned
by 2024,” the spokesperson said.
Such developments auger well for the development of
the Darwin and NT maritime cluster.
THE PORT OPERATOR’S PERSPECTIVE
It is a theme taken up by Darwin Port’s CEO Darren
Lambourn, who moved into the top job three months
ago replacing Terry O’Connor.
Darren Lambourn’s journey to becoming Darwin
Port CEO is a long one.
Originally a Queenslander, he started his career
with P&O as a stevedore and tradesman. He has held
senior management role roles with ports (Bunbury
and Albany), was general manager for port and marine
for Pilbara magnetite project CITIC Pacific Mining,
and also worked for QUBE at Port Hedland, getting
Utah Point “up and running”.
“I basically came from the floor,” he says.
So how has he enjoyed the role so far?
“Yes it’s great, good climate here,” he says. “The
people [in Darwin] make you feel very welcome. I like
the tropics and it suits myself and my family very well.”
Mr Lambourn tells DCN about some of the services
offered by Darwin Port and where growth is occurring
starting with gas.
“With the gas it is certainly growing, we offer
services and with INPEX coming on board we’ve seen a
good increase in vessel movements through the port.”
The Ichthys LNG Project’s involvement with
Darwin officially started in September 2008, when
operator INPEX and then sole joint venture partner
Total announced the NT as the preferred home for its
onshore processing facilities.
Since then, INPEX has opened an office in the
Darwin CBD, the project was granted environmental
approval, a 3500 person accommodation village in
Howard Springs was completed and two dredging
campaigns helped deepen the shipping channel in
Darwin Harbour.
At Bladin Point, a 361 hectare site is carefully
being transformed into one of the world’s largest LNG
processing facilities.
“It is looking good for gas and new reserves of gas
that are coming through. The industry up here is
pretty buoyant and the same with the onshore gas and
exploration, that is exciting,” he says.
Mr Lambourn talks of onshore gas finds being “a big
game-changer for the Northern Territory”.
Darwin’s economic growth is generally considered
to have dipped since completion of the INPEX facilities,
but there are positive signs.
“In regards the Northern Territory, we’ve sort of
been on a downward incline since the construction of
INPEX. It’s like any regional city,” he says.
“I was at [Port] Hedland and also at Karratha from
the boom to the downward slide and I think that’s
where we are at the moment.
“We’re coming out of the slide – we see
improvements, we certainly see improvements in
mineral deposits and especially in smaller volume,
higher value products like lithium and copper. We see
big growth there.”
He notes recent exploration activity by major miner
Rio Tinto.
thedcn.com.au December 2019 35

NORTHERN TERRITORY
An artist’s impression of the new ship lift to be built in Darwin
Mike Hughes,
managing
director,
Landbridge
We certainly see
improvements in
mineral deposits
and especially
in smaller
volume, higher
value products
like lithium and
copper.
Darren
Lambourn,
Port of Darwin
Mr Lambourn describes TEU throughput as “a
reflection of the NT economy”, in that it is relatively
quiet at present.
“I do see an increase over the next 18-months to
three years in [container trade] through the port which
is great,” he says.
Mr Lambourn talks about the significance of pilotage
for the Port of Darwin, being as it is a service centre.
“We are also a service provider and offshore gas
is really important for us. We need to harness that
business. When you are a service provider in the way
of pilotage, you need to make sure you keep your
customers happy.
“So that is certainly one area we focus on in the
marine side.”
AN ACTIVE ROLE
Mr Lambourn talks about helping people develop their
deposits of key commodities.
“Because we are now leased to a private business
(Landbridge), we can actually do a little bit more than
we used to do and potentially become partners in some
projects to get them over the line,” he says.
“We have a lot of really good people with great
expertise who we can actually help get these projects
over the line.
“We have a number of businesses all wrapped up
in the port – like any port in Australia has a number
of facets – and they are all important to us and we are
concentrating on each of those individual areas.
“That is what will be key. It is not about growth in
one area – it is about incremental growth in all areas.”
BREAKBULK AND COASTAL TRADES
Breakbulk and project cargo is an important trade
sector for Darwin and something upon which Mr
Lambourn is keen to expand.
“It is a big role here, it depends when it happens, the
same as with a lot of regional ports,” he says.
“So when it’s ‘on’ it’s on and it is jam-packed with
breakbulk and that cargo. At the moment it’s not
on, but as various projects come back online as they
will over the next 18-months, I will see a lot more
breakbulk through here.
“[The lull] gives us an opportunity to plan for the
next breakbulk surge and look at our land use plan.
How do we look at our land use plan and how we
can develop that land use to make it better and more
efficient?”
Darwin also plays an important role in coastal
trades, helping link small island communities such as
the Tiwi Islands and into the Gulf of Carpentaria, via
businesses such as Sea Swift.
“We work closely with some providers of that
offshore trade and we will see more of that closer
working relationship closer down the track.
“It is really important for those communities to get
produce through [the ports].”
ASIAN PICTURE
DCN asked Mr Lambourn if Port of Darwin could
take advantage of its proximity to Asia or whether its
distance from the bulk of the Australian population
rendered any advantage limited.
Mr Lambourn believes there are many benefits to
be leveraged.
“As more efficiencies happen on rail and it becomes
more cost-effective, there are huge opportunities for
the Northern Territory and Darwin,” he says, adding
that it takes only three days to sail to Indonesia.
NT government; David Sexton
36 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

NORTHERN TERRITORY
The Darwin waterfront
Darren
Lambourn, CEO,
Darwin Port
Looking forward,
one of our
challenges has
always been
that the scale
of particularly
containerised
traffic through
Darwin is small.
Mike Hughes,
Landbridge
“Then if more coastal shipping comes about… once
that happens, I think we are going to be a very strategic
part of the Australian shipping route... for the reason
that we have a lot of land in Darwin, a good workforce
and we are so close to Asia.
“Certainly we are well-positioned.”
NEW INFRASTRUCTURE
Mr Lambourn is enthusiastic about some of the new
infrastructure being put in place.
“We are putting in [space] for reefers [containers]
and looking at the beef trade increasing, we do 400,000
head through here [a year], we certainly are the biggest
exporter of live cattle in Australia,” he says.
“We also see an opportunity for frozen beef. So
we’ve started that infrastructure and we are looking at
expanding the cruise terminal,” he says, adding that
the port also provides services to the Australian Navy.
“The NT government are looking at putting the ship
lift right on the doorstep of the port and we see some
opportunity there as well to be able to help facilitate
some of that industry through there as it grows.
“So we are looking at opportunities that come our way.”
Darwin has the additional advantage of plentiful land.
“The thing we have here is a lot of unutilised land in
the port boundaries. So what is that going to best fit for
both Darwin Port and also assisting the other trades and
trying to navigate those waters,” Mr Lambourn says.
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
Mr Lambourn says the port needs to plan for the next
20 to 25 years.
“Is [the future} going to be bulk, is it going to be sheds
for high quality products? A lot of [our focus] is about that
planning, customer engagement, talking to customers
and showing exactly what we have got in Darwin.
“My vision… is to run a really good operation here
and that warrants people want to come and have their
trade through this port,” Mr Lambourn says.
“Number one, we need to make a profit that is
normal for any business. But also services, I think there
is a whole heap of services we could provide.
“I would like to see good occupancy rates on our
berths, a good, efficient workforce and getting product
away from the quay line large storage facilities and
then back into the community and even to South
Australia,” he says.
THE LANDBRIDGE ACQUISITION
Landbridge acquired (via long term lease) the Port of
Darwin in late 2015 and earlier this year, DCN spoke
with Landbridge managing director Mike Hughes about
the experience to date.
“Overall very positive I think,” Mr Hughes said at
the time.
“It is fair to say we leased the port in what was
a downturn in the cycle, commodity prices were
down, the Ichthys project was coming to the end
of construction and there was a bit of a gap before
commissioning and production.
“But the upward trajectory in business has happened
pretty much as we had expected, so Ichthys is now in
production.”
“[Darwin is] a very significant exporting port.
Port of Darwin
38 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

“Some of the minerals have come back. So the port is
performing very well, or as expected, and certainly
our ongoing relationship with the Northern
Territory government has been very positive so we
are working very collaboratively on the development
of the north generally.”
Mr Hughes notes the relatively small scale of
container trade at Darwin.
“Looking forward, one of our challenges has always
been that the scale of containerised traffic through
Darwin is small, so maintaining a cost-effective supply
through Darwin is a challenge and we clearly need to
build scale.”
MACRO PERSPECTIVE
If Darwin Port often reflects the state of the NT
economy, it is worth seeking some macro perspective.
In a recent economic briefing paper, Deloitte Access
Economics forecast the Territory economy to grow by
an average of 2.7% per annum over the five years to
2022-23, compared with forecast national growth of
2.5% over the same period.
“This is the second highest forecast five-year
average economic growth of the jurisdictions, equal
with Victoria, and is largely driven by exports. In
other jurisdictions, the five year annual average
economic growth ranges from 1.7% per annum in
South Australia to 2.9% per annum in Queensland,”
DAE stated.
Professor Rolf Gerritsen, principal researcher
and professorial research fellow at Charles Darwin
University is of a similar mind.
He notes that while the economy of Darwin is
still fairly slow, there were positive signs in other
parts of the Territory, for example a slight increase
in Alice Springs house prices “for the first time in
about five years”.
“I think it is partly that we had an unprecedented
tourist boom, mostly in central Australia,” Professor
Gerritsen says.
“In the north, or the Darwin region specifically,
tourism has been flat, and they’re looking for more
cruise ships to come in which looks like it might
happen,” he says.
“Tourism in the Territory has gone up, but mostly
PORT OF DARWIN 2018-19 STATS
TOTAL
^13 %
2154 vessel visits
Dry bulk exports
892,000
tonnes
114
LNG vessel visits
^ 64 in total
^%16
because of a huge increase in Central Australia.
“A huge number of people went to Uluru to climb
it in the last few months. That boom I suspect will
evaporate next year.”
Professor Gerritsen says the Territory mining
industry is “looking good”, notably phosphate and the
Nolans Bore rare earth deposit which is attracting
interest due to geopolitical tensions with China – a
major supplier of this commodity to the world.
“[Nolans Bore] is attracting a lot of attention.
The company that owns it, Arafura Resources, is a
fairly small Perth company. They are trying to get the
Australian government or the American government
– they’ve actually had talks with the US government –
because rare earth deposits are a strategic commodity
these days,” he says.
“That mine will go ahead, however it is financed.”
Overall, he says, mineral trades are going well, with
the exception of iron ore.
Cattle exports are also an area of strong business,
with predictions of an increase particularly if access
is gained to Indigenous land.
“One of the constraints on the Territory cattle
industry, particularly further south from Katherine,
is that there aren’t enough bores.”
Livestock exports
397,000
^9 %
Cruise
ship visits
^9 %
Source:
Port of Darwin
Who helps those who are key to our industry?
Janice Carlson; Dudarev Mikhail
Piracy, shipwreck, abandonment and separation from loved
ones are just a few of the problems merchant seafarers face.
Around the world, The Mission to Seafarers provides help
and support to the 1.5 million men and women who face
danger every day to keep our global economy afloat.
Your financial support would be much appreciated.
Donate now: BSB 062 074 Account 1000 8062 (Tax-deductible)
www.missiontoseafarers.org.au
THE MISSION TO SEAFARERS, Sydney
24 Hickson Rd, Millers Point NSW 2000
Tel +61 (0)2 92413009
enquiries@missiontoseafarers.org.au
thedcn.com.au December 2019 39

AIR CARGO
Jaromir Chalabala
40 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

Picked one day and on plates in
Asia the next – this is what the
future of freight in Australia looks
like and it’s in the air, writes Janine Hill
Air freighting goods to and from Australia is tipped to grow significantly in
coming years. At the heart of this transformation is the Western Sydney
International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport, a project that is set to be a
game-changer for domestic and international freight.
The Australian Government is investing up to $5.3bn in equity to
deliver the airport at Badgerys Creek through a government-owned company,
Western Sydney Airport.
Unrestricted by curfews, the airport will offer unprecedented opportunities
for freight movement around and in and out of the country and will have a big
impact on business.
WSA chief Graham Millettt predicts the benefits of 24/7 flights will
be most noticeable in industries with products that are time or even
temperature-sensitive.
“The opportunities for agribusiness are significant, with fresh Australian
produce from across the region and beyond into regional New South Wales
capable of being harvested from paddocks and onto plates in Asia overnight,”
he tells Daily Cargo News.
thedcn.com.au December 2019 41

AIR CARGO
“Western Sydney International represents the next
step in increasing air cargo capacity for Australia’s
biggest market but it also provides opportunity to
increase the share market of air cargo in the overall
logistics stream, especially for highly sought-after
exports such as perishables.”
Australian
airports currently
transport more
than one million
tonnes of air
freight annually
and this is
forecast to grow
considerably over
the next decade.
Aerial view of the WSA site at Badgerys Creek in western Sydney
“Growing demand for pharmaceuticals,
temperature-sensitive and perishable products will also
play a key role in the future of air freight.”
As Mr Millett explains, the new airport will
reconfigure the way goods are also moved to the point
of export, reducing the need to move goods by road in
the quest for a suitable international flight.
“Goods produced in New South Wales will no longer
have to be trucked to Brisbane or Melbourne in order to
reach lucrative Asian markets overnight,” he says.
Peter Assel, managing director of freight company
Skyroad Logistics, says WSA has significant air cargo
export and import opportunities.
“Sydney remains the hardest city in which to
handle air cargo movements into and out of due to
its infrastructure limitations, and Western Sydney
International not only represents a solution for this but
also a closer solution than current secondary feeder
airports,” Mr Assel says.
NEW KID ON THE BLOCK
Australian airports currently transport more than
one million tonnes of air freight annually and this is
forecast to grow considerably over the next decade. The
airport, due for completion by 2026, will come online
in time to claim a share of this growing market.
Initial earthworks began at Badgerys Creek last year
and more than 1.5m tonnes of earth has so far been
moved on the 1780 hectare site. A terminal design has
just been released and construction on that is expected
to start in 2022.
An architectural team made up of London-based
Zaha Hadid Architects and Cox Architecture in Sydney
was chosen from more than 40 entrants as the winners
of the terminal precinct design competition.
“The brief was to design an airport that the people of
western Sydney can be proud of and provide a real sense
of place that pays tribute to the natural landforms,
history and features of greater Sydney,” Mr Millett says.
“While the exterior of the terminal complements
the natural landscape beautifully, we’ve always said
that our focus was on the customer journey within
the terminal and that really shines through in these
concept designs.”
He says sustainability was another key criterion
and the winning design stood out for its use of passive
design, taking advantage of natural airflows and
lighting and efficient solar shading.
ZHA project director Cristiano Ceccato said it was
an honour to have been selected and that the “design
VIRGIN AUSTRALIA TO ADD TOKYO TO CARGO NETWORK
Virgin Australia will add Japan to its
international cargo network in March
with the launch of daily services between
Brisbane and Tokyo-Haneda.
Commencing on 29 March 2020,
cargo space on the new route will be
marketed by Virgin Atlantic Cargo under
its international long-haul sales and
marketing agreement with Virgin Australia.
The daily Airbus A330 flight will offer
between 15-20 tonnes of cargo capacity.
The new route, Virgin Australia’s
first-ever service to Tokyo, is expected
to attract strong demand from both
passengers and cargo customers.
With the launch of the new Brisbane-
Tokyo route, Virgin Australia will be
suspending its existing Hong Kong-
Melbourne service with effect from 11
February 2020 due to softening passenger
demand but will continue to closely
monitor the route and look to re-enter the
market in the future.
Dominic Kennedy, managing director of
Virgin Atlantic Cargo, says, “Cargo customers
in Australia and Japan will be very pleased
to see the launch of Tokyo-Haneda services
and we expect this new direct route to
open up significant opportunities for both
imports and exports”.
The company will continue to
offer capacity on Virgin Australia’s
daily Sydney-Hong Kong flights and
provide a direct trucking service
between Melbourne and Sydney to
ensure customers retain access to the
important Hong Kong cargo market.
Virgin Atlantic Cargo trades in
37 countries and sells services to
destinations in over 60 countries.
Western Sydney Airport; Ryan Fletcher
42 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

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AIR CARGO
LITTLE DISRUPTION FROM ENHANCED EXAMINATION
The extension of stringent air cargo examination
procedures to all exports has occurred this year without
major disruption, according to the Australian Federation of
International Forwarders.
The Enhanced Air Cargo Examination system was extended
from exports to the United States only to all international
exports in March.
AFIF business affairs manager Stuart McFarlane says despite
the potential for disruption to air freight exports, the roll-out
across the board has occurred remarkably smoothly.
EACE requires all international air freight from Australia
be examined at piece level by a regulated air cargo agent
or originate from a known consignor and be issued with a
security declaration.
The scheme was initially implemented on air freight from
Australia to the United States in July 2017. Following the
terrorist plot to blow up an Etihad plane leaving Sydney,
the Department of Home Affairs then extended the same
requirements to all cargo exported by air from Australia from 1
March this year.
Mr McFarlane says the extension of the scheme required
investment by several companies in new scanning equipment
and staff training.
There are now 52 regulated air cargo agents at freight
forwarders and cargo terminal operators at 129 EACE
examination sites and another 305 known consignors at 406
sites, he says.
Mr McFarlane says it helped that the examination load
had been spread widely when the new requirements came
into effect.
“The fact that there are several off-airport RACAs has meant
that the bottle-necking that was anticipated to occur at the
CTOs has been avoided, as the examination load is spread
across multiple parties in the chain,” he says.
“That meant a sort of soft landing, compared to what it
might have otherwise been.”
Mr McFarlane says the clearing of cargo is fairly evenly
spread across the off-airport RACA freight forwarders, CTOs,
and the known consignors.
He says the advantage for customers of using off-airport
freight forwarders is that cargo is the subject to only a twohour
cut-off time at the airports, while a six hour cut-off was
necessary if goods had to be examined by CTOs.
Mr McFarlane says the extra examination involved had
added another layer to the freight forwarders’ role but the
impact was not unworkable.
“There’s a bit of extra time involved in having to do the
checking at the piece-level. It’s a burden but not a large
burden,” he says, adding that authorities have been reasonable
in working with the private sector to ensure the smooth
transition to the new system.
“The freight forwarders have adapted to a new regime, but
it would be fair to say that once everybody got into a routine
pattern or structure of looking after their exports, it’s just been
business as usual,” he says.
But Mr McFarlane acknowledged that there was the
potential for delays during the peak season as extra goods
were sent all over the world prior to Christmas.
Mr McFarlane says the EACE requirements will be extended
into the domestic sphere next but he says the industry has so
far handled the extra impost well.
“It’s been quite an achievement by the industry to get the
equipment and train their staff to operate the equipment but I
commend the industry for responding professionally,” he says.
Stuart McFarlane, business affairs
manager, Australian Federation of
International Forwarders
Goods produced in
New South Wales
will no longer
have to be trucked
to Brisbane or
Melbourne in
order to reach
lucrative Asian
markets overnight
Graham
Millett, WSA
is an evolution of Australian architecture past,
present and future”.
Cox project director David Holm said the design
took inspiration from “the unique local flora of western
Sydney and the great Australian light to create an
unmistakable regional identity”.
Mr Millett said the architects would consult with
groups across the community as they refine the initial
concept design.
“We’re pleased the architectural team has already
engaged Western Sydney University students and local
Dharug community members during the initial concept
design development,” he says.
“We’ll now be working closely with key
government, industry and community stakeholders as
we further refine and enhance the concepts to arrive
at a final design.”
The airport is expected to be a catalyst for business
development and employment and has been designed
to grow with demand to handle well beyond the initial
volumes of freight.
“The first stage of the airport has the potential to
process around 220,000 tonnes of freight each year
through its proposed on-airport freight facility, with
multiple dedicated freighter aircraft stands,” Mr
Millett says.
“This is set to scale up with demand, potentially
handling 1.8 million tonnes of air freight each year in
the future.”
DESIGNING FROM THE GROUND UP
The new airport is a rare opportunity to design a
facility especially for freight and to ensure the best
possible result, according to Mr Millett. To that end,
WSA is working with freight companies on design and
operation of the precinct.
The company has entered into memorandums of
understanding with a number of major Australian
and global freight companies including Australia Post,
DB Schenker, DHL Express, DSV Air and Sea, FedEx,
Menzies Aviation, Swissport, Qantas Freight, Skyroad
Logistics and Wymap.
David Sexton
44 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

Initial design concepts have been unveiled
for Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport
Unrestricted by curfews, WSA will
offer unprecedented opportunities
for freight movement inside and
outside Australia
“Insights from these international freight leaders
will help WSA optimise the design and functionality
for its customers,” Mr Millett says.
Menzies Aviation general manager of cargo NSW
and ACT Kayla Moa, says the airport will go some way
towards solving present demands for flight routes and
will give airlines an added option, considering cargo
volumes are expected to double over the next 20 years.
“WSA will be able to provide state-of-the-art
infrastructure with purpose-built cargo facilities
servicing international, domestic and freighter aircrafts
while operating curfew free,” she says.
Ms Moa says the MoU allows Menzies to be involved
with design concepts for the on-airport freight precinct
and begin discussions about potential operations at the
new airport, leading to a smooth start to operations.
“Being a part of the design discussion will ensure
that the 220,000 tonnes of air-freight expected in the
initial 12 months will be able to be handled efficiently
in the best facilities with the latest innovative
warehouse solutions,” she says.
“The dedicated space located adjacent to the airport
specifically for Australian exporters and agribusinesses
ensures the delivery of cargo to the airport is not caught
up on congested roads and transportation is reduced.”
The Aerotropolis, as the airport precinct is being termed,
will be served by a rail link through to St Marys’and a rapid
bus service from Penrith, Liverpool and Campbelltown
which will help shift the necessary workforce.
Mr Millett says the airport will contribute towards
the creation of 28,000 direct and indirect jobs within
five years of operation.
“Air freight at Western Sydney International will
be an important part of creating jobs and business
opportunities for western Sydney,’ Mr Millettt says.
“The airport will open with an air freight facility
that will grow with demand in stages and over
decades, so it continues to support businesses to
grow by becoming exporters and to be a gateway into
Sydney for the goods each of us buy in shops and
online every day.”
Western Sydney Airport
AIRPORT ACCESS
Mr Millett says the airport’s freight precinct is set to
have dedicated road access off the Northern Road,
separating heavy vehicles from passenger traffic, which
will enter the airport from the M12 on the opposite
side of the site.
Graham Millett (front second left) with logistics industry leaders who are
working with WSA to design the airport’s freight precinct
thedcn.com.au December 2019 45

WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Trudie N’Dresanei, finance manager (left) and
Anna Ingip, human resources manager, Pacific Towing
Neil Papenfus, general manager,
Pacific Towing
Pacific Towing shows leadership in safety
As part of its culture of rewarding safety,
Papua New Guinea-based Pacific Towing,
is now focusing on ensuring the safety of
women and protecting its investment in
gender equality. By Paula Wallace
Pacific Towing will soon introduce an innovative workplace
safety program aimed specifically at women that it believes will
improve on the company’s already impressive safety record.
The company draws upon 42 years of maritime safety
experience and is now more than three years lost-time-injury
free. According to general manager Neil Papenfus, the company has
steadily improved its safety performance, particularly during the
past five years.
“At PacTow we’re always challenging our staff to do things better
and this includes safety,” says Mr Papenfus.
“Our two latest safety initiatives are indicative of this drive for
continuous improvement. Our women’s workplace safety program
is also very much in accord with our broader gender equality
program and is an initiative that further positions us as the region’s
maritime employer of choice for women.”
PacTow operates in marine environments throughout
Oceania and South East Asia providing high-risk services such as
commercial diving, oil and chemical spill prevention and response,
salvage and emergency response.
MAXIMISING SAFETY FOR WOMEN
PacTow’s ‘Gender Smart Safety’ program will be implemented in
January 2020. A resource developed by Papua New Guinea’s Business
Coalition for Women, the program was piloted by Oil Search, St
Barbara’s Simberi operation and New Britain Palm Oil Ltd.
Gender Smart Safety is based on the premise that women
experience different workplace safety issues to men. As such, the
program requires women be much more involved in workplace
safety, for example in hazard identification, risk assessment and
risk mitigation. The program also involves women in decisionmaking
and the overall safety management function.
The training involves teaching a group of employees how to
conduct a women’s workplace safety audit. The aim is to ensure the
company can identify any safety concerns that might affect women
specifically. Once these concerns are identified suitable strategies to
eliminate or minimise these concerns can be implemented.
Although the focus of the program is on maximising the
workplace safety of women, feedback from pilot companies
reveals it improves the safety of all employees – women and men
alike. Importantly, many of the recommendations for safety
improvements are relatively simple and low cost.
As one senior manager reports, “our Gender Smart Safety audits
revealed some really ‘low hanging fruit’. Things like allowing
female staff to wear trousers rather than skirts and having ‘women
only’ designated seats at the front of our buses made a huge
difference to our female staff’s safety”.
Workplace safety, especially in the maritime and resources
sectors, has long been a function largely managed by men and
performed by men for predominantly male workforces. As such the
specific safety requirements of women have often gone unnoticed.
“A lot of women’s workplace safety concerns are being
overlooked, like poorly fitting PPE, inadequate lighting, machinery
operating dimensions and mechanisms that don’t accommodate
generally smaller and less muscular female bodies, as well as
working with chemicals when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding,”
PacTow’s human resources manager Anna Ingip says.
Mr Papenfus was “deeply concerned and genuinely appalled”
to find out that despite a sophisticated safety management system
of international standard, as well as a significant and long-term
Pacific Towing
46 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

Women will understandably pursue alternate employment
options if their safety is not assured.
Neil Papenfus, Pacific Towing
investment in a range of gender equality initiatives, Pacific Towing’s
female staff might not be as safe as their male counterparts.
“Each and every one of our employees, whether they’re male or
female, equally deserve to be safe at work,” Mr Papenfus says. “This
is why we’re embarking on Gender Smart Safety in 2020.”
Mr Papenfus is aware of the relationship between maximising
the workplace safety of female staff and female employee retention.
“Women will understandably pursue alternate employment
options if their safety is not assured,” he says.
“Maximising the workplace safety of female staff, whether it’s
on vessels at sea, down on the wharves, or in the office is essential.
We have heavily invested in programs to increase the number of
women we employ and there is no way we’re going to jeopardise
that investment.”
One such program to increase the number of female staff is
PacTow’s ‘Women in Maritime Scholarship Program’. A partnership
with the Australian Government’s Australia Awards and the China
Navigation Company, the program fast-tracks the careers of female
deck and engine cadets.
Twenty young PNG women are currently benefiting from the
program, with additional cadetships on offer from 2020.
STAFF SAFETY AWARDS PROGRAM
The aim of PacTow’s Staff Safety Awards Program is to acknowledge
and reward improvements, excellence and innovation in safety
performance amongst employees.
Safety manager Richard Hayka says that the awards will be “a
‘carrot’ to further enhance PacTow’s safety vigilance and embed its
safety culture”.
“We already have mechanisms for rewarding exemplary safety
behaviour but the Staff Safety Awards Program will formalise and
improve upon this.”
The program will see staff, both individuals and teams, rewarded
throughout the year and will culminate in a Safety Awards
Function. The most prestigious award will be given to PacTow’s
Safety Champion (i.e. the person nominated by his/her bosses to
have made the most outstanding contribution to workplace safety).
A peer nominated award, the Safety Star, will also be presented.
One of the more significant contributions that PacTow will be
rewarding is safety through innovation.
“We’re increasingly known for providing innovative and homegrown
engineered solutions for clients and innovation is a big part
of our competitive advantage as well as our organisational culture,”
Mr Papenfus says.
“It makes good sense therefore to incorporate innovation in
to the safety awards. The company also anticipates rewarding
behaviours that centre on improving workplace safety for women.”
Examples of additional behaviours and achievements that
can attract awards include having a perfect safety record
over a given time period; a willingness to report unsafe work
practices; demonstrating safety leadership; and championing
the safety of others.
Maritime cadets Lylellah Kunai (left) and Glenda Amu
Female maritime cadets aim high
From Papua New Guinea to Singapore, New Caledonia,
Fiji and Australia, a group of women are following their
dreams of becoming future deck officers in the maritime
industry – and experiencing new cultures and professional
challenges in the process.
The young seafarers are undertaking a three-year
maritime cadetship through a partnership between the
Australian Government, China Navigation Company and
Pacific Towing. In 2020, Consort Express Lines will also be
joining the partnership.
Glenda Amu and Lyllelah Kunai [pictured] are two of
an overall cohort of 20 female cadets studying to qualify
as officers of the watch deck and officers of the engine
room, under the Australia Awards’ Maritime Scholarships
Program for Women since 2018. The scholarships involve
study in Papua New Guinea and sponsored international
work experience at sea.
Five of the women during a recent visit back to Port
Moresby, could not contain their excitement about the
ports they had visited and experiences they obtained in a
recent six-month training block at sea.
Between October 2018 and April 2019, the trainees
undertook practical seatime experience on board the MV
Szechuen, gaining important skills and learning more about
the international maritime industry – and themselves.
“At first it was quite new to us, working with such a
multi-national crew on board. So, we had to get used to
working in a new environment,” Ms Kunai says.
“But then as time went along, we became friends,” Ms
Amu says.
The awardees undertook practical elements of the
cadetship training program, on board MV Szechuen,
building on theoretical knowledge. Working alongside
more senior officers and observing all aspects of the ship’s
operations at sea and during port calls across the Asia-
Pacific were highlights.
“On a daily basis our cadet training officer went through
with us as per the cadet training program. We covered
topics including navigation, cargo watch and mooring,” one
cadet says.
Buoyed by their successes at sea, these seafarers
hope to see more women follow them into the maritime
sector, a field in which females remain notably underrepresented.
“It’s a tough industry. But if we can do it, other women
can too,” Ms Amu says.
The awardees recently began a second phase of sea
experience, this time with Pacific Towing, and are due to
complete their cadetships in 2021.
thedcn.com.au December 2019 47

WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Sydney’s classy
new simulators
The training arm of the Australian
Maritime College has unveiled new
simulator technology at its Sydney
campus, writes Paula Wallace
Ports Australia chief executive Mike Gallacher was on hand to
launch a new world-class maritime training facility at Darling
Harbour by AMC Search in October.
AMC Search is the training and consultancy arm of the
Australian Maritime College, located in Tasmania.
Training simulators like those at the new Maritime Simulations
Unit provide familiarisation and emergency training that helps
keep maritime workers and the goods they transport safe at sea.
“I’m told by the experts in the industry, when you go through
this facility and you apply for a job particularly overseas, the
moment you say you’ve been through AMC it’s like ‘how quick can
you start’,” Mr Gallacher said.
“This facility here, a $500,000 investment, will pay for itself not
just in terms of bringing people here but will pay for itself in terms
of what it provides in the safety, certainty and training for people
in this sector.”
The AMC facility in New South Wales is linked to the National
Centre for Maritime Simulation in Tasmania. It combines replica
ship and vessel communications equipment with highly realistic
ocean, coast and port backdrops for immersive maritime training
from the security of dry land.
“This facility is placed within two hours of 70% of the
Australian population and... you have to agree with me that
this facility is quite outstanding and the reputation of AMC is
outstanding,” Mr Gallacher said.
Sydney’s maritime bridge simulator
AMC Search understands financial and time constraints
can make it difficult for organisations to travel to
Launceston in Tasmania for maritime simulation services
at its world-class Centre for Maritime Simulation. That
is why it has installed a maritime bridge simulator in its
Sydney Study Centre for training and engineering services.
Powered by Kongsberg Maritime Polaris software, the
bridge simulator can deliver ship handling and navigation
training to local manning agencies, port operators, tourism
and shipping companies.
The system can also be used for marine and offshore
engineering projects including port infrastructure
developments and channel design.
The facility provides access to an extensive library of
ship and port models developed by Kongsberg and inhouse
at the AMC.
BOOSTING SAFETY
AMC principal Michael van Balen says the new facility will boost
safety in the maritime industry by making simulated training
accessible to more people.
“Familiarisation with equipment and processes as well as the ability
to practice emergency situations in a safe but realistic environment are
key to keeping people safe at sea,” Mr van Balen says.
“Our new Maritime Simulations Unit aims to enhance maritime
safety across NSW and the rest of Australia by extending the reach
of the pedagogical expertise and simulation software developed
over decades at the AMC in Tasmania to organisations in the
important maritime hub of Sydney.”
The Maritime Simulations Unit includes the latest Kongsberg
and Transas simulation solutions for training in vessel navigation,
vessel traffic services (like air traffic control) and emergency and
distress calls. It also provides access to an extensive library of vessel
and port models developed in-house at AMC and previously only
available in Tasmania.
Sydney’s VTS and GMDSS simulators
AMC Search is Australia’s only AMSA-accredited Vessel
Traffic Services training provider, and its VTS simulator
supports a highly realistic training environment for VTS
operations and management.
The VTS Centre of Excellence fully meets requirements
for simulation as identified in the IALA Recommendations
for VTS Training and supporting guidelines on the use of
simulation training in VTS.
Sydney also now boasts Australia’s only fully functional
Global Maritime Distress and Safety System simulator.
The simulator accurately imitates actual ship-to-ship
communications and ship-to-shore stations using highly
realistic simulated terrestrial and satellite communication
systems, e.g. SART on radar.
AMC
48 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

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WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Safety culture demands a
safety-minded workforce
As children, safety messages are
hammered home and we learn how to
remain safe. But as adults, there is often
a disconnect, writes Kelly Shaw*
Despite a growing focus on safety, work-related injuries,
illnesses, and death cost Australians more than $60bn a year.
Safe Work Australia recently released key workplace health
and safety statistics for 2019, a national overview of workrelated
fatalities, injuries, and disease. Despite an encouraging
decline in the number of Australians killed in the workplace last
year, 144 people unnecessarily lost their lives at work.
“While these trends are encouraging, they are not a cause for
celebration. Every work-related fatality is a tragedy, and there’s
a lot more work to be done,” Safe Work Australia CEO, Michelle
Baxter says.
“We know that work-related fatalities, injuries, and disease have
a devastating impact on workers and their families. Understanding
the latest statistics can help identify ways to prevent these.”
Workers in the supply chain are particularly vulnerable to
accidents due to the labour-intensive nature of the work. More
than a third of the people fatally injured in the workplace are
machinery operators and drivers. Some 31% of these involve a
vehicle collision.
According to Safe Work Australia, the sector with the highest in
workplace fatalities is transport, postal and warehousing with 38
fatalities in 2018.
environment and secondly, well-designed, healthy and safe work
will allow workers in Australia to have more productive working
lives,” Safe Work Australia says.
THE RECRUITMENT SECTOR
Some recruitment companies are taking a proactive approach to
safety concerns before employment even begins.
Erik Samuelson is the medical services manager at Labourhealth,
which provides comprehensive pre-employment assessments by
qualified medical professionals for workers sourced by Labourforce.
Each division of The Navital Group - Labourforce, Labourhealth
and Impex Personnel - prioritises safety.
Labourforce has specialised in providing staffing solutions to
the supply chain industry in Australia and New Zealand since its
inception 20 years ago.
Mr Samuelson explained the company’s dedication to
worker welfare. “Our target market is predominantly any work
environment where there’s a lot of labour-intensive duties. So
manufacturing, construction, transport are the ones we focus
on the most, mainly due to the fact that it’s very labour intensive
and the likelihood of someone injuring themselves is quite high
compared to a white-collar office environment.”
One area where Labourforce seeks to differentiate itself
from other recruitment companies is a strict drug and alcohol
testing of all candidates put forward. The after-effects of outof-hours
recreational drug use can leave people with difficulty
concentrating, exhaustion, blurred vision and headaches. It can be
The link between safety
and productivity
NATIONAL SUPPLY CHAIN FOCUS
In August this year, Australian transport ministers approved
the country’s first National Freight and Supply Chain Strategy.
The strategy recognises that “Australia’s freight systems are the
lifeblood of our economy and way of life” and sets industry goals
and targets for 2024, designed to meet the unprecedented freight
and supply chain demands expected in coming years.
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack estimates about
163 tonnes of freight is delivered per person around the country
each year. He says, “With our freight volumes expected to grow by
more than a third by 2040 and online shopping growth at over 20% a
year, we need to increase the productivity of our freight system”.
The strategy targets four critical action areas, one of which is
enabling improved supply chain efficiency. For the first time, the
strategy will integrate the different transport modes, focusing on
the entire supply chain rather than just looking at separate aspects
in isolation.
It is therefore perhaps timely that Safe Work Australia has
identified supply chains as an action area in its Australian strategy.
“Firstly, all workers, regardless of their occupation or how
they are engaged, have the right to a healthy and safe working
A healthy workforce that doesn’t use illicit drugs is
more inclined to turn up to work on time and cause
the employer fewer problems.
Erik Samuelson, Labourhealth
50 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

a just as problematic as being intoxicated on the job, according to
the company, leading to serious safety risks surrounding employees
operating vehicles or machinery.
“Probably our main selling point is our pre-employment
medicals so for individuals that you have coming on board, you can
do a full medical, so you ascertain whether they have any existing
injuries they’re going to be bringing into the work environment. Or
whether they have any substance abuse issues,” Mr Samuelson says.
“A healthy workforce that doesn’t use illicit drugs is more inclined to
turn up to work on time and cause the employer fewer problems.”
Once there is an issue with safety, it’s always a catalyst for
change, according to Mr Samuelson.
“Let’s say there’s an accident on site and the individual who
caused the accident is found to be under the influence of drugs
and or alcohol, then it’s usually a catalyst for that employer to
implement a new drug and alcohol policy and start a random
testing regime,” he says.
SOUND BUSINESS PRACTICE
The obvious benefit to reducing the number of accidents is saving
lives but it also makes good business sense by avoiding productivity
disruptions, costly injuries and absenteeism.
And then there are the flow-on costs.
A recent Allianz study on workers’ compensation claims found
a growing number of injured workers falling victim to a secondary
mental health condition as a result of the initial injury. The cost
of the secondary psychological condition to business was on
average four times more costly than the original claim itself.
Of course, mental health concerns are not strictly predicated by
physical injury. Flemming Hansen, general manager Asia Pacific at
Labourforce says it’s a growing safety concern in the workplace.
“We are coming across mental health issues more and more
these days,” Mr Hansen says. “It’s anything from anxiety to panic
attacks to stress, which is a growing concern. It’s not like breaking
an arm, where six to eight weeks later, it’s back to normal. A
mental health issue is likely to be much more complex.”
Psychological hazards are treated the same as physical hazards
under Australian work health and safety laws and businesses
are urged to take note of Safe Work Australia’s four-step risk
management process to avoid psychological injury and illness
in the workplace. It’s also why business giants like Deloitte
Australia are advocating psychosocial risk profiling as part of an
overall workplace safety program.
Mental health issues make up almost a quarter of the $60bn
yearly costs of workplace deaths, illnesses, and injuries.
Mr Hansen agrees the cost of not taking proper safety
precautions is far greater to business in the long run.
“Like any service or product, so long as the client is of the
opinion that there’s a direct benefit to their organisation, then
they can justify the additional cost. It’s in everybody’s interest that
everyone comes home safe, there’s no doubt about that.”
* Kelly Shaw is writing on behalf of human capital management company,
Navital Group
Iam Anupong
The relationship between workplace safety and productivity
was highlighted at the Supply Chain Safety Summit, held
in September in Sydney – jointly hosted by the Australian
Logistics Council and the Australian Trucking Association. It’s
an issue likely to receive more attention as the trend towards
outsourcing places a greater demand on our supply chains -
increasing concern relating to workplace safety.
Through a series of panel discussions and interactive
workshops, Summit participants identified areas where
government, regulators and the industry itself can continue to
improve. These included:
Rethinking the bureaucratic practices that are increasingly
being used to define safety management
Some within the industry are finding safety documentation
increasingly complex and time-consuming to complete. The
focus needs to return to identifying and managing actual risks,
rather than completing paperwork.
Stepping up efforts to reduce duplication throughout the
auditing system for heavy vehicle safety
This includes working to develop a set of common audit
standards and standard auditing qualifications, so that there
is industry confidence about the quality of audits and the
quality of auditors.
Countering the ‘tick and flick’ culture in safety management
There is little research indicating that forms and checklists
are greatly effective in addressing safety risks. We need to
transition from measuring activity to measuring outcomes.
Clarifying the roles of regulators in safety
Some industry participants are finding it difficult to
understand the demarcation of responsibilities between the
National Heavy Vehicle Regulator and various state-based
work health and safety agencies in the regulation of safety.
Mental health is everyone’s business
Industry needs to continue its efforts to ‘normalise’ discussion
about mental health in the workplace and ensure jobs are
designed to minimise risks to mental health. Industry should
be supported in building mental health awareness into
workforce training modules.
Further support is needed to address alcohol and drug
related issues
There is a clear relationship between mental health issues
and substance abuse in the workplace. Governments should
support industry to develop specific initiatives that will allow
organisations to respond effectively to alcohol and drug
misuse, and ensure those affected get support they need.
First aid training is vital
Not all incidents occur in populated areas, or locations to which
first responders have ready access. All industry participants
should be supported to ensure they are trained in first aid –
and to ensure their first aid qualifications remain up to date.
Advances in technology should be embraced within safety
management
This includes promoting the collection of data through
telematics to manage safety risks, taking advantage of apps
that can help track and support those dealing with mental
health challenges, and embracing the use of technology
such as virtual reality to enhance the quality of workplace
safety training.
thedcn.com.au December 2019 51

MARITIME LAW
Bills of lading and complexities
Lost bills of lading have the potential to cause significant exposures
if handled incorrectly, writes Mike Yarwood
IN MARITIME TRADE, THE ORIGINAL
bill of lading effectively represents the
cargo itself. At its simplest, the shipper
receives the bill from the carrier, and
transfers it to the consignee in return for
payment for the goods.
‘Negotiable’ bills may be transferred
between entities for payment, together with
the right to receive the goods, while the
goods are in transit.
The consignee or transferee hands the
bill of lading to the carrier as evidence
of the right to collect the goods and for
cancellation.
Equally, a bank may have an interest in
the cargo, under a letter of credit, holding
the original bill of lading until the debt is
satisfied. In this context, the bill of lading
represents the bank’s security for that debt.
This also serves to illustrate the care
required; release of goods without an
original bill of lading can lead to financial
liabilities to entities other than the direct
contracting parties.
A LOST BILL
In the case of a lost bill, shippers or alleged
transferees of the original may seek to press
the NVOCC for a duplicate.
Anybody who is holding an original
bill of lading acquired in good faith can
claim delivery; where two sets of bills exist
there is risk of two entities with apparently
equally valid claims, demanding delivery
of the cargo. Additionally, if the shipper
has not been paid he retains the right to
dispose of the cargo provided that person is
in possession of the original bill.
As a matter of law, there is no exception
to the simple working rule that delivery
without production of bill of lading is at
the NVOCC’s own risk. You are not bound
to deliver cargo to any person other than
the lawful holder of the original bill, unless
a court so orders.
Where a bill is absent and the importer
is demanding delivery, a recommended
solution is to require a bank guarantee (or a
company letter of indemnity countersigned
by a bank) in your favour.
POTENTIAL EXPOSURES
The whole question of the delivery of cargo
without production of the corresponding
original bill of lading, whether lost or
otherwise, is fraught with potential
exposures for the NVOCC or other issuer.
No matter how strong or important your
commercial relationship may be, simply do
not accept promises or bow to pressure.
The law will support you if you refuse to
deliver until a valid bill of lading has been
surrendered.
As the bill of lading is a document of
title, a person presenting it to the carrier
or its agent is ostensibly entitled to collect
the goods and the carrier cannot refuse to
deliver the goods to that person.
If someone claiming to be the receiver
cannot produce the bill, what evidence is
there that they are entitled to the goods?
PRESSURE POINTS
There are innumerable circumstances
which may lead to a request to release
cargo without the production of the
original bill(s).
A sale contract may have collapsed and
the seller may want to sell to someone else.
The consignee may be facing cash flow
issues or have a financial dispute with
the shipper.
In extreme circumstances, the supposed
receiver’s intention may be to steal the cargo
and the sale proceeds, while the seller or the
Mike Yarwood, claims executive, TT Club
bank still retains the original documents.
As the original bills represent surety for
the purchase price, if the carrier hands the
goods over to an unauthorised party who
does not hold the original, that person is
effectively denying the legitimate holder his
right to collect the goods.
If the receiving agent asks for authority
to release the cargo to a consignee who
cannot present an original bill of lading, it
is recommended that you consult your legal
or insurance wadvisors in order to obtain
the full indemnity before entertaining any
such request.
HELPFUL GUIDELINES TO REMEMBER
• Under no circumstances accept a ‘guarantee’ signed by the importer alone.
• Implement explicit and adequate training for staff, whereby only a designated
senior manager has the authority to approve requests for irregular releases.
• Ensure you collect any charges due to you before releasing goods.
• Do not let any debate or argument about such costs blind you to the absence of
the bill of lading.
• Do not succumb to any commercial pressure to release goods without the
appropriate documents.
• Under no circumstances accept faxed or photocopied bills of lading or guarantees.
• Only act upon receipt of original documents.
TT Club
52 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

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Port Botany, New South Wales

TRADE LAW
Annual gathering
facilitates trade
Andrew Hudson offers a perspective on the themes of the National Conference
of the Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council Of Australia
I HAVE BEEN IN THE FORTUNATE
more deeply at significant issues likely to
As between all parties in the supply
position of being involved with the
affect industry and trade into the future as
chain, whether public or private there is an
Customs Brokers and Forwarders Council
well as drawing on past experiences.
understanding that as trade flows continue
of Australia for several years. That has
The CBFCA enlists relevant speakers
to rise, there will need to be improvements
encompassed a wider variety of tasks than
across a two-day program with the first day
both in modernising and facilitating trade
merely providing legal advice in an office.
given over to government, its regulatory
both here and overseas, to ensure the
It has involved working with industry to
agencies and policy issues and the second
trade moves at expected speeds without
manage the botched delivery of the ICS for
day addressing more operational issues. Of
compromise to compliance, revenue
imports in 2005, through to asbestos and
course there is also time for networking
protection or security and without undue
issues related to the brown marmorated
with others in attendance as well as
increases in expenditure by government
stink bug. I have helped develop and deliver
formal and informal drinks and dinners
and its agencies. This requires the adoption
education and training for CBFCA members
including the gala dinner at which the
of new and assured technology and changes
around legal issues, new legislation and free
CBFCA recognises contributions to its
to procedures and practices by all parties.
trade agreements (including more recently
success with state and national awards for
continuing professional development),
members and students.
THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT
working with government and its agencies
There is a clear recognition by
to represent the interests of the CBFCA and
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
government and its agencies that it
its members in forums such as the National
The venue for the National has shifted
cannot make these changes on its own
Committee on Trade Facilitation and the
to different places around the country
and good ideas and outcomes come
International Trade Remedies Forum.
and even overseas with the most recent
equally from those in the private supply
iteration being held at Crown Promenade
chain, which underpins much of the work
THE ROLE OF STATE CONVENTIONS
in Melbourne recognising the 115th
of the NCTF and its sub-committees.
This range of involvement has also led
birthday of the CBFCA stretching from its
That will also require an evolution in
to many speaking engagements whether
origins in earlier associations.
the relationship between government,
overseas or locally and delivery of member
The main theme of this year’s National
its agencies and those in the private
legal forums around Australia twice a year
was The Changing Face of International Trade
supply chain to ensure trusted parties
for CBFCA members. There also have been
and across the two days, speakers from
secure a “light touch at the border” with
webinars and the CBFCA State Conventions
government, its agencies and the private
intervention reserved for those who are
as well as involvement at the centrepiece
sector provided their views on the future
recklessly or deliberately non-compliant.
CBFCA National Conference which takes
shape of industry and regulation. The
The keynote speaker on the first day was
place towards the end of each year.
choice of the theme was deliberate, being
Dr Bradley Armstrong PSM, the leader of
The “National” has always represented
a chance both to address current pressing
issues affecting industry but also to look
aimed at informing and helping industry
prepare to engage in the challenge of the
future supply chain.
the new Customs Group within the ABF
as well as being chair of the NCTF. Dr
Armstrong provided more details on the
Sirtravelalot
54 December 2019
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Ian Ackerman
Andrew Hudson, partner, Rigby Cooke Lawyers
proposed operation of the Customs Group
and the intended future path for the ABF
as it sought to manage expected significant
increases in trade without similar increases
in resources, relying on developments in
trade modernisation and facilitation.
COMPLIANCE FOCUS
The ABF was also represented by Craig
Palmer, the regional director for Victoria
and Tasmania who provided an update on
the compliance focus and actions of the
ABF both currently and into the future.
The audience also received a briefing on
aviation and marine security initiatives
from the ABF including the work around
scanning of international air cargo which
will lead to new scanning requirements for
domestic air cargo starting in 2020.
Each of these speakers spoke of the
importance of the “trusted participant”
programs of the Australian Trusted
Trader Programme and the Known
Consignor program.
The significant contribution of the ABF
was then rounded out by Steve Moore,
the director from Customs Licensing,
Trusted Trader and Trade Services Branch,
Customs Group at the ABF. He has been
involved with the service providers in the
private supply chain for many years from
the technology aspect but is now directly
involved with the ABF’s licensing activities
including that of licensed customs brokers.
Mr Moore provided some interesting
detail on changes to the numbers of licensed
customs brokers with numbers experiencing
an initial drop following the introduction
of the continuing professional development
and other newer licensing obligations. He
also provided insight on the expectations of
the ABF from those who it licences.
In a related compliance and enforcement
area, Chris Ellway from the Victoria Police
provided an update on the work of the
Trident Task Force guarding against the
influence of organised crime in the supply
chain and how those in the private supply
chain can assist the work of the police as
they have for some time.
RELEVANT AGENCIES
Other relevant agencies were represented
including DFAT (providing updates on
our FTA agenda), the Department of
Agriculture (with Dean Merrilees advising
on BMSB and other threats along with how
technological advances assist the work of
industry) and the ACCC which focused on
concerns of industry including regulation
of unfair terms and conditions of
contracts, possible restrictions on landside
As trade flows continue to rise, there will need to be
improvements both in modernising and facilitating
trade both here and overseas.
operators at ports and airports and the
ACCC’s role in regulating those operators.
Speakers from Freight Victoria,
Melbourne Airport and the Port of
Melbourne also addressed related issues of
development of additional assets to assist
the movement of goods through the supply
chain and the basis on which they would be
provided and regulated.
Peter Kosmina from the MisterMina
Group also spoke about the importance of
technological developments in the private
supply chain with which he has been
involved for many years having been a
founder of 1-Stop.
CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
I was fortunate enough to be asked to speak
at the National. My topic touched on the
elements of corporate social responsibility
which have found their way into reporting
obligations on those in the private supply
chain (asbestos and illegal logging for
example), those which are likely to impose
new reporting obligations (combustible
cladding, modern slavery and protection
of human rights), the nature of those
reporting obligations and the changes to
business practices which would be required.
I also reiterated my plea that there is
no place for strict liability obligations on
licensed customs brokers for inadvertent
errors when completing Community
Protection Questions in Full Import
Declarations as those providers are in no
position to be able to comprehensively
verify on those issues. My position is that
licensed customs brokers should have
realistic and achievable expectations on
their own due diligence but the main focus
should be on the suppliers, importers
and their customers who source, supply,
purchase and use the items of concern.
Undue pressure should not be placed on
licensed customs brokers, merely because
they happen to be the licensed party
completing those declarations.
NEED FOR LEADERSHIP
The National was not solely focused on
trade trends but gave important attention
to other areas with speakers addressing
the challenge of supporting mental health
and providing the most supportive and
effective workplace.
The National was, I believe, another
success with congratulations to those at
the CBFCA who undertook long hours of
preparation and planning to deliver such as
outstanding event. Yet again the National
served the interests and expectations of
members and others in the supply chain
who are tasked to the safe and prompt
delivery of our air and sea cargo.
thedcn.com.au December 2019 55

PORT SUSTAINABILITY
Exploring the ‘green’ agenda
for ports
Australian specialists played an important part in this year’s World Greenport
Congress in Norway, writes Paula Wallace
MORE THAN 230 PARTICIPANTS
Of course, the topic of new limits on
from across the globe travelled to the
sulphur emissions was also discussed
Norwegian city of Oslo for the 2019 World
along with models for developing port
Greenport Congress in October.
sustainability strategies, UN Sustainable
Hosted by the Port of Oslo, the event
Development Goals, and the implications
once again brought together port-sector
of Brexit on ports in the European region.
leaders and representatives to collaborate
The Port of Vancouver presented an
on a range of contemporary issues facing
interesting case study on measuring and
port managers around the world.
reducing underwater vessel noise, and
This year the ‘cruise’ congress was also
there were numerous contributions on
run concurrently with the ‘port’ themes
alternative energy sources for plant and
which enabled cross collaboration.
equipment, renewable fuels in shipping and
For the third time, Renee Hovey
air quality measurement.
and Jason Sprott from Australian port
planning, environmental management
WORLD-CLASS PROJECT METHODOLOGY
and sustainability advisory firm Sprott
The workshop concept was developed by
Planning & Environment attended the
Ms Hovey in collaboration with Dr Chris
Congress, having been invited to present at
Wooldridge from the School of Earth and
previous events in Amsterdam in 2017 and
Baltimore in 2018.
Ocean Sciences at Cardiff University.
The session included presentations from
Renee Hovey presenting the workshop at the
World Greenport Congress
“We continue to value the investment
Charles Haine from WSP, Michel deVos
in this forum which brings together
from Napier Port and Henrik Ravandal
interested in investing in the port sector,”
port professionals from across the globe
from Norway-based Sustainable Energy
Ms Hovey says.
interested in transitioning their ports
consultancy Sweco.
“Clearly, investors are understandably
in a number of key themes including
The workshop focused on the four steps
wanting to ensure ports are focusing on
environment, business efficiency and
of the Sprott Planning & Environment
‘the most important issues’ in terms of their
viability, port resilience, renewable energy,
strategy development methodology
overall port strategy and direction, and our
climate change, alternative fuels, new
including gap analysis, materiality
process allows this,” Mr Sprott says.
technology and stakeholder engagement,”
assessment, strategy development and
Mr Sprott says.
forward leadership commitments to
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
communication, review and reporting.
The Congress also included a waterside
HOT TOPICS
“It was pleasing to see a number of ports
port tour on the Port of Oslo’s electric
Topics at this years’ Congress
participating in the workshop with many
ferry, which allowed participants to gain an
were extensive and Renee Hovey
acknowledging the importance of a staged
insight into operations in Oslo despite the
co-facilitated a workshop on ‘Developing
approach to robust strategy development,”
cold conditions.
Sustainability Strategies’, using the
Ms Hovey says.
The location for the 2020 Greenport
project methodology developed by the
The workshop also focused on the
Congress is yet to be announced but will
Sprott Planning & Environment team
importance of considering the United
be sure to continue to attract great interest
which has now been applied in both
Nations Sustainable Development Goals
from the port and maritime sector.
Australia and New Zealand.
within the strategy development work.
“Whilst the topics were of great
The Congress covered areas as diverse
“Charles Haine from WSP highlighted
technical interest, delegates reinforced
as zero emissions technology/emissions
the importance of external and internal
that the real strength of the Congress is
reduction, to new UNESCO regulations
stakeholder involvement and materiality
the opportunity to collaborate with port
regarding World Heritage listed sites,
onshore power technology, LNG bunkering
and the use of circular economy concepts
across the whole of port precincts.
assessments which is a key foundation
of strategy development in our view –
and one being focused on by a range
of investors and private equity firms
professionals and friends from around
the globe – all facing similar issues and
all benefiting from shared experiences,”
Mr Sprott says.
Image supplied
56 December 2019
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and customers prosper.
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INDUSTRY OPINION
Consolidation in containers –
what do customers really think?
Vinh Thai from RMIT University and maritime and logistics analyst Devinder Grewal
discuss a study of shipping line consolidation that has sought to shed light on the
impact upon customers
SHIPPING IS THE BACKBONE OF THE
world economy, facilitating international
trade and globalisation with more than
90% of trade by volume being transported
by sea, according to the International
Chamber of Shipping. Container shipping
maintains a plethora of inter-relationships
with both suppliers and customers to
deliver a reliable service. The wide variety
of intertwined services gives rise to the
importance of integrated performance
quality throughout the supply chain in
container shipping.
HIGH VALUE BUT LOW VOLUME
Containerships carry various types of
cargo, usually of high value but low
volume. Transport requirements, therefore,
place more emphasis on factors such as
timeliness, reliability and connectivity
rather than only low freight rates. In other
words, customers using container shipping
tend to be more concerned with quality
aspects of the service.
Factors that influence service quality in this
sector include:
Vinh Thai, associate professor in the School of
Business, IT and Logistics, RMIT
physical resources (e.g. ships and containers);
• management effectiveness (e.g. shipping
line’s efficiency);
• processes including interaction with
shipping line’s staff;
service outcomes (e.g. time and cost);
• image (e.g. shipping line’s reputation);
and
• social responsibility (e.g. shipping line’s
safety and environmental care).
HORIZONTAL INTEGRATION
Horizontal integration in container
shipping, in the form of operational
and service consolidation, has become
widespread in the past few years, especially
during the period of 2016–2018. This is
happening not only in the main routes but
also the regional/feeder routes.
While the top 10 shipping lines deployed
45% of container carrying capacity in 1996,
the figure in 2017 stood at 70%.
The table shows the top eight lines
in the largest three alliances currently
control about 80% aggregate global market
share. In addition, according to UNCTAD,
the number of container shipping lines
providing services per country has declined
by 38% on average during the period of
2004–2018.
IMPACT UPON CUSTOMERS
While consolidation can reduce
overcapacity in the market, there have
been concerns, raised by shipper councils
globally such as the European Shippers’
Council and the Global Shippers’ Forum,
that such consolidation will negatively
affect container shipping lines’ customers.
McKinsey & Company in 2017
discovered from its extensive engagement
with shippers that a remarkable amount
of dissatisfaction exists, in which shippers
found a “widening gap” between the service
they want to receive and the one they
actually receive, coupled with decreasing
schedule reliability.
Similarly, the International Transport
Forum reported in 2018, citing results
from a Drewry study that transit times and
reliability of booking were considered to
have deteriorated since 2016, and that over
60% of respondents in the survey noticed
deterioration in the range of different
carriers available and over 40% observed a
decreasing availability of different services.
It was also observed in these reports that
alliances can be generally associated with
less choice, less service differentiation and
less service quality for shippers.
THE AUSTRALIAN CONTEXT
There has been no research in Australia
to examine how container shipping
consolidation may affect service quality
and its resulting impact on their customer
satisfaction levels.
Maritime transport is critical to the
country in that nearly 99% of Australia’s
foreign trade in terms of volume go
through our ports, according to the
Department of Infrastructure, Transport,
Cities and Regional Development figures
of 2019.
To address this shortcoming, a
qualitative study comprising in-depth
semi-structured interviews of senior
managers in freight forwarding/logistics
firms who are in charge of operational
transactions with container shipping lines,
and representatives of peak bodies, was
conducted earlier this year.
KEY STUDY FINDINGS
Arrangements such as slot sharing
may limit the access of customers to
shipping services as the capacity of
the shipping lines is now spread across
other alliance members.
A 3PL service provider illustrated this
with the comment, “Space is a main issue.
If they are not consolidating with other
lines, perhaps 100% of the space of that
vessel is for our customers, but now they
Images supplied
58 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

Devinder Grewal, consultant, AISTL
are sharing with others, so some get more
options while others will lose slots”.
It was also shown that freight rates
may become more “stabilised” since larger
but fewer shipping lines are now in the
same alliance servicing specific shipping
routes. Indeed, even when this is not legally
permissible, alliances can influence pricing
in terms of common surcharges applied in
shipping routes and port areas within the
alliance’s networks and service areas.
Meanwhile customers’ choice of
shipping lines as well as negotiating
power are both curtailed when dealing
with alliances since there is reduced
competition between shipping lines. This
impacts negatively on service selection
and risk management for customers as the
differentiation between various shipping
lines has been fading out.
The case of the Al Riffa and San Filipe
collision and subsequent fire on both
ships in November 2014 in Port Klang
illustrates the depth of this concern. Only
15 containers of one product had been sent
with one of the involved vessel operators
by the manufacturer. It turned out that 98
containers of the manufacturer’s product
were on the same vessel, although booked
with different carriers.
SERVICE QUALITY IMPACT
Negative impacts on service quality are felt
in such areas as resources as customers may
have less choice of ships and containers.
Service outcomes are now increasingly
becoming commodities and not much
service customisation and differentiation
can be provided due to the structure of
alliances. There is also possible longer
delivery time as fewer but larger shipping
lines join lesser number of alliances,
together with the deployment of bigger
ships, meaning containers may have to
wait longer so that the necessary load level
can be achieved. This is especially true in
the case of Australia as the majority of
containers destined to Australian ports are
for local import and export demands. A
3PL service provider commented, “When
consolidating, the shipping lines instead
of putting containers daily onto different
vessels to spread them over Australia, it
already annoys customers because the
containers now spend one week longer than
it should have to since they have to wait for
each other”.
LOSS OF THE “HUMAN TOUCH”
The process aspect as a result of
consolidation is the loss of “human
touch” in doing business with shipping
lines. This was pointed out by almost all
interviewees. Since consolidation drives
more efficient process through automation,
often with less staff, customers who may
ALLIANCE CARRIERS GLOBAL MARKET SHARE AGGREGATE SHARE
2M
Ocean Alliance
THE Alliance
Maersk 17.9%
MSC 15.6%
COSCO - OOCL 12.7%
CMA CGM 11.5%
Evergreen 5.6%
Hapag-Lloyd 7.2%
ONE 6.8%
Yang Ming 2.7%
FACT BOX
THEMES OF
CONSOLIDATION
• Shippers found a gap between
the service they want and the one
they receive.
•
•
Customers may have less choice
of ships and containers.
Customers who may have cargo
issues cannot find someone to
talk to.
• Possible longer delivery time as
fewer but larger shipping lines join
lesser numbers of alliances.
• Consolidation has given more
negotiating power to lines and less
to customers.
McKinsey & Company in 2017 discovered from their
extensive engagement with shippers that
a remarkable amount of dissatisfaction exists.
GLOBAL MARKET SHARE CONTROLLED BY THREE DOMINANT SHIPPING ALLIANCES
33.5%
29.8%
16.7%
have issues with their cargo cannot find
someone in the shipping lines to talk to.
When someone may be found, in many
cases they are “very depressed, angry and
grumpy”. This also leads to issues with
the management of shipping lines which
is vividly elaborated with the following
comment: “Flexibility of shipping lines are
limited because in some situations, their
departments are far from the dock/port,
which results in the fact that they don’t
have experience to handle the problems.
For example, their container load team is
not at port, they are in Singapore”.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Consolidation has given more negotiating
power to shipping lines and lessened
it for customers. In addition, service
outcomes have become commoditised
and less customised to each customer’s
expectations. This may be different for big
logistics service providers or consolidators
who have large cargo volumes, people
and systems capability to integrate their
processes with alliances but the small
shipper’s voice has become smaller through
consolidation in container shipping.
thedcn.com.au December 2019 59

INDUSTRY ANALYTICS
Container volumes contract
for the second time in a decade
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission has released its 2018-19
monitoring report for container stevedoring. Here are some key excerpts
A WEAKENING ECONOMY
COMPETITION EVIDENT
and since the third stevedores entered the
dampened demand for stevedoring services
Competition has resulted in further shifts
industry at the east coast ports. Revenue
in 2018–19, with growth rates far below
in the stevedores’ shares of national lifts.
per lift grew by 1.8% to $268.50.
those reported in the previous year,
Most notable was the share of lifts handled
The industry generated $167m in revenue
according to the Container stevedoring
by DP World falling from 44.4% in 2017–18
from infrastructure charges in 2018–19,
monitoring report 2018–19.
to just 39.1% in 2018–19. However, fellow
an increase of 63% from 2017–18. After
The number of lifts made by the
incumbent stevedore Patrick fared much
DP World’s decision to increase charges in
international container stevedores fell for
better during the year, with its share of
Melbourne from around $49 to $85 from
only the second time in the last decade. The
national lifts increasing from 41.5% to
1 January 2019, Patrick and VICT followed
stevedores reported 5.11m lifts in 2018–19,
43.5%, after it reported having won several
with increases of their own. Patrick now
down 0.5% from the previous year. Lifts
new contracts during the period.
has the highest charges in Sydney ($77.50)
of full containers fell by 4.9% while empty
The dominance of the two largest
and Brisbane ($71.50).
containers increased by 14.6%.
stevedores was diluted further in 2018–19.
Industry volumes were slightly better
The combined share of lifts by the two
INDUSTRY-WIDE PROFITABILITY
when measured on a TEU basis, as cargo
firms represented 82.6% of national lifts,
REMAINS LOW
owners continued to increasingly adopt
the lowest on record.
Some industry profitability indicators fell
40-foot containers instead of 20-foot
After just two years of operations, VICT
in 2018–19, continuing the trend reported
containers. The container terminals reported
has now established itself as an effective
in recent years. Industry operating profit
handling a combined 7.88m TEU in 2018–19.
competitor in Melbourne. Its share of lifts
fell by 4.7% to $81.3m and operating profit
This represented growth of 0.2%, the second
in Melbourne more than doubled to around
margin fell slightly to 5.9%. While the
lowest rate over the past ten years.
15% after it won several shipping services
industry’s return on tangible assets was
The slowdown in container volume
during the period. On the other hand,
unchanged at 3.8%, this figure has fallen
growth reflects weakening economic
Hutchison’s share of total lifts in Brisbane
from a high of 27.8% in 2011–12.
activity in goods distribution industries
and Sydney remained at 13%.
While stevedores have had to face
such as retail and manufacturing. In
growing bargaining power of the shipping
addition, the drought in eastern Australia
HIGHER INFRASTRUCTURE CHARGES
lines in recent years, the significant fall
and floods in Queensland negatively
Higher infrastructure charges helped
in this latter figure also represents a
impacted on volumes of various export
commodities such as grain, hay and cotton.
to drive growth in unit revenues for the
stevedores for the first time since 2011–12
much larger asset base due to the new
container terminals in Brisbane, Sydney and
Patrick
60 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

Patrick Terminal,
Port Botany,
Sydney
Melbourne and, to a lesser extent, increased
unit costs.
While some industry-wide profitability
measures have clearly declined, it is
important to note that performance varies
greatly by stevedore. In 2018–19, most
stevedores reported much improved profits
or reduced operating losses, while some
stevedores’ profitability fell.
PER LIFT REVENUE
$266.1
$34.2
Quayside
Landside and other
$190.4
$78.1
PRODUCTIVITY INDICATORS
Productivity of some Australian container
ports now appears on-par with comparable
international ports.
Productivity at Australian ports has
increased significantly since the late 1990s.
In 2018–19, data provided by BITRE to the
ACCC showed improved productivity levels
on the quayside. All three key indicators of
quayside productivity—crane rate, labour
rate and ship rate—went up by more than
5%. In particular, labour and ship rates are
now at record highs.
Melbourne was the best performing of
the Australian ports.
2009-10 2018-19
RETURN ON TANGIBLE ASSETS
27.8%
18.4%
3.8%
2009-10 2018-19
*Earnings before interest, tax and amortisation (EBITA) as a percentage of total revenue. ** Includes international container terminal
volumes only. *** Containers per hour.
LIFTS PER STEVEDORE**
4.5% Patrick 2.2 million
12.3% DP World 2.0 million
0.8% Hutchison 0.3 million
0.8% Flinders Adelaide 0.3 million
147% VICT 0.3 million
CONTAINER TERMINAL PRODUCTIVITY
Ship rate***
64.7
8.3%
REVENUES, COSTS AND PROFITS
Crane rate***
30.7
5.3%
TEU PER PORT**
Adelaide
5.3%
Fremantle
10%
Brisbane
16.6%
Labour rate***
51.4
7.5%
TOTAL REVENUE REVENUE PER LIFT COST PER LIFT PROFIT MARGIN*
$1371m $268.5 $252.8 5.9%
1.3% 1.8% 2.4% 0.5pp
Sydney
33.7%
Melbourne
34.3%
Truck turnaround time (mins)
29.3
0.4
thedcn.com.au December 2019 61

OUT & ABOUT
Sister Mary, Dom McCarron,
Mark Malone and Michael
Kelly at the Engage
anniversary function
Freight sector
enjoys spring
A NUMBER OF EVENTS IN SYDNEY AND MELBOURNE
offered opportunities for people from the shipping and maritime
sectors to come together and enjoy the warmer weather.
High on the list was the annual Shipping Industry Golf
Challenge held at the picturesque Mona Vale Golf Club. The
event is a fundraiser for Westmead Children’s Hospital and the
cumulative donation over the years is now close to $700,000.
Also in Sydney, a first birthday celebration was held at Smoke
Bar in Barangaroo House, recognising the first year of operations
in Sydney for Engage Towage. The company’s CEO Mark Malone
thanked guests for their support and Sister Mary from the Sydney
Mission was presented with a cheque to support her work in
supporting seafarers.
Meanwhile in Melbourne, customs brokers gathered for the
CBFCA National Convention at Crown Conference Centre. As well
as the serious stuff, there was also plenty of time for networking
and socialising and catching up with friends.
Also in Melbourne, a lunch gathering took place for Baltic
Exchange CEO Mark Jackson and head of Baltic Exchange Asia Su
Ling Lu. The event was organised by Maritime Industry Australia
and was held at Majella House on St Kilda Road, with guests
defying brutally hot weather to enjoy the afternoon.
Denis Bilston and Elvis Bernard
at CBFCA National Convention
John Farrelly
and Brian
Slater at
CBFCA
62 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

Paul Deacon and
Carolyn Brush at
CBFCA
Robert Cherbakof and
Peter Howden at CBFCA
Robert Wallace
and Tom
Griffiths at
CBFCA
Susan Danks
and Jamie
Murray at
CBFCA
Dale Emmerton and Tayissa
Popowicz in Melbourne to
meet Baltic Exchange
leadership
Mark Malone, Rob Garrett and Dave Fethers at the Engage function
The team from Wilson Lawyers enjoy the golf day
The weather at Mona Vale could hardly have been better
for the Shipping Industry Golf Challenge
Image supplied
thedcn.com.au December 2019 63

MISSION TO SEAFARERS
When tragedy strikes
Following a recent tragedy on a passenger ship,
a Mission to Seafarers’ chaplain went onboard
to provide counselling and assistance
IT WAS AROUND LUNCHTIME
when I received a phone call about an
emergency. The initial message was that
someone onboard needed help, but I
thought nothing much of it because I was
about to visit ships elsewhere. The other
chaplains were closer and they would be
able to handle it. Well it turned out the
first message was incomplete. There had
been a death, and they wanted someone
that afternoon to assist the crew for several
days. I sensed there was a greater need and
perhaps my counselling skills would be
of value. The trip to the dock in an Uber
was eventful when we passed an accident
involving four vehicles. Almost as soon as
I arrived onboard, I sensed a weight only
his body. In such circumstances people
are vulnerable to trauma and secondary
trauma. The circumstances surrounding
a death, especially suicide, can have an
overwhelming effect. The majority of
people will undergo temporary traumatic
symptoms, but they only will be temporary.
There is, however, a minority who, based on
previously trauma, will be vulnerable for an
extended period of time.
COUNSELLING THE CREW
My first job was to help the crew
understand their reactions were normal.
Feeling numb, not being able to believe this
has really happened, sudden anger, sadness
and guilt are normal reactions. Many who
If we do not allow the grief to be processed,
it will hurt us in the end.
and I wondered about them. There was no
time for a traditional wake, and someone
told me they only get 10 hours off rather
than a day off as a regular break. They work
seven days a week.
HOPES FOR THE FUTURE
My hope is that the crew will be able to find
space to process what they need to process.
It is different for everyone. Some cultures
have different ways of grieving and within
those groups there is so much variation.
But if we do not allow grief to be processed,
it will hurt us in the end. The greater our
love, the greater the grief and the more
help we will need. We need to talk about
the serious stuff, and we need someone
to really listen. I was able to provide a
listening ear and I hope the crew are able to
find others who take the time to hear how
much they cared about their friend.
death can bring. This was not obvious to
take their own lives do not tell anyone in
CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
the guests onboard for they knew nothing.
advance. Tragically they seem to believe
As Christmas is close, it is important to
For the majority of the passengers it was
family, friends and colleagues are better off
be mindful some of our friends, family,
party time. The show must go on.
without them. Nothing could be further
colleagues and neighbours struggle at this
from the truth.
time of year. Seafarers are vulnerable to
IMPACT UPON THE CREW
At the memorial service we held a couple
loneliness and isolation due to separation
I was introduced to some of the officers and
of days after his death, there was a long line
from loved ones. Remember them also.
learned the victim was one of their own.
of his crew family, friends and colleagues
Join us at our Christmas Celebration
Neither the staff captain nor the master
who walked up to his framed photo and paid
and Information evening at the Sydney
had experienced such a tragedy aboard
their last respects. It was a holy moment.
Mission on December 10 where we will
ship, and they were glad to have someone
This was no easy place to be, at such a
look back on the year that is ending and
familiar with handling people who had
time there is so much pain and confusion.
look forward to 2020.
been close to a recently deceased. There
He had been a kind officer, a gentleman
were several teams who had been close to
the officer as well as those who had been
involved in the discovery and retrieval of
even, who went about his business quietly
and efficiently. After the service the crew
dispersed to take up their various duties
If this article has raised any issues, contact
Mission to Seafarers Sydney on (02) 9241 3009
or Lifeline on 131 114.
GaudiLab
64 December 2019
thedcn.com.au

Australia’s best connected gateway port

The grill
Professor Vinh Thai, from the School of
Business IT & Logistics at RMIT University
talks about his work, travel and why
people should consider a maritime career
What is your current job and what does
it entail?
As Associate Professor at the School of
Business IT & Logistics, RMIT University
in Melbourne, my work portfolio includes
teaching, research and administration
in the context of my duty as the deputy
program manager for the Master of Supply
Chain and Logistics management program.
What makes your work rewarding?
I often say this about my work: “you get
paid for what you love doing”. In my case,
I love teaching and researching in my
domain of maritime logistics. Teaching
gives me a sense of fulfilment as it is one
of the ways to influence people for a better
world, while research gives me joy especially
when that research is impactful.
How did you get into researching
shipping and logistics?
My bachelor (Vietnam Maritime
University), master (World Maritime
University) and PhD (Australian
Maritime College – University of
Tasmania) degrees are all related to ports
and shipping. My research of shipping
and logistics started when I came to
the AMC for my PhD after some time
working for the maritime industry in
Vietnam in a freight forwarding/shipping
agency and at a container shipping line
and container terminal.
Do you think enough people
understand the importance of
commercial shipping?
I think most people understand the
importance of the ocean to Australia, but
perhaps not many people know shipping is
critical to the country as her foreign trade
is dependent on shipping with nearly 99%
of Australia’s foreign trade in terms of
volume going through ports.
Would you encourage people to
consider a shipping or logistics career?
Definitely. A career in shipping and
logistics has challenges but also rewards.
Although it is not trendy compared with
other areas such as finance, banking or
insurance, it is the lifeblood and backbone
of any nation’s economy.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in a sea town in the central
coast of Vietnam, Qui Nhon, which
possesses one of the most beautiful
beaches in the country and perhaps
Asia. My youth is always associated
with the ocean. My hometown is
in the tropical monsoon zone and
thus I remember I went to the beach,
which is only 10-minutes jog from my
parents’ house for swimming virtually
every day. Apart from that, I really
miss all the food delicacies the town
has to offer.
You have lived in Melbourne and
Tasmania. Which was the best place
to live?
It’s hard to say since each has its own
pros and cons. I miss the quality of
the air in Tasmania – it’s so fresh and
pristine – which is hard to find in
Melbourne. The landscape in Tassie
is also quite unique. Meanwhile,
Melbourne offers the vibrancy of
the metropolitan work life but also
other aspects of the countryside life.
If possible, I would like to work in
Melbourne but enjoy life in Tasmania.
What do you enjoy most about
Melbourne life?
You have everything you need here. The
inclusiveness yet diversity of food and
drink is another attractive feature, not
to mention the cultural festivals and
events. In my profession, Melbourne
offers the unique advantage of being a
hub for shipping and a port with all the
industry players.
Have you got a favourite Melbourne
restaurant?
I am easy-going when it comes to food. My
favourite is of course Vietnamese cuisine.
By the way, I have just found that Pho
Thin Lo Duc, a well-known pho restaurant
in Hanoi, has just opened a branch in
Melbourne. If you are a fan of pho, this
northern style with stir-fried beef is
certainly something you must try.
What do you enjoy doing in your
spare time?
I love watching movies, especially action
and kungfu ones. Apart from that, I love
cycling with my two little devils, my
daughter of 16 and son of 10 and especially
playing soccer with the little one.
Where is your favourite place for a
holiday?
Apart from locations in Vietnam such as
my own hometown, I would like to visit
Japan (again) and especially Kyoto and
Sapporo. There is so much to learn in
terms of culture.
Is there an Australian person
(past or present) who you consider
inspirational?
Perhaps Bob Hawke, the former PM.
David Sexton
66 December 2019
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