This proposed new process option for the dehire of Maersk empty containers involves direct transfer to the wharf based Patrick and DPW stevedore terminals only - click
HERE to read the official statement from Maersk.
Thereby potentially cancelling or substantially reducing, the current longstanding and accepted industry practice of allowing empty containers to be dehired to Maersk’s nominated container park operators in each major Australian port.
The CBFCA objects to this arrangement on the grounds of:
- Additional cost imposed to members, who in turn would likely need to consider passing this onto their importer clients.
- Lack of industry consultation.
- The potential removal of options to dehire empty containers in the major industrial hubs closest to members' and clients' facilities, within each capital city.
- The congestion that would be added to existing container transport aroad movements within each capital city.
- The impractical procedure involving the lodgement of a PRA and VBS booking slot for each inward container movement.
- A potential elimination of current efficient empty container dehire practices such as "live unloads" at importer premises that involved direct empty dehires - a service that enables direct cost savings to the import industry in terms of eliminating the need for return pick up and dehire of empty containers.
- The potential for our members and their importer clients to have inward empty container movements trapped within the controls of each stevedore VBS process in terms of timing and availability of time slots.
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Increased risks to members and their importer clients on incurring container dehire detention due to the potential loss of available free days from container unpack through to empty container dehire due to this proposed process.
- The flow on effect of unnecessary additional;l administration and co-ordination time/cost that our members would incur under such a practice.
The CBFCA will initially seek meetings with Maersk on this issue, in addition to notifying relevant industry and regulatory bodies of this unacceptable situation.
Further updates for members can be expected on this issue.
Scott Carson
Commercial Manager