News
Industry Update – February 2026
Attention: Shipping Manager
Red Sea and Suez Canal Transits
As previously reported, some carriers have begun to explore Red Sea and Suez Canal transits, though no official announcement was made – however, one carrier has now announced a structural change of a service back through the Suez Canal following successful trials.
While this appears to be a large step towards a full return, shipping lines currently manage to maintain reliability with routings via the Cape of Good Hope.
Experts say that there is no incentive to jeopardise that stability, so it is likely each carrier will switch back to Suez transits by each individual service in response. Most carriers have not officially announced their return to the Suez.
Some other carriers have already rerouted vessels previously scheduled to transit the Suez Canal due to heightened political tension, highlighting uncertainty of a full return.
Experts say that the return to the Suez Canal route is one this year’s key influencing factors for capacity, transit times, fuel consumption and congestion.
(Source: The Loadstar)
Port Congestion in Europe
Europe experienced severe winter weather earlier in the month, hitting port and inland transport. This resulted in delays and service interruptions at terminals and depots, major road closures, and congestion throughout the supply chain.
More extreme weather conditions are expected to cause further disruptions.
Further, a return of shipping to the Red Sea and Suez Canal may also increase pressure on terminal capacity in major European ports, likely resulting in congestion when vessels start transitioning to these waterways.
(Source: Loadstar)
Fremantle Traffic Bridge Closure
We received noticed from the Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) that Fremantle Traffic Bridge closed on 1 February 2026 to make way for the completion of the new bridge, meaning thousands of additional passenger vehicles per day diverting to the Stirling Bridge.
The closure will likely result in congestion around Fremantle port, with the construction expecting to take at least 12 months.
(Source: Freight & Trade Alliance)
General Rate Increase from North East Asia to Australia
We received notifications this month from a number of shipping lines in regards to a General Rate Increase (GRI) from Asia to Australia, details as follows:
This will come into effect from 1 March 2026, affecting North East Asia to Australia.
USD 300/20’
USD 600/40’
LCL will increase accordingly.
Due to the current global situation, we believe these increases may not eventuate. However, because shipping lines have announced them, we want to keep you informed.
If you need further clarification on pricing on these trade lanes, please contact your sales representative.
Destination Airline Terminal Fee Increase:
Destination Airline Terminal Fee has increased for all ports in Australia, effective immediately.
Updated fee is given below:
Destination Airline Terminal Fee = Minimum AUD 84 / $0.84 per kg
Destination Empty Container Park Increase:
Destination Empty Container Park surcharge has increased for Sydney, effective immediately. Updated surcharge is given below:
Sydney Empty Container Park surcharge = AUD 305 per container
Destination Sydney Peak Dehire Increase:
Destination Peak Dehire surcharge has increased in Sydney, effective immediately. Updated surcharge is given below:
Sydney Peak Dehire surcharge = AUD 45 per container
Destination Toll Increase:
Destination Tolls surcharge has increased for Sydney, effective immediately. Updated surcharge is given below:
Sydney Toll surcharge = AUD 80 per container
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