News
Industry Update – September 2026
Attention: Shipping Manager
Typhoon Disruption in China
East Asia’s 2026 typhoon season has seen above-normal activity, with several severe typhoons detailed previously making landfall over a two-week period, resulting in severe flooding, congestion and delays in vessel operations throughout the region. Ningbo and Shanghai were two of the worst affected ports with terminal operations recently brought to a standstill.
With warnings that Typhoon Saudel could make a resurgence and weather institutions stating that more tropical cyclones are expected to form in the region, these impacts could last longer than previously anticipated.
Further schedule adjustments, congestion and capacity constraints are expected to impact the busiest ports across the region and result in operational delays, closures, interruptions, omissions, congestion and container availability issues as the region continues to be affected by severe weather.
(Source: Loadstar/Maersk)
Middle East Conflict
As previously noted, we are monitoring developments from Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) on the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
The situation has resulted in severe disruption to global air cargo and containerised sea cargo, with flow-on consequences for Australian supply chains.
While regional ports, bookings, and limited flight operations have resumed, the overall geopolitical setting remains highly unstable.
- Container lines are still operating only limited and carefully managed transits, with many carriers:
-
- Suspending bookings
- Declaring end of voyage or voyage cancellations
- Discharging cargo at alternative ports outside the Gulf
- Applying Emergency Fuel, War Risk and Emergency Conflict Surcharges
- The issue is no longer whether key routes such as the Strait of Hormuz or the Red Sea remain navigable, but whether cargo can move with certainty to support production schedules, inland logistics, inventory planning and contractual obligations.
- Operational warnings to commercial shipping remain severe.
With the US and Iran still at war with no progress towards diplomatic resolution, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted in practice, heavily militarised and unpredictable. Industry guidance continues to emphasise that “open on paper” does not equate to safe or commercially viable transit.
(Source: Freight & Trade Alliance)
Red Sea Update
Threats to shipping in the Red Sea continue as the Houthi rebels ramp up attacks in the region. The Houthi rebel group in Yemen launched a wave of attacks on Saudi Arabia this week, wounding more than 70 people and igniting fires at oil facilities. This attack was a major escalation in renewed fighting and threatened to further destabilise the region.
Weeks of clashes have added pressure to limited global oil supplies as the Houthis target a shipping route Saudi Arabia has used to transport oil to world markets.
While some carriers have begun to travel through the waterway instead of travelling around the Cape of Good Hope, there have been no solid developments towards peace, and the situation remains fluid.
(Source: Associated Press/Freight & Trade Alliance)
Europe Port Disruptions
We previously advised of disruption to commercial barge traffic in major European inland waterways caused by severely low water levels.
Additionally, industrial action affected several major ports across Germany and the Netherlands last week.
Please note that potential delays to vessel operations, container movements and inland transport, leading to congestion and backlogs, may continue.
(Source: Loadstar)
General Rate Increase from 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 15 September 2026, affecting North East and South East Asia to Australia.
USD 600/20’
USD 1200/40’
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 Fuel Surcharges
As previously reported, the situation in the Middle East has caused disruption to international energy markets, directly affecting Australian domestic freight costs.
The reinstatement of the Government’s fuel excise has increased the cost of diesel and other transport-related fuels, and we are seeing fuel surcharges increase accordingly.
Please note that the increasing fuel surcharges do not represent an increase in margin for our business, but reflect the rapidly rising costs being passed through by our suppliers, and it is necessary for us to ensure our operating costs are covered so we can continue to move cargo to its destination and maintain efficient service for our customers.
- Destination Fuel Surcharge Update
Current fuel surcharges are given below for reference:
Sydney Fuel surcharge = 41%
Melbourne Fuel surcharge = 37%
Brisbane Fuel surcharge = 47%
Adelaide Fuel surcharge = 48.5%
Fremantle Fuel surcharge = 38%
The fuel surcharges will continue to be applied based on the applicable rate during the period in which the transport movement takes place. Where services span multiple days, the surcharge may be adjusted to reflect the rate in effect on each day of the movement.
Given the volatility of the price of fuel, we will continue to assess these surcharges weekly. However, if you would like to clarify the latest updates, please contact your sales representative.
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