News

Fracht Group Australia Logistics News - March 2026

2/3/2026

AROUND THE WORLD 

• WAR RELATED OPERATIONAL DISRUPTIONS in the Middle East. Fracht would like to inform customers and partners of severe and ongoing operational disruptions in the Middle East, arising from the current armed conflict involving the USA, Israel, and Iran. As a direct consequence of this war and related governmental and military actions, the Strait of Hormuz has been temporarily closed, and multiple airports across the Middle East have been shut down or are operating under significant restrictions. These war related developments are having a substantial effect on global supply chains. Customers should expect major delays to air, ocean, and multimodal shipments, significant congestion and backlogs at alternative ports and airports, extended transit times due to rerouting and capacity limitations and cascading effects across global trade lanes beyond the immediate region. Given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and Middle East aviation hubs, the impact is global in scope and not limited to regional cargo.
• WAN HAI LINES is acquiring usage rights to Terminal C9 at Osaka Port for USD87m, strengthening its position on the Japan–Taiwan trade. The terminal provides deep-water capability, extensive berth length, and access to port incentives, including reduced entry fees and environmental discounts. The investment aligns with Wan Hai’s strategy to prioritise intra-Asia routes, where it operates 28 services and holds an estimated 15% market share.
• CMA CGM AND MAERSK are expanding their joint Asia–West Africa network following strong trade growth, which exceeded 30% last year according to Container Trade Statistics. The partners are launching a new WAX1/FEW1 service alongside their existing coverage, deploying large vessels to meet rising demand and counter MSC’s earlier capacity expansion on the corridor.
• US FORWARDERS SEE VOLUMES DROP. A survey by the Airforwarders Association shows that more than 80% of US freight forwarders have experienced volume declines linked to tariff policy, alongside rising operational complexity. Respondents cited supply-chain rerouting, customs delays, airport congestion, reduced flight schedules, and increased administrative workload. Industry leaders warn that policy unpredictability is undermining long-term planning and investment confidence.
• CMA CGM HAS SIGNED A CONTRACT with Cochin Shipyard to build six 1,700 TEU (twenty foot equivalent unit) LNG-powered feeder vessels, marking a formal commitment to Indian shipbuilding. The deal aligns with India’s Maritime Vision 2047 and follows high-level political engagement between India and France. The vessels, due for delivery between 2029 and 2031, will be built with technical support from HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. 

SEAFREIGHT NEWS 

• MORE CHINESE NEW YEAR ADJUSTMENTS. Container carriers serving the China–Australia trade have introduced further Lunar New Year schedule changes, with additional blank sailings and the withdrawal of peak season surcharges. The A3 consortium (ANL, COSCO SL and OOCL) confirmed that its A3C and A3S services will double previously announced voyage cancellations, implementing two-week schedule slides to reflect weaker southbound demand during the holiday period. ANL also removed its peak season surcharge on North-East Asia–Australia cargo from 1 February.
• UNRELIABILITY IS THE ‘NEW NORMAL’. New data from Sea-Intelligence shows that container shipping reliability has stabilised at structurally lower levels, with 2025 confirming a lasting shift away from pre-pandemic standards. Global schedule reliability averaged 61.5% last year, an improvement on 2024 but still ranking only 11th out of 14 years in the dataset. Early 2025 saw deep underperformance before conditions improved mid-year, although even the strongest months failed to reach historical highs.
• OOCL HAS LAUNCHED A NEW multimodal coastal service linking Brisbane and Fremantle, combining rail and sea to offer a 14-day transit time. Containers will move by rail from Bromelton, south of Brisbane, to Port Botany before connecting with the Triple A consortium’s AAA2 coastal service to Western Australia. The service includes full container drop-off at Bromelton, flexible delivery options in Fremantle, and onward rail transfer to ICD Forrestfield under a through bill of lading.
• OCEAN NETWORK EXPRESS (ONE) reported a USD88m net loss for the third quarter of its 2025 financial year, citing excess capacity, slower cargo movement and weaker short-term freight rates. Quarterly revenue fell 9% from the previous quarter and 16% year-on-year, while liftings declined modestly quarter-on-quarter and remained flat annually. ONE said continued newbuild deliveries loosened supply–demand balance, pressuring rates, particularly on Asia–North America services, where the carrier has significant exposure.
• MSC HAS CONTINUED ITS aggressive fleet expansion, ordering 12 new container vessels recently across the feeder and mid-size segments. The carrier contracted eight 11,500 TEU ships and four 5,000 TEU units for delivery later this decade, reinforcing its long-term bet on regional and intra-Asia trades. MSC’s continued investment highlights confidence in structural trade growth despite near-term demand and rate volatility.
• HAPAG-LLOYD REPORTED 2025 RESULTS at the upper end of expectations, remaining profitable despite a year-on-year decline and a weaker fourth quarter. Group revenue reached USD21.1bn, with transport volumes up 8% to 13.5m TEU, offset by an 8% fall in average freight rates. Earnings were pressured by higher costs linked to Cape of Good Hope rerouting and the launch of the Gemini Network, although associated cost savings began emerging in the second half of the year. 

AIRFREIGHT NEWS 

• GLOBAL AIR CARGO VOLUMES REBOUNDED strongly in early January, rising 5% year on year in the first full week of 2026, according to WorldACD. Analysts caution that comparisons are flattered by a slow start to 2025 and that underlying demand trends remain uncertain. Growth was led by the Middle East and South Asia, with solid gains also recorded in Asia Pacific and North America.
• GLOBAL AIR CARGO CAPACITY increased 4% year on year in early January, but airlines continue to redeploy aircraft away from the transpacific trade. Aevean data shows strong capacity growth on Asia–Europe and Asia–Middle East routes, while Asia–North America capacity declined slightly. Freighter operators have led the shift, cutting transpacific freighter supply and sharply expanding Asia–Europe deployments. Bellyhold capacity growth has outpaced freighters, reflecting continued passenger network recovery.
• GLOBAL AIR CARGO DEMAND GREW 3.4% in 2025, supported primarily by e-commerce and supply-chain reconfiguration, according to IATA. Capacity increased at a similar pace, leading to yield normalisation after pandemic-era highs. IATA noted that air cargo played a critical role in enabling businesses to front-load shipments amid tariff uncertainty and shifting trade policies. Growth was uneven by region, with Asia-Pacific leading and North America the only region to record a full-year decline.
• AIR CARGO RELIABILITY DETERIORATED in 2025, with airlines Delivery-As-Promised score falling to 62.7%, according to CargoAi. Performance declined year on year in nine of twelve months, with the weakest results recorded during mid-year. CargoAi attributed the drop to trade policy changes, capacity realignments, ground-handling constraints and peak-season pressures. US de minimis tariff reforms disrupted Asia–US e-commerce flows, forcing network adjustments and creating delivery volatility. Asia–Europe routes were among the poorest performers due to complex handovers and congestion, while short-haul East Asia corridors performed best.
• ANA REPORTED A YEAR-ON-YEAR DECLINE in international cargo revenues despite higher volumes during the first nine months of its financial year. Revenue was pressured by weaker demand in higher-yield segments, including automotive cargo and e-commerce. Sister airline Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA) was more directly affected by US tariffs, which reduced China–North America transit volumes via Japan, although demand has begun to recover. Both carriers adjusted freighter routes and capacity to respond to shifting trade flows, with increased focus on Asia–Europe and selective North American services.
• STRONG JANUARY AIR CARGO VOLUMES may be disguising growing structural challenges, according to Xeneta and Baltic Air Freight Index analysis. While global chargeable weight rose strongly year on year, much of the uplift is attributed to calendar effects linked to Lunar New Year timing rather than improved underlying demand. The more significant concern is a sustained slowdown in cross-border e-commerce exports from China, particularly to the US following de minimis changes. 

OCEANIA PORTS AND AIRPORTS

• DARWIN PORT TAKEOVER could come at a high price. The Australian Government’s commitment to return the Port of Darwin to Australian control could involve a costly buyout of the existing 99-year lease held by Landbridge. The Chinese-owned operator paid AUD506m for the lease in 2015 and has since turned the port into a profitable asset, reporting strong EBITDA and cash generation in FY25. While no formal valuation has been released, commentators suggest the acquisition price could run into the billions. The issue has diplomatic implications, with China warning of repercussions should Australia force a divestment.
• LYTTELTON PORT COMPANY delivered record half-year financial results despite late-2025 industrial disruption, driven by strong bulk cargo growth and disciplined cost control. Revenue, profit and EBITDA all improved year-on-year, with bulk volumes rising strongly while container volumes eased slightly. Refrigerated exports continued to grow and second-half container throughput is expected to lift on seasonal exports.
• VICT SET FOR ANOTHER QUARTER-CENTURY. Victoria International Container Terminal has secured a 26-year lease extension at Webb Dock East, extending its operating term to 2066. The agreement reflects long-term confidence in the Port of Melbourne’s growth outlook and follows significant investment by VICT since commencing operations in 2014. Ongoing capital works include new quay cranes, hybrid automated straddle carriers and yard expansions, with completion targeted for late 2027. VICT now handles close to 40% of Melbourne’s container trade, supported by its ability to service larger vessels. 
• FLINDERS ADELAIDE CONTAINER TERMINAL has ordered an Australian-first cantilever automated rubber-tyred gantry crane as part of the AUD300m+ GatewaySA investment program. Developed with Austrian manufacturer Künz, the crane will be used in a proof-of-concept testing area to assess potential changes to operating modes at the terminal. The design separates truck and stacking zones to improve safety and operational efficiency. The broader GatewaySA program includes berth extensions, new ship-to-shore cranes, IT upgrades and yard expansions.
• NEW CONTAINER DEPOT OPENS international gateway for Port of Mackay. Construction of a new container depot at the Port of Mackay is set to enable direct containerised imports and exports for Central Queensland. Delivered by North Queensland Bulk Ports, the 1.3-hectare facility will remove the need for regional shippers to route freight via Brisbane, reducing transport costs, transit times and road congestion. The depot is designed with reach-stacker operations, reefer capability and capacity for future growth, with demand projected to build steadily over coming years.
• NEW LOGISTICS PRECINCT GREENLIGHTED for Melbourne. A new industrial and logistics precinct at Laverton North has been approved through a joint venture between Charter Hall and Mitsubishi Estate Asia. The first stage will deliver a 40,000sqm logistics facility as part of a broader estate with potential to reach 175,000sqm. Located close to major arterial roads and the Port of Melbourne, the development targets strong tenant demand in a tightly held industrial market. Sustainability features include solar generation, water recycling and a targeted five-star Green Star rating.
• NEW PILBARA PORT 94% COMPLETE. The Port of Cape Preston West on Western Australia’s Pilbara coast is nearing completion, with construction now 94% finished. Developed to support BCI Minerals’ Mardie Salt & Potash Project, the port is a declared multi-user facility managed by Pilbara Ports. Major marine structures and heavy lifts are complete, with dredging works scheduled to commence in April 2026. While purpose-built for bulk mineral exports, the port has surplus capacity that may accommodate third-party users in future.
• TASPORTS RECORDED SOLID TRADE VOLUMES for the first half of FY25, with total throughput rising 2.1% year-on-year to 7.43Mt. Growth was driven primarily by forestry exports, which increased more than 13%, offsetting weaker industrial volumes. Container throughput also rose, supported by increased services through Bell Bay. Fuel and mining volumes showed modest growth, while cruise activity softened slightly due to weather-related cancellations.
• SHIPPERS PURSUE LANDSIDE COST ANSWERS. A newly formed Australian Shippers Alliance is examining whether existing competition legislation can address ongoing concerns about container port landside charges. The group argues that successive ACCC reports point to persistent market failure, with weak competition and rising costs for cargo owners. Rather than pursuing new regulation, the alliance is exploring whether provisions under Part X of the Competition and Consumer Act could enable ministerial intervention.
• QUBE SIGNS OFF ON AUD11.7BN MACQUARIE TAKEOVER. Qube’s board has unanimously recommended an AUD11.7bn acquisition by a Macquarie Asset Management-led consortium, valuing the company at a 28% premium to its prior share price. Under the scheme, most shareholders will receive cash, while UniSuper will roll its stake into the acquiring entity. Qube operates extensive port, terminal and logistics infrastructure across Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia. 

 CUSTOMER SERVICE 

If you would like further information about any of the above items, please contact one of our friendly Fracht Team members at fracht@frachtsyd.com.au