ANALYSIS: A move by Fremantle Ports to hike its fees from October, and an angry response from industry, is the latest warning against rising supply chain costs at sea and on land.
Middle East logistics giant DP World's push to grow its presence in Fremantle via the acquisition of Silk Logistics has raised eyebrows at the nation's competition watchdog.
Stevedore giant DP World has reached an in-principle four-year agreement with the union, ending a protracted period of disruptive industrial action at ports including Fremantle.
Ongoing industrial issues at Fremantle Port between DP World and the Maritime Union of Australia is impacting WA's economy by $10.7 million per week, CCIWA has warned.
DP World estimates around 50,000 containers are backlogged due to industrial action by workers, despite the Maritime Union of Australia's move not to enact longer strikes.
Operations have stopped at major Australian ports, including Fremantle, as workers of one of the country's biggest ports operators continue union-led industrial action.
One of the country's biggest ports operators has called on the federal government to step in to an ongoing dispute it claims is costing $84 million a week.
Logistics multinational DP World has confirmed personal staff information was stolen during a cyber attack on its Australian operations earlier in November.
The turnaround time for ships using Fremantle harbour has more than doubled in recent years, adding to pressure for major infrastructure upgrades additional to the planned Westport project.
Workers at the DP World terminal at Fremantle Ports are striking today after negotiations between the company and union broke down over provisions to restrict automation and outsourcing in a draft bargaining agreement.
About 2,300 wharfies at Fremantle's container terminal have begun a two-day strike, joining industrial action already under way in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.
A significant flow of trade through Fremantle Port will come to a stop later this week as unionised workers strike to oppose automation and outsourcing.
The two main operators at Fremantle Ports container terminal look set to stay until at least 2026, with the state government flagging discussions about infrastructure for container movements into the port to be a key priority in its negotiations.
The Pacific National rail business and the Patrick container terminal business are set to come under new ownership after Asciano agreed to a $9.05 billion takeover deal that is designed to sidestep regulatory concerns.
The competition watchdog has warned that the privatisation process for Fremantle Ports could deliver a high price to government but at the expense of port users.
The state government's decision to sell Fremantle Ports is likely to halt two separate sale and tender processes currently under way, including privatisation of the port's automotive trade.
Sydney company ACFS Port Logistics has outlined development plans for an industrial site at Rous Head, after announcing a joint venture with Asciano subsidiary Patrick Port Logistics.
The Perth Freight Link road project could extend the capacity of Fremantle harbour and lead to a rethink on long-term planning for a second container port at Kwinana.
Transport Minister Dean Nalder has announced that Fremantle Ports will go to market for the leasing of its container terminals on North Quay for undisclosed sums.
