Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) note recent commentaries from industry bodies that have been critical of Fremantle Ports and the Western Australian Government over increased charges payable by international shipping lines - further detail about the charges effective 1 July and 1 October 2025 is available HERE

While it is true that mooring and ancillary fees have risen significantly, our understanding is that these increases should result in only a marginal per-container cost once passed on by shipping lines to importers and exporters. Other port-related increases are likely to have a far greater impact, particularly through what is commonly known as the Terminal Handling Charge (THC).

The THC is a bundled fee that includes both port and stevedore charges. Notably, successive Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) monitoring reports have shown that stevedore quayside charges (as a proportion of total revenue) have been decreasing. Despite this, the THC charged by shipping lines remain stubbornly high. This raises concerns that public statements such as those from shipping line interests maybe designed to justify further increases to THC.

Port charges are publicly available. In an ideal environment, the charges stevedores levy on shipping lines would also be disclosed, allowing transparency and enabling our members to assess whether they are being charged fairly.

Meanwhile, as highlighted in ACCC reports, stevedores continue to post strong profits largely off the back of increasing landside charges imposed on road and rail operators; fees that are incontestable. Unfortunately, not all industry bodies have demonstrated the same level of concern regarding these cost pressures.

To their credit, Fremantle Ports have used their landlord role and contractual arrangements with stevedores to contain the pace of stevedore fee increases and are relatively low.

Taking all factors into account, while the recent increases from Fremantle Ports are not ideal, Fremantle remains one of the more cost-effective container ports nationally.

FTA and APSA continue to advocate for greater federal oversight of port pricing, in particular on spiralling landside logistics costs; an issue we have raised directly with the Federal Treasurer ahead of the upcoming Productivity Roundtable.

This morning, Amanda Bradfield (Head of International Freight & Logistics - FTA / APSA) was interviewed by Geraldine Mellet on ABC Perth Radio. The recording can be found HERE from 35:25 mins

FTA / APSA will continue to engage across industry and government to keep members informed of further developments.

Paul Zalai - Director FTA / Secretariat APSA

ABC interview with Amanda Bradfield - Fremantle Ports Rates Increase