DP World Australia increases to Infrastructure Charges

Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have received formal advice from D.P. World Australia (DPWA) that they will be increasing their "infrastructure charges" for all full import and export containers in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, the country's largest container ports.

The increases are significant: 

• Melbourne: $49.20 per container - notification available HERE

• Sydney: $37.65 per container - notification available HERE

• Brisbane: $38.75 per container - notification available HERE

These changes are to take effect from 1 January 2018. 

FTA/APSA acknowledge that DPWA has responded to our previous concerns and provided early notification. They have also increased their payment terms to 28 days. 

However, FTA/APSA cannot accept the quantum, timing or reasons provided for the increase.

Only last week the ACCC issued the 2016-2017 Annual Container Stevedoring Monitoring Report which noted that "the 'new infrastructure charges' raise issues for the port supply chain" and, on the original increase:  "It also appears that revenue from the new charges is likely to more than offset cost increases associated with terminal rents, government taxes and rates identified by DP World and Patricks." 

Unfortunately FTA/APSA warned the ACCC that inaction would see industry faced with regular and significant increases at the terminal gate, which is exactly what we see today.

FTA/APSA will be meeting with the CEO of the Port of Melbourne on Monday and will be immediately engaging with State and Federal Parliamentarians over this issue. 

Having no oversight of terminal pricing is a dangerous scenario for Australia, particularly in a privatised environment. 

• To view the ACCC Stevedoring Report please click HERE 

• To view FTA/APSA's submission to the Federal Inquiry into Freight and Supply Chain Priorities please click HERE

• To view our recent editorial on stevedore landside charges please click HERE

FTA/APSA will continue taking a lead on this issue on behalf of industry. 


Travis Brooks-Garrett - FTA/APSA