Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) have received an update from DP World regarding recent delays at the Brisbane Terminal. The update outlines the actions taken and progress made towards restoring service levels.
DP World have issued the following two notices:
Issue: Operational Update and Performance Initiatives-Brisbane Terminal-part1
Short Description: -
Dear Valued Customer,
Following our recent communications regarding operations at DP World Brisbane, we're pleased to provide an update on the actions taken and progress made to restore service levels.
The installation of our Automated Stacking Cranes (ASCs) continues as part of DP World's long-term infrastructure investment strategy. While these works have required operational adjustments, we have taken proactive steps to maintain service continuity through a combination of automation and manual handling zones.
Key updates:
• Truck turnaround times have now returned to an average of 35.4 minutes, reflecting our focused efforts to stabilise operations across the terminal.
• While some modules continue to experience longer wait times, repair timeframes are improving, and we are prioritising works based on operational impact.
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Issue Impact: -
• Full receival capacity remains available, and terminal throughput continues to achieve record levels.
In parallel, we've launched a number of Lean performance initiatives to further strengthen terminal resilience and reduce variability across operations:
1. Yard congestion management: We've steadily increased yard utilisation to support module performance. This approach ensures modules can operate at optimal benefit capacity, rather than at maximum load, which improves efficiency and flow.
Issue: Operational Update and Performance Initiatives-Brisbane Terminal-part2
Short Description: -
• A new stacking yard has been introduced, and while some teething issues were experienced during peak periods, we have since revised truck management practices in and around this yard.
• Additional yard stacking blocks will continue to open progressively to further ease congestion and support consistent truck flow.
2. Module Reliability: Recognising the challenges posed by an ageing fleet, we have:
• Increased our breakdown response crews
• Enhanced root cause analysis. These efforts are already helping reduce breakdown durations and improve reliability, with further improvements expected over time.
3. IT and Network Stability: We have investigated both internal and external causes of recent system outages.
• As a result, permanent fixes, patches, and infrastructure upgrades have been implemented.
• We've also improved our network management processes to accelerate identification and resolution of issues, reducing the likelihood of recurrence.
Issue Impact: -
4. TOS and Booking Management Enhancements: To support better visibility and faster intervention:
• Our system now flags transactions that exceed standard deviation thresholds in truck wait times, bringing them to immediate attention in our control room for management action.
• We have also identified the root cause of problematic booking cancellations that contribute to gate delays and implemented new protocols to detect and address these in real-time.
• We continue to have a 24/7 VBS team available for contact for any issues that arise while traversing our terminal.
We will continue working toward minimising disruptions and ensure timely, transparent updates across the supply chain.
We thank you for your ongoing support and patience as we deliver upgrades that will improve performance and reliability for all our customers.
We will continue to keep you informed of any material
changes.
Kind regards,
Erin Sweeney.
FTA / APSA recommends that members with operational concerns or shipment-specific impacts contact DP World Brisbane Terminal directly to discuss the latest performance initiatives and service arrangements. Should members experience ongoing issues despite the reassurances provided by DP World, we welcome feedback via email so we can be informed of your experiences. For matters relating to detention, members should engage with the relevant shipping line.
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