BUSINESS CONTINUITY
Freight & Trade Alliance (FTA) and the Australian Peak Shippers Association (APSA) members that rely on ACFS services have understandably seeking certainty regarding business continuity arrangements. In response, the ACFS CEO's message issued on Saturday aimed to provide assurance that operations will continue on a business-as-usual basis in the immediate term, with further details on continuity arrangements expected to be released shortly.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The below is what we know:- An application to wind up ACFS Port Logistics Pty Ltd, commenced by the Deputy Commissioner of Taxation, remains before the Federal Court.
- Eight additional companies have joined the ATO in the Federal Court action as Supporting Creditors or Plaintiffs.
- According to the Commonwealth Courts Portal, this matter is scheduled to be heard on 21 August 2026.
- The appointment of administrators is outlined in a media statement from SALEA ADVISORY.
- FTA/APSA has received Circular to Creditors documentation from SALEA ADVISORY with respect to ACFS Port Logistics Pty Limited and ACFS Port Logistics Pty Limited (Both Receivers & Managers Appointed) (Both Administrators Appointed); 1 Pty Ltd as Trustee for the Australian Container Freight Services Trust (Administrators Appointed); documentation is available by contacting info@FTAlliance.com.au
- Advice has been received that all queries relating to ongoing trading, leasing, operations and payroll of the Companies should be directed to the offices of the Receivers and Managers of the Companies (excluding TZI 1) via email at ACFS.Creditors@bdo.com.au.
SERVICING OF ACFS AT PORTS
FTA /APSA received reports on Friday from members that stevedore servicing of ACFS transport operations had been suspended following the announcement that administrators had been appointed to parts of the ACFS Group. Over the weekend, member feedback indicates that transport servicing arrangements returned to normal operating conditions.
FTA/APSA are not privy to the circumstances surrounding the decisions taken by stevedores and therefore are unable to comment on the factors that led to any changes in operational arrangements.
SUPPLY CHAIN IMPACTS
Importantly, the implications extend well beyond direct ACFS customers.
FTA and APSA's earlier concerns about the potential redirection of empty container movements have already begun to materialise, with major shipping lines reportedly directing equipment away from ACFS-operated empty container parks to alternative facilities.
The key question now is whether those facilities can absorb the additional volume. If alternative parks approach capacity, we could once again face conditions similar to those experienced during the pandemic, including congestion at empty container parks, increased staging movements, redirected container returns, reduced transport efficiency, and a heightened risk of disputes over container detention charges resulting from delayed dehires.
Industry attention will therefore turn to shipping lines, stevedores and equipment providers to ensure sufficient network capacity is maintained and that evacuation and export programs can be adjusted rapidly should pressures emerge. Collaboration across all sectors of the supply chain will be critical to maintaining cargo flows and minimising disruption to Australia's trade and logistics networks.
LEGAL SUPPORT
FTA/APSA have commenced preliminary engagement with legal counsel, Mills Oakley Lawyers, to assist in identifying and addressing issues that may arise for members during this transition period.
Maurice Lynch (Partner Insurance, Transport & Trade at Mills Oakley Lawyers) and Neil Chambers (Director Container Transport Alliance Australia - CTAA), will be panelists at the upcoming Australia & New Zealand Shipping & Logistics Conference on 27 August 2026, where they will provide an overview of key legal and operational considerations relevant to the current environment.
Given the significance of recent developments, this is expected to be a key topic of discussion at the conference.
MEMBER FEEDBACK
FTA/APSA encourage members to advise us immediately of any operational impacts.
Timely and detailed feedback will assist us in assessing the scale of any disruptions, supporting advocacy efforts, and ensuring that emerging issues and their broader supply chain implications are communicated effectively to the broader membership, government and industry stakeholders.
Paul Zalai - Director FTA / Secretariat APSA