A FORUM in Sydney has thrashed out some of the key themes critical to the supply chain.

Hosting the forum was VISA Global Logistics at its operation in Erskine Park.

According to organisers, the aim of the forum was to “educate Australian importers regarding the pressing issues that currently affect the freight forwarding and logistics industry in Australia”.

Speakers included Geoff Greenwood (managing director, Hamburg Sud ANZ); Andrew Crawford (head of border and biosecurity, FTA); Joanne Cassell (program coordinator, Australian Border Force); Mark Hulme (general manager operations, DP World Australia); Neil Chambers (director, CTAA) and Scott Walker (national transport Manager, VISA Global Logistics).

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Key themes included:

  1. Shipping is becoming more environmentally aware and accountable; an example is the upcoming sulphur emissions regulations. But going ‘green’ doesn’t come cheap, or easy, with shipping carriers investing to comply with the new environment-driven regulations.
  2. Brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB): Efforts are being made to stop the stink bug from coming into Australia as it can harm agriculture and Australian exports.
  3. Entry of illegal goods into Australia. “Piggybacking” is the term used when an unscrupulous entity uses the identity of a legitimate entity to bring goods across the border. Indicators of suspicious behaviour include: receiving an enquiry regarding a shipment from an unknown broker or freight forwarder; unusual activity on BAS statements; goods are shipped via an unusual shipping route; visible signs that containers have been opened; container contents are damaged or tampered with.
  4. Sydney empty container parks. A reduction in empty container park capacity, larger volumes of containers being handled, and a high level of import empty container re-directions by shipping lines, is causing significant additional empty container handling costs in Sydney. Gate capacity and available truck arrival slots are at a premium at some key Sydney empty container parks.

The forum’s audience were said to be Australian importers “from a diverse range of industries”. VISA Global Logistics managing director Vittorio Tarchi provided the welcoming address.