Australian shipper groups seek to abolish anti-trust immunity for ocean carriers and enforce stricter port fee regulations in a government inquiry.
Shipper groups in Australia will call for the abolition of ocean carrier anti-trust immunity and tighter controls on port fees in submissions to a government inquiry into productivity, reports London's S&P Global.
The Freight & Trade Alliance and the Australian Peak Shippers Association stated that both measures are central to improving competitiveness and resilience in the freight supply chain. The inquiry is examining productivity across the maritime and logistics sectors.
Paul Zalai, director of the Freight & Trade Alliance, emphasized that current protections allow foreign-owned shipping lines to dominate pricing and service levels, which raises costs and weakens supply chain resilience. He added that a mandatory code on port-related fees is needed.
Mr. Zalai argued that stevedores and container parks impose uncontestable landside fees directly on road and rail operators, bypassing normal commercial negotiations. He stated that charges should instead be levied on shipping lines, which could then decide how to recover costs.
The two associations represent more than 550 businesses and trade bodies. They were invited to submit evidence by a Senate select committee established before Christmas. Filings are due by February 20, with a report expected by September 30.
The Australian Senate noted that freight disruptions continue to destabilize supply chains, causing congestion, delays, and higher costs. The committee will consider whether harmonized regulations and fit-for-purpose infrastructure could strengthen resilience and support productivity growth.
