Please note for shipments! The country is under a state of national emergency due to massive flooding! Port operations are restricted and shipping companies have issued port hopping notices!

It is reported that on the 9th local time, Australian Prime Minister Morrison declared a state of national emergency in Australia to make the federal government more effective in dealing with the current raging floods.

On the 8th local time, most of Australia was hit by heavy rainfall, and Sydney and the surrounding areas were severely affected. Heavy rains led to road closures, some transport lines were shut down, port operations were affected, and some areas lost internet and electricity.

Up to 200mm of rain has fallen in the Sydney suburbs since heavy rains hit again on the morning of the 7th local time. Residents in the northeast and southwest of Sydney were forced to evacuate in an emergency, and about 5,000 homes were destroyed. Currently, the New South Wales government, where Sydney is located, has issued flood warnings and emergency evacuation orders to about 60,000 residents along 2,000 kilometers, and has declared 46 local government areas in New South Wales as disaster areas.

Reports say floodwaters and debris have blocked hundreds of roads in Queensland and New South Wales, and New South Wales authorities are clearing some major routes. However, road conditions could change in a short time as the weather forecast deteriorates further. Authorities have advised residents in the worst affected areas to avoid all unnecessary travel.

Authorities in New South Wales are warning of delays and cancellations on Sydney trains, NSW intercity rail lines and local train services and buses due to the severe weather. Trains are running at low speeds due to heavy rainfall. Crews are assessing road damage and clearing debris quickly.

Flooding and mudslides have rendered some bridges, railroad tracks and roads impassable, affecting land transportation in and around the affected areas, and authorities have temporarily closed some low-lying routes that were flooded. Flood waters further block regional rail lines, and some freight and passenger trains will experience delays and cancellations in areas with heavy rains and potentially flooded tracks. Severe weather may also cause delays and cancellations at the region's airports. Authorities may suspend port operations if strong winds and heavy waves trigger dangerous sea conditions.

According to an announcement issued by the Port of Brisbane, the port suspended port operations following the flooding disaster, with the regional harbormaster announcing that there would be no activity in or out of the port. The port subsequently surveyed critical navigation areas, including the channel, gyratory and berthing areas, and developed plans to remove debris in and around waterside infrastructure.

According to the latest announcement issued by the port in relation to this, the port's operations remain restricted. The announcement indicates that river conditions have improved, but river velocity and turbidity remain a challenge. The assessment of the port's navigation area is still ongoing, and more than 160 debris obstructions have been identified downstream of Hamilton, with approximately 60 navigational aids inoperable. Vessels longer than 300 meters are restricted due to the presence of the obstructions. In addition, channel dredging has not yet resumed.

In addition, Maersk issued a notice on March 8 that the Komodo Island service vessel GSL CHRISTEL ELISABETH 204S/206N will port hop Brisbane and Sydney ports due to weather and flooding in Brisbane and delays in service operations.

We would like to remind cargo owners and forwarders who have trade with Australia in the near future to pay attention to the cargo and logistics situation as well as the delays and impacts caused by this flood!