Transitainer WA

Middle East Escalation: What It Means for Australian Supply Chains

Global tensions in the Middle East are beginning to impact international freight routes, particularly between Australia, Europe and the Gulf region.

Several ocean carriers are diverting vessels away from the Red Sea and Suez Canal, with many services now routing via the Cape of Good Hope. This may result in transit delays of 10–14 days, increased schedule changes and higher freight costs.

Air freight services may also experience rerouting, longer transit times and capacity constraints, particularly through key hubs such as Dubai and Doha.

While global supply chains remain operational, forward planning and flexibility are becoming increasingly important.

At Transitainer WA, we are actively monitoring developments, working closely with carriers and identifying alternative routing options to minimise disruption for our clients.

If you have upcoming shipments to or from Europe or the Middle East, we encourage early planning to secure space and manage potential delays.

Click here for the full blog: https://transitainerwa.com.au/middle-east-escalation-what-it-means-for-australian-supply-chains/

Chinese New Year 2026: Final Reminder for Upcoming Shipments
With Chinese New Year commencing on 17 February 2026, factory shutdowns and reduced logistics capacity across China are now imminent.

As a reminder, many suppliers will close for one to three weeks, and delays are common both in the lead-up to and immediately after the holiday as production slows, vessel space tightens, and operations gradually resume.

What Clients Should Be Aware of
• As the holiday period approaches, shipments may be impacted by:
• Factory closures or reduced production capacity
• Limited vessel and airfreight availability
• Congestion following factory reopenings
Shipments that are not finalised or booked in advance may experience delays or rolled sailings.

Key Actions to Take Now

To minimise disruption, clients should:

✔ Confirm supplier shutdown dates and final cut-off times
✔ Ensure shipping and customs documentation is finalised
✔ Secure freight bookings where possible, particularly for post-holiday movements

For a more detailed overview of Chinese New Year planning considerations, you can revisit our earlier Chinese New Year 2026 planning update. https://transitainerwa.com.au/reminder-chinese-new-year-2026-plan-ahead-to-avoid-shipping-delays/

At Transitainer WA, we continue to work closely with customers to manage shipments through the Chinese New Year period. If you have upcoming cargo or require assistance with scheduling, please contact our team.

Wishing you a prosperous Year of the Horse.

🚢 ABF Border Holds: What Importers Need to Know
Transitainer is continuing to support customers impacted by ongoing Australian Border Force (ABF) Border Holds, particularly through Sydney, with flow-on effects now being felt across multiple Australian ports.
While Border Holds are essential for border and biosecurity compliance, prolonged delays are creating significant cost exposure for importers — including container detention and wharf storage charges, even when delays are completely outside their control.
When a container is on ABF hold, it cannot be collected, unpacked, or returned — yet detention and storage fees can still accrue, with some storage invoices reaching tens of thousands of dollars per container.
💡 What importers can do:
• Submit customs documentation early
• Respond quickly to customs queries
• Request additional free time from shipping lines where possible
Transitainer supports industry calls for a fair approach: where government intervention prevents container movement, detention and storage charges should be suspended.
👉 Click here to read the full blog: https://transitainerwa.com.au/border-holds-detention-and-wharf-storage-charges-a-transitainer-perspective/

If your shipment is affected by an ABF hold, contact your Transitainer representative — we’re here to help.