July 31 2025 Customer Advisory Notice

NZ Local Update

The 2025 – 2026 BMSB risk season is due to start again from 01 September 2025 departure through to arrival 30 April 2026, BMSB seasonal measures will apply to targeted goods manufactured and shipped from target risk countries and to vessels that berth, load, or tranship from target risk countries within the same period. We are awaiting confirmation from MPI of any updated measures for 2025 – 2026 Season, more details to follow.

Port of Auckland has advised further increases are expected on Vehicle Booking (VBS) charges from 01 January 2026, final details are still to be confirmed.

New Zealand Government has approved changes to the fees and levies that New Zealand Customs and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) charge to recover the costs of managing goods crossing New Zealand’s border. Initial changes came into effect from 01 July on NZ customs fees and from 01 April 2026 the structure of NZ Customs and MPI’s fees and levies will change.

FreightWorks has evaluated the FAF being charged to us by our carriers as of the 1st to 31st August 2025 and FAF rate will reduce to 17%. This will be re-evaluated monthly.

Asia Market Update

Most shipping lines have gone to market with varying increases for first half of August as they try to test whether the market will accept increases. All major lines other than ONE have either applied a general rate increase or are looking to apply a peak season surcharge. We have received additional notices of further planned increases from 15th August. Shipping lines have warned if rate increases don’t stick then there may be potential for blank sailings in order to keep
vessels full and create demand.

Southeast Asia rates continue to remain reasonably steady with vessels remaining full largely owing to high volumes of tranship cargo moving through Singapore and Malaysia. Space can be tight so we recommend booking in advance where possible.

Europe Market Update

Northern European Ports are facing severe delays with key gateways Rotterdam, Antwerp, Hamburg, and Bremerhaven heavily impacted by congestion and delays. Strikes, rail closures, carrier alliance shifts, and low inland water levels are all contributing to this problem. Ocean carriers are consequently rerouting vessels, omitting congested ports, and looking to add congestion surcharges. The delays are expected to last through August.

Due to ongoing risks shipping lines continue to avoid the Red Sea area and divert vessels around the Cape of Good Hope with advertised schedules continuing to be disrupted with vessels arriving off window due to delays.

Tranship ports in Singapore and Malaysia are reporting an increase in congestion with multiple missed connections and delays of 1 – 2 weeks on North and Southbound cargo.

USA / Canada Market Update

U.S. ports are preparing for the wave of incoming containers from the spike in Trans-Pacific bookings due to the 90 day tariff pause ex China. Carriers have raised concerns that the rebound in Asia imports could bring about potential congestion challenges.

Congestion in Cartagena is leading to delays on tranship services moving via Panama Canal.

Australia Update

Zim Line have advised that due to turbulent market conditions they have decided to suspend their services to New Zealand and close their offices with final sailing on Tasman late July.

Shipping line rates moving both East and Westbound have continued to remain steady with multiple lines continuing to service this trade lane weekly.