September 09 2025 Customer Advisory Notice

NZ Local Update

We have received notices from all shipping lines regarding increases to terminal handling and port levy charges nationwide due to be applied from 1st October 2025.

Lyttleton Port has advised they are increasing their Vehicle Booking (VBS) charges from 1st October. As a result, FreightWorks will be increasing our Lyttelton/Christchurch VBS charge to NZD 175.00 per container inclusive of port and empty container park booking fees from 1st October 2025.

We have received notice Kiwirail have planned line closures between Hamilton and Auckland commencing Saturday 20th September 6.00am to Saturday 04th October 6.00pm with KiwiRail providing road-bridging solutions during this time. An additional block of line is also planned for Labour Weekend Friday 24th October to Monday 27th October.

The 2025 – 2026 BMSB risk season started from 01st September 2025 departure through to arrival 30th 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.

FreightWorks has evaluated the FAF being charged to us by our carriers as of the 1st to 30th September 2025 and FAF rate will remain at 17%. This will be re-evaluated monthly.

Asia Market Update

China is introducing new export Compliance regulations from 1st October 2025 that will require any manufacturers or suppliers to hold an export licence. Previously suppliers have been able to engage third parties to attain licences on their behalf, this loophole will be closed from 1st October. We strongly recommend that you contact your suppliers to ensure that your supply chain remains compliant.

In 2025, China’s Golden Week holiday will run from 1st to 8th October creating an extended eight-day break. This year, the National Day holiday coincides with the Mid-Autumn Festival, leading to increased domestic travel, heavy demand on transport systems, and reduced operational capacity across China. As in previous years we expect to see increased airport and seaport congestion, restricted domestic trucking and shipping line space restrictions and possible blank
sailing throughout this period.

Mid-September rate levels have remained reasonably stable after increases at the beginning of the month. General rate increases and peak season notices continue to be received as space begins to tighten up, with Golden Week coming up we expect space to further tighten.

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 on North and Southbound cargo.

USA / Canada Market Update

MSC has advised their intention to introduce their own exclusive Eagle service to/from New Zealand and Australia to USA East Coast commencing in February 2026. This service will consist of 11 vessels on below weekly rotation

Philadelphia – Savannah – Freeport – Rodman – Papeete – Auckland – Sydney – Melbourne – Brisbane – Wellington – Tauranga – Rodman – Cristobal – Philadelphia

Australia Update

Cosco and OOCL have advised they are adding Wellington as a direct call on their ANE/ANS Trans-Tasman service from 19 September with new rotation AKL – TRG – WLG – MEL – BLB – SYD. In addition to this extra port call they have also notified us they will be deploying larger vessels on this lane.