| Port/s | All Ports |
| Issue Type | Industrial Actions |
| Impact | Partial Closure |
Please see below the latest information regarding Industrial Actions in Australia
This evening (16 November, AEDT) maritime unions advised they have temporarily suspended all industrial action from midnight tonight (local times).
Svitzer operational teams are working through how this might be managed recognising this advice was provided with short notice by the unions and contingencies were already put in place to manage the impacts of their protected industrial action safely.
Svitzer remains committed to the Fair Work Commission hearing scheduled for 1pm tomorrow and the need to be respectful of due process.
The lockout remains for 12pm AEDT Friday.
Ports Victoria
Maritime Safety Queensland and Port of Brisbane Pty Ltd have been reviewing port operations in light of the Svitzer initiated lockout, commencing at 11:00 on Friday 18 November 2022. MSQ is working on the assumption there will be no tug services (including towage and emergency response activities) from this time.
It is acknowledged that there are a number of safety considerations, that will invariably have commercial repercussions, however MSQ must make port operational decisions based upon the risk parameters that Svitzer’s withdrawal of services will have.
As part of this ongoing risk analysis, as detailed above, the contingent capability usually provided by tugs in the event of unforeseen emergencies will not be available during the indefinite lockout period.
Based on the above assessment, current port scheduling will require the following to occur prior to 11:00 on Friday 18 November
Port of Mourilyan
No ships that require a Svitzer tug/s to enter the port as per the Mourilyan Port Procedures Manual will be granted access to the port until further notice. Any piloted moves that do not require of tug under the PPM will need my direct approval on application.
Port of Cairns
No ships that require a Svitzer tug/s to enter the port as per the Cairns Port Procedures Manual will be granted access to the port until further notice unless they can depart Cairns by 1800 Thursday 17/11/2022.
In addition, no NGF tankers or passenger ships more than 150m loa are to enter the port unless they can depart Cairns by 1800 Thursday 17/11/2022.