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Port community working together through COVID-19 pandemic
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only day-to-day issues but also scenario planning to ensure the supply chain into and out of WA continues to function in these worrying times.”
Anthony Tuxford, of container terminal operator DP World Australia, said the positive weekly forum was initiated by Fremantle Ports to unite the local port community and industry representatives in a collaborative process.
“The collaborative process involves direct information sharing, assisting to provide solutions to issues presented both day-to-day as well as forward planning for potential future requirements, and safeguarding the cargo logistics supply chain for Western Australia’s premier container port.”
Sue Hellyer said the COVID-19 situation was far from business as usual and Fremantle Ports recognised concerns across the supply chain about possible bottlenecks, cash flow, port procedures and shipping arrivals.
Mathew Bronickis, Director Western Roads Federation, said: “Through the crisis, Fremantle Ports has brought together competitors to work through potential issues that would arise from a COVID-19 outbreak.
The group’s main aim is to address issues as they occur across the network
“It is always refreshing to see collaboration borne from such a trying period and proves Western Australia can lead the way with strong leadership and initiatives relevant to the logistics task.”
Sue Hellyer said it was vitally important that importers received their containers to meet local customer demand and important WA exports continued to move efficiently to overseas destinations.
“The Coordination Group also provides a forum for major port stakeholders and tenants to provide updates on their businesses, including the steps they are taking to look after employees and keep the supply chain running,” she said.
Some of the major items that have been progressed through the group and Fremantle Ports include: • installation of portable amenities at the
Rous Head truck marshalling area for drivers to use after hours • investigation of alternative land for container storage in the case of congestion or excess holding requirements, and getting land ready to make available if required • discussion around the use of PPE for employees, including regular updates from Western Roads Federation on the sourcing of PPE for industry • gathering of intelligence from industry on predictions for container and port growth over the coming months • updates from various other working groups, including at a national and state level; ensuring all major stakeholders are kept up to date on, for example, border issues, movement of maritime crews and Western Road Federation’s driver exchange program • position from other supply chain participants on assistance they can provide, and learnings and updates from other ports and countries, including the eastern states and New Zealand.
