UPDATE #2 (aftermath):

Tropical Cyclone Alfred made landfall on Saturday, yet was downgraded from Category 2 to a Tropical Low.

The Tropical Low bought with it fierce winds and severe rainfall causing damages and widespread flooding. The news is also saying that while the flooding may have reached its peak already, residents are not out of trouble yet.

Industry News:

• The Port of Brisbane slowly resumed operations on Monday 10th. Some vessels omitted Brisbane. Patrick, DP World & Hutchisons are all open for imports and exports.

• Most empty container parks are now open.

• Brisbane Airport is now open and resuming flights for both passengers and freight.

• Most roads and highways are open, yet some have speed restrictions down to 60km/h due to stormwater run off issues.

Please expect delays all across South East Queensland.

Many companies have resumed operations, yet some sustained damages and are working to repair buildings and clean up yards.

Kindly note any driver waiting time will be passed along.

Please note that D&D Worldwide Logistics will not be held liable for any additional charges related to (but not limited to):

Wharf storage, yard storage charges, Container detention charges, Futile trips, Driver waiting time, Multiple time slot bookings etc

Cover photo of Gold Coast Beach Erosion courtesy of news.com.au

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UPDATE:

• Brisbane Airport has suspended all flights until further notice.

• Qantas Feight is now closed. Menzies Aviation & Dnata are still open until Airport authority tells them to close.

• Terminal transport handlers are currently closed.

• All Inbound and outbaound vessel have been suspended.

• All ports are closed

• All empty container parks are closed

• Rail will cease once cyclone reaches 150kms off the coast.

• Most companies have closed and if possible working from home.

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Tropical Cyclone Alfred

TC Alfred a category 2 system currently located approx. 400km off the coast and moving at 11 kph, is forecast to make landfall in the early hours of Friday morning. Bringing with it damaging wind gusts, storms and heavy rainfall, expected to impact a large warning zone spanning Queensland & New South Wales.

High tide is expected to occur an hour before the cyclone hits the coast. The high tide is expected to be half a metre higher than they ordinarily expect.

The BOM are predicting some areas may see three days of rainfall with totals exceeding 700 millimetres.

Seafreight Operations

The Port of Brisbane, warehouses & transport have advised the following this morning:

-            Vessels unable to come into berth until further notice

-            Outbound vessels ok to leave during daylight hours

-            Terminals have cancelled time slots for all Import & Export cargo (FCL and empty)

-            Terminal operations affected already with shifts affected

-            Empty parks are reducing container stacks and closing when winds hit 60kph

-            Cargo receipting warehouses are mostly operating for pick ups only. No cargo drops offs. Closures likely from today 05/03.

-            Transport carriers currently operating, yet we are being told to expect delays and possible closures with waiting time and futile trips imminent. Most will close from today 05/03 until further notice.

It is expected that the Port & carriers etc may recommence operations sometime between 08/03 to 10/03, (depending on structure damages, flooding etc) or when it is safe to do so.

We expect severe delays once reopened with traffic congestion on the roads, long queues at the port terminals & empty container parks, vessel delays due to vessel bunching, vessel omissions for safety and also for schedule recovery.

If vessel omissions occur, they may not just be omitting Brisbane, the vessels may omit other Australian ports as well.

We also expect ETD & ETA changes to all ports around Australia for those vessels affected in QLD & NSW.

The following are to be considered for your shipments:

-            Vessel changes / Omissions etc

-            Terminal & transport carrier operations

-            Detention & free time

-            Vessel receivals, cut offs and rolling shipments.

-            Driver waiting time, futile trips & traffic conditions

-            Wharf storage, yard storage & warehouse storage.

Airfreight Operations

Brisbane Airport is currently operating as normal, with the Operations  Team closely monitoring weather conditions. Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC) and Airservices Australia as assessing the situation, but no decision has been made at this time to suspend or alter operations.

Qantas Freight, Dnata & Menzies Aviation have all confirmed that operations will continue unless directed otherwise by airport authorities. They are awaiting further updates from both their carriers and airport authority, with flights currently scheduled to proceed as planned.

“While airspace is not generally closed in response to weather conditions, airlines may decide not to fly in adverse weather conditions and airports can elect to close”.

For our customers & partners located between Bundaberg through to Coffs Harbour and inland, please be safe and know that we are thinking & praying for you.

Please note that D&D Worldwide Logistics will not be held liable for any additional charges related to (but not limited to):

Wharf storage, yard storage charges, Container detention charges, Futile trips, Driver waiting time, Multiple time slot bookings etc

Thank you and Best Regards

The DDWL Team

Cover photo courtesy of Bureau of Meteorology