CLIENT ADVISORY: DP World – Australian Port Terminals Back in Operation | SEKO Logistics

What’s the Latest

On Friday, November 10, DP World Australia suffered a cybersecurity incident and suspended all their port operations across its four terminals in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle for two days. The suspension involved the restriction of landside access to these terminals and disrupted the movement of goods coming in and out of Australia.

DP World Australia resumed operations at all four ports on Monday, November 13, after successful testing of key systems.

What We Know

• DP World Australia is a major port operator, managing container terminals in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Fremantle for up to 40% of Australia’s maritime freight.
• In response to the cybersecurity incident, DP World halted internet connectivity to contain the incident and its impact by stopping unauthorised access to their network.
• The suspension of port operations meant that while ships were still able to unload freight, the freight could not then depart the port site.
• DP World reported that the suspension of operations was "likely to continue for a number of days and will impact the movement of goods into and out of the country. DP World Australia is working with its stakeholders to consider the impacts on its operation at specific ports.”
• Home Affairs Minister Clare O’Neill confirmed the “Australian government is aware of a cyber incident affecting ports operator DP World Australia” and is “working with DP World Australia to understand the impacts of the incident”.
• The cybersecurity incident came during ongoing Protected Industrial Action around the DP World Australia terminals, which commenced on October 13. The labour dispute was reported to be at an impasse due to wage increase and work rule change issues.
• The SEKO Logistics Australia team are working with transport partners to identify those customers whose containers are directly impacted by the suspension of DP Worldwide operations and reached out to customers directly impacted on Monday, November 13.

What’s Next?

Operations have resumed at all four affected ports and DP World Australia advised on Monday to allow several days for the two-day backlog of containers to be discharged and to have incoming vessels back on schedule.

SEKO are continuing to monitor the situation closely and work with customers and transport partners to mitigate the impact of any residual cargo schedule delays. If you have any specific questions about your freight shipments, contact your SEKO representative directly.