DP World ports grind to halt, cargo transport costs surge in dispute fallout

The price of transporting cargo to and from stevedore giant DP World’s ports has increased by a third as a result of a protracted industrial dispute between the maritime union and one of Australia’s largest stevedores, with fears of further cost pressures and havoc after three days of negotiations failed overnight. Dubai-based DP World said work at its Sydney, Brisbane and Fremantle terminals had ground to a halt and skeleton staff were working at its Melbourne terminal. The stevedore had earlier this week declared it would dock employees’ full pay from Friday if they took part in any industrial action. Dubai-based stevedore giant…