Australia’s fight against stink bugs causes delays in car transporters

Wallenius Wilhelmsen, the top operator, has revealed that Australia’s battle against invasive stink bugs has slowed ro/ro operations in the first quarter. The company’s terminal services division, however, has benefited greatly by aiding in fumigation and decontamination. Managing Director Lasse Kristoffersen has commented: “Australia’s stringent biosecurity regulations have presented significant congestion challenges to our shipping and terminal operations. On the other hand, we have benefited from the biosecurity measures by providing extensive decontamination services. This diversification of our operations demonstrates the robustness of our business model.”

In order to keep the brown-marbled stink bug, an invasive and foul-smelling pest native to Asia, out of the country, Australia has implemented strict biosecurity controls. These measures have caused delays and congestion in operations, with incoming cargo being carefully inspected, particularly during the peak infestation season from September to April. Infested ships have been ordered to leave and be fumigated before returning. This means longer delays for fumigation and inspection before completing deliveries. Imported vehicles have been particularly affected, with 8,000 cars in southeast Australia in April reportedly waiting for decontamination. This has led to some customers waiting up to 300 days for their new car.

The potential damage to the state’s fruit and vegetable industry from these stink bugs could be up to $800 million per year. As a result, Australia must maintain strict biosecurity controls. Breaches have occurred before, and surveillance traps in key ports are continuously monitored to prevent new arrivals from getting through the lockdown. Local authorities were able to eliminate brown-marbled stink bugs from a western Sydney camp district in 2018 with a comprehensive control and surveillance campaign.

Agriculture Secretary Murray Watt told 9News that thousands of cars in other countries are waiting for boats to become available. Due to the disruption in supply chains, this is another strange episode of Covid, and authorities cannot afford to have the pests and diseases that these cars may have brought with them to enter the country.

Source: News Network

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