DP WORLD AUSTRALIA CYBER INCIDENT: SERVICES SLOWLY RESUMING (BRISBANE/MELBOURNE/SYDNEY)

A cyber security incident has caused the second largest port operator in Australia to shut down, affecting the transportation of goods in and out of the country.

On November 11, the Australian government announced its actions in response to a significant cyber security incident that has affected multiple ports operated by DP World Australia. The government, led by Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil, is actively coordinating a response to this incident. Collaborating closely with DP World Australia, authorities are diligently working to comprehend the full extent of the impacts caused by this incident.

DP World Australia, the operator of ports in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and Fremantle, has closed down due to a cybersecurity issue, which has impacted the movement of goods in and out of the country. The company is responsible for 40% of maritime freight, and while ships can still unload their cargo, the freight cannot leave the port site. The operator has taken immediate action, including disconnecting internet connectivity, to stop any unauthorised access. This has resulted in key systems that support operations at its Australian ports to not function normally.

The company is working with cybersecurity experts, investigating the incident, and notifying relevant authorities. The federal government is aware of the situation and receiving regular briefings from DP World. The National Cyber Security Coordinator is providing technical advice and assistance as needed. The interruption is expected to continue for several days and will affect the movement of goods in and out of the country.

To effectively address this situation, the government has implemented the national crisis management framework, which has previously proven successful during the Covid-19 pandemic. This framework ensures a coordinated and efficient response to the cyber security incident.

According to Darren Goldie (National Cyber Security Coordinator), DP World Australia has limited access to its port operations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, and Fremantle as it investigates the incident.

The Australian Cyber Security Centre is providing technical advice and assistance to the port operator, while the National Emergency Management Agency and National Coordination Mechanism has convened last Sunday to streamline the crisis response.

Gradual recommencement of operations:

DP World, Brisbane Terminal

As of Sunday, 13th of November, R&D operations have resumed at DP World, Brisbane Terminal. The system testing conducted overnight has been successful, and the 1-Stop manifest messaging is now flowing smoothly to the terminal without any interruptions. The ASC's are dispatching jobs, and the gates are operating as expected. However, the kiosk phones are currently down, and a workaround will be implemented later today. Meanwhile, the staff will be patrolling the kiosks to provide assistance as required. The terminal will prioritize the delivery of longest dwell time imports and the receival of exports for vessels in the order of their arrival.

DP World, West Swanson (Melbourne) Terminal:

The DPW WST road remains accessible, albeit with slow traffic, as we continue to address ongoing issues.

Michael Fogarty, DP World advised: To avoid delays at the gates, kindly refrain from sending any export boxes to the terminal. Your cooperation is highly appreciated. Additionally, if you have a driver present, please request them to leave the premises.

DP World, Port Botany (Sydney) Terminal

R&D OPERATIONS RECOMMENCED

Since Sunday, the plan is to focus solely on imports as we strive to resume regular service. Any missed export slots will be excused. The FFD and LFD dates have been modified to account for any service disruptions. We are currently addressing emails and will respond as our workload permits. We appreciate your patience as we work through the backlog this week. Please note that the PIA will remain in effect starting 1:00 PM Sunday, 13 November for the next seven days.