ACFS Port Logistics enters administration as BDO receivers pursue sale

One of Australia’s largest container logistics operators has entered voluntary administration and receivership after secured lender ScotPac intervened ahead of a Federal Court hearing on an ATO winding-up application involving a reported tax debt of approximately $60 million

Author

Dina Kovacevic
August 08, 2026

ACFS Port Logistics Pty Ltd and two related companies entered voluntary administration on 6 August 2026, with Sule Arnautovic, Anthony Elkerton and Jessica Perri of SALEA Advisory appointed administrators. Andrew Sallway and Duncan Clubb of BDO were separately appointed receivers and managers of ACFS Port Logistics and ACFS Investments 1 Pty Ltd, but not TZI 1 Pty Ltd by secured creditor ScotPac.

Founded by Arthur Tzaneros and his father Terry in 2005, ACFS describes itself as Australia’s largest privately owned container logistics operator. Its network includes more than 25 sites across Australia and New Zealand covering more than one million square metres, and the business says it handles more than 850,000 TEU of fully laden import and export containers annually.

The group operates across major port and industrial locations in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide and Perth, providing road, rail, warehousing, container depot and related logistics services. It employs more than 1,500 people and services major importers, exporters and retailers.

The appointments followed escalating pressure from creditors, including the Australian Taxation Office, which had commenced winding-up proceedings against ACFS Port Logistics on 19 June, with the application scheduled to return before the Federal Court on 7 August. Media reports have placed the outstanding tax debt at approximately $60 million. The matter has since been adjourned to 21 August.

The external administration came only days after ACFS said it had finalised arrangements to repay its ATO debt in full and expected the winding-up proceeding to be withdrawn once payment was received. Managing director and chief executive Arthur Tzaneros had also maintained that the business remained profitable and solvent.

The company had been taking steps to reduce its property and warehousing exposure before the appointments. ACFS generated approximately $479 million in revenue in the financial year ended June 2024 but recorded a net loss of $26.7 million, according to its most recently reported accounts.