Source : Perth Now news
The first ship as part of a national fleet to be used during emergencies has been locked in.
Cargo ship ANL Kokoda will be the first vessel in the federal government’s maritime strategic fleet.
The ship will be used in emergencies or national crises and can deliver fertiliser, cargo and other equipment.
Transport Minister Catherine King said the strategic fleet would mean Australia would be less reliant on international shipping.
“Recent global events have emphasised the importance of Australia having a resilient domestic maritime sector,” she said in a statement.
“The ANL Kokoda will provide critical maritime capabilities, including by adding a new tool to be able to respond to disruption events.”
While the Kokoda will not be able to transport fuel, it’s hoped future ships in the fleet will be able to carry petrol and diesel to affected areas.
Labor announced plans in 2022 to set up a 12-vessel fleet to reduce the reliance on foreign shipping, after the COVID pandemic exposed risks in supplies from overseas.
The federal government pledged $21 million to set up the fleet over five years and promised to name the winning tender for three of the ships by 2025.
That did not eventuate, leading to concerns about delays in the project.
ANL Container Line managing director Esra Bora said the use of the Kokoda would be critical as part of the national fleet.
“Supporting Australia’s maritime supply chain and capability is central to our nation’s ability to utilise the sea for economic prosperity, essential trade and merchant shipping,” she said.
Maritime Industry Australia chief executive Angela Gillham said a strategic fleet was essential in the event of emergencies such as fuel shortages caused by the Iran war.
“Our geography dictates that a strong sovereign maritime industry should be fundamental to the fabric of our economy,” she said.
“The strategic fleet is an appropriately strong response to the troubling decline in Australian maritime capability which calls for urgent and aggressive policy action to turn the trajectory of the industry around.”
The ANL Kokoda will have a crew of 36 and Ms King said work was under way to secure additional vessels for the fleet.
