Initially, the government committed $21.7 million over five years to support this initiative, aiming to select the first three ships through a competitive tender process. These vessels would operate commercially under civilian crews but remain available for government use when needed. However, the announcement of the winning tenders, expected in early 2025, has yet to materialize.
Angela Gillham, CEO of Maritime Industry Australia Ltd, expressed frustration over the delay but remains hopeful about the project's future. She emphasized the importance of reversing the decline in Australian-crewed ships, noting that the current number has dwindled to just nine, down from over 150 at their peak.
The delay comes at a time of heightened global volatility, with recent events underscoring the fragility of Australia's supply chains. For instance, disruptions in the Red Sea have added significant transit times for goods moving from Europe to Australia, highlighting the need for a robust domestic shipping capability.
In response to these challenges, the government has described the Strategic Fleet Pilot Program as a "learning by doing" initiative. The aim is to test the model, build maritime capabilities, and gather evidence to expand the fleet in the future. However, the lack of progress has left industry stakeholders concerned about the nation's preparedness to handle maritime disruptions.
As Australia continues to rely heavily on foreign-flagged ships, the establishment of a national strategic fleet is seen as a critical step toward securing the country's maritime interests and ensuring the resilience of its supply chains.
