Australia has procured the first vessel of its strategic fleet meant to strengthen and improve national security. A maritime strategic fleet will reduce Australia’s heavy reliance on international shipping during national crises.
The vessel, ANL Kokoda, is a large cargo ship that will be the first vessel to join the strategic fleet pilot program. The vessel will be available for requisition by Australian government agencies in times of emergency or crisis. Some of the tasks will include handling supplies and equipment to communities and industries in need.
The ANL Kokoda is designed for container shipping but can also transport breakbulk cargo with the flexibility to load and unload cargo without shore-based infrastructure. It will be Australian-flagged and crewed.
The pilot program will run for five years as the Australian government works to procure other vessels to improve its maritime capacity. The national strategic fleet will revitalize Australia’s maritime industry through maritime skills training.
Recent happenings around the world have emphasized the importance of creating a resilient domestic maritime sector.
