Today, the Albanese Government announced it has secured the first vessel in its Maritime Strategic Fleet, the ANL Kokoda.
The ANL Kokoda, a large cargo ship, will be the first to participate in the Strategic Fleet Pilot Program.
This sovereign shipping capability will help strengthen Australia's economic sovereignty and improve national security.
The vessel will be available to Australian Government agencies to requisition in times of need, emergency or crises, such as natural disasters and supply chain disruptions.
The ANL Kokoda will be on hand to deliver supplies, equipment and be able to assist when Australian communities or industries need it most.
As part of the five year pilot, the vessel will become Australian-flagged and crewed, helping to re-build our national shipping industry. It will bolster resilience and help grow our sovereign maritime workforce ensuring we have the skills and capabilities to operate our ports and maritime services into the future.
The ANL Kokoda is the first vessel in the Strategic Fleet Pilot Program. The Government will continue to work with industry to procure additional vessels for Australia's maritime capacity.
The Strategic Fleet is the central component of a broader program of work that aims to revitalise the Australian maritime industry. This includes the establishment of the Maritime Skills and Training Initiative, cracking down on wage theft aboard foreign-flagged ships, and reviewing the Coastal Trading Act.
Quotes attributable to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"This is an incredible chapter in Australia's maritime history with the first vessel being announced in Australia's Strategic Fleet.
"Recent global events have emphasised the importance of Australia having a resilient domestic maritime sector.
"The ANL Kokoda will provide critical maritime capabilities, including by adding a new tool to be able to respond to disruption events."
