Australia launches first strategic fleet vessel

The 1,740 teu containership ANL Kokoda, built in 2011, will become the first vessel in the government-backed emergency fleet designed to support Australia during national crises, natural disasters and supply chain disruptions.

The vessel, operated by ANL Container Line and chartered by the government, will be capable of transporting cargo, fertiliser and emergency supplies around the Australian coast. Canberra hopes future vessels added to the fleet will include tanker capability.      Australia’s transport minister Catherine King said the strategic fleet would strengthen national resilience at a time of heightened geopolitical uncertainty.      “If we’re in an event of a flood or an emergency, we can’t get food around our coast, this sort of ship is available for that,” King said during the launch in Townsville.     The Labor government first announced plans for a strategic fleet in 2022 after the covid pandemic exposed Australia’s heavy dependence on foreign shipping capacity for essential imports and coastal supply chains.

The programme ultimately aims to build a fleet of 12 vessels, with the first phase involving a five-year trial using three ships. However, the government missed its earlier target of announcing the initial fleet operators by 2025.

King said the worsening security situation in the Middle East had complicated negotiations and insurance arrangements for shipping companies involved in the tender process.      “The war in the Middle East made insurance a more difficult proposition for all shipping and that was one of the issues that certainly led to some of the delay,” she said.      Further announcements on the remaining two trial vessels are expected shortly, with negotiations said to be at an advanced stage.

Esra Bora, managing director of ANL Container Line, said the initiative would support Australia’s long-term maritime capability.      “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,” Bora said.      Maritime Industry Australia chief executive Angela Gillham said the fleet would provide an important safeguard during future emergencies.