Australia has secured the first vessel in its strategic fleet pilot program marking a significant step towards strengthening its economic sovereignty and improving national security.
The Albanese government has established a maritime strategic fleet designed to reduce reliance on international shipping during national crises.
The vessel nominated by ANL for the strategic fleet is the ANL Kokoda. The ANL Kokoda, a large cargo ship, will be the first to participate in the strategic fleet pilot program, according to the Australian government. ANL was originally established by the Australian government in 1956 and later became part of the larger CMA CGM Group in 1998.
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.
This 2011-built, geared vessel is 175 metres long and 27 metres wide, with a deadweight capacity of over 23,000 metric tonnes.
Designed for containerised transport, the vessel also provides capabilities for breakbulk cargo and flexibility to load and unload cargo independently of shore-based infrastructure.
As part of the five-year pilot, the vessel will become Australian-flagged and crewed, helping to re-build the national shipping industry.
The government said work with industry will continue 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.
“This is an incredible chapter in Australia’s maritime history with the first vessel being announced in Australia’s Strategic Fleet,” said infrastructure, transport, regional development and local government minister Catherine King.
“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,” the minister added.
ANL is a brand representing both ANL Container Line Pty Ltd and ANL Singapore Pte Ltd as the two ocean carriers.
