Australia Secures First Vessel for National Strategic Fleet to Strengthen Maritime Security and Supply Chain Resilience
Australia has secured the first vessel for its proposed National Strategic Fleet, marking a significant step toward rebuilding the country’s Australian-flag shipping capability and enhancing maritime supply chain resilience during emergencies and global trade disruptions.
The initiative delivers on a commitment made by the government of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese during the 2022 federal election campaign to restore Australia’s national shipping capacity and strengthen its maritime transport infrastructure.
Australia’s domestic shipping fleet has experienced a substantial decline over recent decades. Industry and union representatives note that the number of Australian-flagged commercial vessels has fallen from more than 100 ships at its peak to just nine vessels currently operating under the national flag.
Under the government’s National Strategic Fleet program, a total of 12 vessels will be secured and operated by private industry while remaining registered under the Australian flag. The vessels will be crewed by Australian seafarers and made available to the government during national emergencies, natural disasters, or major supply chain disruptions.
Transport Minister Catherine King stated that recent geopolitical tensions, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, have reinforced the importance of maintaining sovereign maritime capability. The strategic fleet proposal gained momentum during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Australia, like many other nations, experienced significant supply chain challenges and disruptions to international shipping services.
On May 29, the Australian government is set to announce an agreement to charter the ANL Kokoda, a 23,314-deadweight-tonne (DWT) containership with a carrying capacity of 1,740 TEU. Built in 2011, the vessel was originally operated by German shipping interests before joining ANL Shipping Singapore in 2022, serving trade routes that include Australia.
The agreement also highlights the historic connection between ANL and Australia’s maritime sector. Established by the Australian government in 1956, ANL later became part of the CMA CGM Group in 1998. While the company continues to position itself as an Australian-based carrier, the ANL Kokoda is currently registered in Malta.
As part of the strategic fleet program, the vessel will be re-registered under the Australian flag and operated with a crew of 36 Australian seafarers. According to the Transport Minister, maintaining the vessel under Australian registration will cost an additional A$7 million (approximately US$5 million) annually. However, the government believes the investment will deliver substantial national benefits by ensuring access to critical shipping capacity when required.
Read: Canada and Australia LNG Cargoes Rerouted to Atlantic After Arctic Storm Disrupts U.S. Supply
The ANL Kokoda represents the first vessel in a three-ship pilot phase of the National Strategic Fleet initiative. The government has confirmed that efforts are continuing to identify and secure additional vessels, while maintaining its long-term objective of establishing a 12-vessel Australian strategic fleet to support national security, maritime trade, and supply chain continuity.
