INDUSTRY figures say they are excited at the prospect of an Australian-flagged fleet helping bring on the next generation of local mariners.
The government announced last week the ANL Kokoda would be the first ship in its so-called ‘strategic fleet’, aimed at ensuring maritime capacity during times of strife.
Executive officer for the Australian Maritime Officers Union (AMOU), Jarrod Moran said they were thrilled that the ANL Kokoda had been announced as the first ship in the Australian strategic fleet.
“The strategic fleet will provide vital training opportunities for young Australians who will be the next generation of tug masters, harbourmasters and marine pilots,” Mr Moran said.
He said there was currently an estimated worldwide officer shortage of more than 57,000, rising to more than 80,000 officers by 2030.
“We all saw the scramble by the federal government in securing tankers to provide our national fuel when the Strait of Hormuz first shut.
A worldwide shortage of officers provides the real possibility that although tankers will be available, navigation officers might not," Mr Moran said.
“The strategic fleet ensures Australia can recruit, employ and train our own seafarers for this non-transferable task.”
AIMPE federal secretary Martin Byrne said they were looking forward to the second and third ships that will round out the strategic fleet pilot program.
“We should not be totally dependent on foreign flag ships to distribute fuel around Australia.
“The Strategic Fleet pilot program is an opportunity to see one or two Australian flag tankers on the coast,” Mr Byrne said.
“Over two million tonnes of petroleum products are moved between Australian ports each year and this vital task should not be left to foreign flag tankers as is currently the case.”
He said the AIMPE also had been calling for the ramping up of training of Australian marine engineers.
“Australia needs a new generation of marine engineers who understand how to operate, maintain and repair the ships that carry cargoes around the Australian coast.”
Ross Brewer from Offshore and Specialist Ships Australia (OSSA), said they were “delighted the government has finally come forward and done something positive to help fuel the growth of Australian shipping”.
“It is a really good thing and I hope that there will be quite a few cadets on board [to develop the next generation],” he said.
Mr Brewer said he hoped the new project would not be “a replication of the old ANL”, a reference to the entity that struggled for commercial viability for many years before being sold to CMA-CGM in 1998.
“I’m sure the government will be doing everything they can so has some longevity, not just a once off.”
Meanwhile a spokesperson for the Department of Infrastructure said with the signing of the ANL Kokoda to the strategic fleet pilot, the process of transitioning to an Australian flagged vessel had begun.
“The reflagging process, including any vessel modifications and crew recruitment, is anticipated to take approximately six months,” the spokesperson said.
“An announcement will be made when the vessel has an Australian crew and has been registered in Australia.”