Glaring generational gap exposes precarious situation for Australian maritime

AUSTRALIA relies on sea trade for 99% of its exports, with a significant portion of domestic freight also depending on coastal shipping. However, Australia’s national resilience is currently faced with a serious question mark over two glaring realities; our diminished merchant navy, and an ageing maritime workforce. A combination of factors has led the industry to suffer from what is understood at the highest levels as a lack of fresh talent coming through the ranks. The recent Covid era already exposed a certain fragility and apparent over-reliance on foreign shipping and seafarers. Beyond the immediate pressure, the scenario paints an alarming picture of the next decade if nothing is done to address the situation head on.