This project delivered a comprehensive Maritime Supply and Demand Forecast providing authoritative data on the size, composition, and probable supply and demand scenarios over the next 5-10 years for Australia’s maritime freight workforce to support targeted policy and investment decision making.
Shipping moves 99% of Australia’s goods traded by volume, and around 79% by value. By any measure, it’s an industry that’s critical to our nation’s economic sovereignty and national security.
In recognition, the Australian Government has committed to the establishment of an independent Strategic Fleet of up to 12 Australian-flagged and crewed vessels, commencing with a pilot of three vessels.
Establishing a skilled maritime workforce is critical to building the Strategic Fleet. Australia already faces a shortage of maritime workers including deck officers, engineers, and ratings, with demand already outstripping supply and being intensified by the shift to net zero and the establishment of offshore wind farm construction/ maintenance and oil and gas decommissioning.
Consequently, there is no authoritative analysis of how many new workers will be needed to support the Strategic Fleet and the maritime industry more broadly. This lack of analysis hinders the national skills system from planning and providing the required training to deliver a sustainable skills pipeline of qualified maritime workers.