Maritime

Australian maritime sector

As the largest island continent on earth, the maritime sector is fundamental to Australia’s economy and society. The nation’s 70+ ports handle 98% of all trade by volume that flows in and out of its borders, with the combined value of Australia’s seagoing international imports and exports reaching above $600 billion over 2017 to 2019. Australia has the third largest marine jurisdiction in the world after France and the USA, spanning 10.2 million square kilometres.

Australia is positioned within an important economic and strategic part of the Indo-Pacific. The region is a driver of the global economy, with the world’s busiest international sea lanes and 9 of the 10 largest ports in the world. The region is a resource rich area that includes multibillion-dollar oil and gas infrastructure, supplying the energy needs of Australia and its allies.

Australia’s maritime industry is a key enabler for a diverse range of industries including oil and gas, Defence and border protection, recreational and commercial fishing, tourism, cruise and superyacht service and supply.

According to a 2023 report commissioned by the Australian Institute of Marine Science, the marine industry contributed $105.3 billion in value added to the Australian economy and supported 462,000 full-time jobs (direct and indirect) in 2020-21.

The maritime sector is also crucial to Australians’ way of life. The vast majority of Australia’s major cities are on or close to the coast, with more than 85% of the population living within 50km of the sea. It also plays an integral role for many of Australia’s first nations peoples economically, socially, culturally and spiritually.

Northern Australia

Darwin is the only capital city in northern Australia and the natural hub for Australia’s international engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. The next closest major ports and marine service centres are located significant distances away in north Queensland, north Western Australia and Singapore.

The shipping and maritime sector makes an important economic contribution to the Northern Territory (NT), providing services such as freight, commercial fishing, defence, border protection, cruise ships, charter vessels, recreational boating and workboats such as tugs and barges.

Darwin in particular is rapidly growing as a centre for marine services and supply supporting the operations of the Australian Defence Force and allied forces; Australian Border Force; offshore oil and gas industry; commercial fishing industry; tourism industry and general maritime industry.

Darwin is looking to position itself as a key vessel service, supply and sustainment hub in northern Australia and the broader South East Asia region, servicing the needs of Defence, Border Force, the offshore oil and gas industry, fishing fleet, tug fleet, superyacht vessels and other commercial operators.

A number of larger maritime companies have a presence in the NT including Nortsa North (as the provider for the Regional Maintenance Centre North), Austal, Paspaley, Ventia and Norship. Additionally, there are a significant number of small and medium enterprises currently engaged in service and supply.

Building critical mass is key for the service and supply industry. There are currently over 500 capable businesses in the NT marine services industry, with high level skills to service this market. Adding capacity depth and further capability will be important to growing the maritime sector in the NT.

Maritime industry development plan

In collaboration with industry, a maritime industry development plan has been developed.