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.

The Marine Industry Park (MIP) is currently being developed by the Land Development Corporation at East Arm with connections to road, rail and sea transport and other supporting infrastructure.

Located 16km by road from Darwin CBD and directly adjoining East Arm Wharf and the Marine Supply Base, the MIP offers opportunities to enhance support for the marine and offshore industries complementing services already available within the region.

Centrally positioned on Australia’s northern coastline within Darwin’s deep water harbour, the MIP will be the only significant vessel servicing point between Cairns and Perth. The MIP has the potential to deliver over 100 hectares of waterfront industrial land to support marine maintenance, servicing, engineering, fabrication and logistics activities.

Adjacent to major onshore gas developments and offshore supply bases, the MIP provides the opportunity to capitalise on Darwin’s expanding gas, marine services and Defence industries. Existing marine facilities located within MIP include an all tide barge ramp and 9 hectares of secured hardstand with 24 hour access for storage and fabrication activities. This provides an accredited first point of entry for the Port of Darwin.

The largest ship lift in northern Australia is currently being designed and will be built within the Marine Industry Park. The Darwin Ship Lift facility will have capacity to maintain and service Defence and Australian Border Force vessels, along with commercial and private vessels, including those from the oil, gas and marine industries.

The Darwin Ship Lift facility is designed to meet the needs of the general maritime sector and the current and long-term needs of the Department of Defence and the Australian Border Force, while supporting local jobs and economic growth in the Territory. Once operational, it is expected the facility will fast track the further development of the marine maintenance and servicing industry and produce many new jobs.

The Darwin Ship Lift facility will include:

  • a ship lift 26m wide and 103m long and 6m deep
  • lifting capability of 5,000 tonnes
  • transfer system using Self Propelled Modular Transporters
  • wet berths (wharves)
  • additional hard stand area for ship repair and maintenance works.

Port infrastructure plays an important role in the NT economy. The Territory’s 5 ports facilitate a vast majority of the Territory’s international exports and are key to the importation of essential inputs to support industry sectors and the supply of consumer goods. Ports are also an essential enabler for the cruise ship industry.

There are currently 5 operating ports located across the Territory:

  • Darwin Port (Darwin)
  • Gove Port (Nhulunbuy)
  • Alyangula Port (Groote Eylandt)
  • Port Melville (Tiwi Islands)
  • Bing Bong Loading/Export Facility.

The NT Government has a range of relevant documents available for download, these include:

The maritime industry capability and capacity report provides a strategic assessment of the Northern Territory’s maritime sector, developed through extensive engagement with industry stakeholders. The report identifies both current strengths and future challenges, and outlines practical opportunities to support a more capable, sustainable and growth-ready industry.

While the NT maritime sector demonstrates a high level of technical expertise and operational readiness, the report highlights that current capacity is insufficient to meet the anticipated growth in demand over the next decade. Ensuring the sector can scale effectively is critical to supporting regional development, attracting future investment and delivering on the requirements of key industries including Defence, offshore oil and gas, commercial fishing and marine tourism.

Three priority areas have been identified as central to future capability and capacity:

  • Education and Training – strengthening local training pathways to equip the NT workforce with specialised maritime skills and reduce reliance on interstate training
  • Workforce – improving the attraction, retention, and upskilling of workers to meet growing industry demands and reduce turnover across the sector
  • Infrastructure – improving strategically located infrastructure to support current and future operations and position the NT as a regional maritime hub

The report provides a foundation for informed planning and investment, ensuring the Northern Territory’s maritime sector is well-positioned to meet emerging demand and play a key role in supporting Northern Australia's long-term economic and strategic priorities.

Read the maritime industry capability and capacity report PDF (11.4 MB).

A comprehensive supply chain mapping study was undertaken to assess the capability of the Northern Territory’s maritime services and supply sector. This work focused primarily on supporting Defence vessels, while also considering commercial vessels, tugs, livestock export vessels, fishing boats and tourism-related marine operations.

This detailed mapping exercise offers an up-to-date understanding of the Northern Territory’s maritime service and supply sector. It reinforces the region’s strong capability and highlights the need to build a greater workforce and delivery capacity to capitalise on emerging industry opportunities and long-term growth.

Read the maritime service and supply statement of capability PDF (9.0 MB).

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