Australia has taken a step closer to finally establishing a national fleet, but the move has come in for criticism from an industry body.
On Thursday, the government appointed a taskforce to guide the establishment of Australia’s Maritime Strategic Fleet, which it said would “strengthen our economic sovereignty and improve national security”.
The plans call for an initial fleet of Australia-flag 12 vessels that will be Australian-crewed, according to Catherine King, the minister for infrastructure, transport, regional development & local government.
