Australia announces large cargo ship ANL Kokoda as first vessel in Maritime Strategic Fleet

The vessel will be available to Australian Government agencies to requisition in times of need, emergency or crises, such as natural disasters and supply chain disruptions.

The ANL Kokoda will be on hand to deliver supplies, equipment and be able to assist when Australian communities or industries need it most.

“This is an incredible chapter in Australia’s maritime history with the first vessel being announced in Australia’s Strategic Fleet,” according to Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King.

“Recent global events have emphasised the importance of Australia having a resilient domestic maritime sector.

“The ANL Kokoda will provide critical maritime capabilities, including by adding a new tool to be able to respond to disruption events.”

The effort is designed to help strengthen Australia’s economic sovereignty and improve national security.

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As part of the five-year pilot, the vessel will become Australian-flagged and crewed, helping to re-build the national shipping industry.

The Strategic Fleet is the central component of a broader program of work that aims to revitalise the Australian maritime industry.

This includes the establishment of the Maritime Skills and Training Initiative, cracking down on wage theft aboard foreign-flagged ships, and reviewing the Coastal Trading Act.

“Today we delivered on our election commitment to secure an Australian-flagged vessel for the Strategic Fleet Pilot Program,” according to Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans’ Affairs and Northern Australia, Luke Gosling.

“The ANL Kokoda is a large cargo ship that will continue operating commercially but can be requisitioned by the Australian Government in times of need - including natural disasters, emergencies and major supply chain disruptions.

“For an island nation like ours, shipping matters. Around 99% of Australia's imports and exports, including fuel, travel by sea, yet Australia has had no Australian-flagged and crewed vessel available to support the nation in times of crisis.

“That changes with the ANL Kokoda. When Australians need it most, this vessel will be ready to help keep critical supplies moving and strengthen our national resilience.”

Robert Dougherty

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.