Latest report explores new vessel-build trends in Australia
AMSA has released a report highlighting key developments in the design and construction of new commercial vessels.
The ‘New build trends in Australia’s domestic fleet in 2024’ report reviewed the 1445 new commercial vessels which were certified, supporting industries like offshore energy, aquaculture, and tourism.
Trends include larger, more specialised builds, increased use of autonomous technology, high-density polyethylene materials, and the emergence of alternative fuels.
The move to offshore aquaculture is also prompting a shift towards larger domestic commercial vessels and an increased reliance on automation and remote operations.
Feeding, monitoring, and harvesting activities are increasingly being automated and managed from onshore control centre. A number of these automated and remotely operated vessels are already in service within Australian waters demonstrating the adaptability of the current system to accommodate new technologies and evolving industry needs.
The report revealed:
- 363 vessels were certificate of survey (CoS) vessels,
- 126 were Restricted C vessels (EX40), and
- 957 were non-survey vessels (EX02).
Within the Australian domestic fleet, AMSA regulates an estimated 33,000 Australian DCVs. These vessels underpin the domestic marine industry, which, in 2023 generated an annual output of $118.5 billion and supported 462,000 full-time equivalent jobs. Vessels range from compact 2m long inflatable boats to 123m transhipment vessels making the domestic maritime industry remarkably diverse, economically significant and operationally complex.
You can read more about the trends here.