Maritime - Workforce Supply and Demand Forecast Study

Shipping moves 99% of Australia’s goods traded by volume, and around 79% by value.  By any measure, it’s an industry that’s critical to our nation’s economic sovereignty and national security. 

In recognition, the Australian Government has committed to the establishment of an independent Strategic Fleet of up to 12 Australian-flagged and crewed vessels, commencing with a pilot of three vessels. 

Establishing a skilled maritime workforce is critical to building the Strategic Fleet.  Australia already faces a shortage of maritime workers including deck officers, engineers, and ratings, with demand already outstripping supply and being intensified by the shift to net zero and the establishment of offshore wind farm construction/ maintenance and oil and gas decommissioning.

At present, there is no definitive data on the size, demography or scope of Australia’s existing maritime workforce.  Consequently, there is no authoritative analysis of how many new workers will be needed to support the Strategic Fleet and the maritime industry more broadly.  This lack of analysis hinders the national skills system from planning and providing the required training to deliver a sustainable skills pipeline of qualified maritime workers.

Government has now requested ISA undertake a comprehensive Maritime Supply and Demand Forecast Study to establish an independent evidence base on the likely size and composition of the requisite workforce for the next 5-10 years. 

The Study’s findings will include:

• a profile of the current maritime workforce
• current enrolments across Australia
• career and associated learning pathways (intra and inter industry)
• projected number of seafarers required for the Strategic Fleet across a set of scenarios (incorporating likely demand from off-shore wind farm construction/ maintenance and oil and gas decommissioning).

The Study’s findings will inform planning and deliberations of the national skills system, individual training providers, industry, and governments. 

The Study also supports a range of recommendation of the Strategic Fleet Taskforce Final Report.

The Study is due to be finalised in late 2024.

If you would like to stay up to date with the Maritime Supply and Demand Forecast Study, or would simply like further information, please contact William Henderson.