AMSA: Six leading trends influencing the domestic fleet

According to AMSA, in the past financial year it certified 1,445 new domestic commercial vessels, supporting sectors from offshore energy and aquaculture to tourism and transport. The report highlights several key developments, including the rise of larger, more specialised vessels, increasing interest in autonomous technologies and the use of new materials such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE).  

Furthermore, the adoption of alternative fuels is also emerging as a strong trend, pointing to a greener future for the domestic fleet. 

Trends in the Australian domestic market

Trend 1 – Gazettal of offshore wind farm areas

A significant trend within Australia is the gazettal of coastal waters to support the development of the offshore wind farm industry. With its potential for large-scale, reliable energy production, this emerging industry may become a key pillar in Australia’s transition to a clean energy economy.

The establishment of offshore wind farms is poised to generate substantial economic benefits including thousands of jobs across construction, operations, and maintenance along with supply chain opportunities such as vessel manufacturing. Whilst wind farm vessels are not a significant part of the current fleet, economic activity within the energy sector is likely to drive significant investment into new wind farm vessel construction in the future. Developing and operating offshore wind farms requires specialised vessels and maritime expertise.

Wind farms are commonly located in offshore waters with demanding environmental conditions. This creates an opportunity for the domestic fleet, driving investment into purpose-built vessels, including service operation vessels (SOVs) and crew transfer vessels (CTVs). 

Trend 2 – Large vessels and superyachts

A growing number of large vessels are choosing the national system. In 2023-24 this included the MinRes Coolibah, MinRes Airlie (123.8m), a significant number of superyachts, and approximately 20 new ocean-going tugs. Operators are increasingly recognising the benefits of the Marine Safety National Law Act 2012 (the National Law)—particularly the more flexible crewing arrangements—compared to the Navigation Act 2012.

A key initiative was the introduction of Exemption 49 (Ex49), which simplifies the process for vessels previously operating under the Navigation Act 2012 to obtain domestic certification.

Furthermore, under EX49, eligible vessels do not need to re-demonstrate compliance with the National Standards for Commercial Vessels (NSCV), provided they continue to meet the standards previously applicable under the Navigation Act 2012. This policy directly addresses challenges faced by larger vessels, such as limitations in domestic slipping infrastructure, by reducing friction when a vessel changes between regulatory systems to undertake international maintenance voyages

Trend 3 – Autonomous technologies

The National Law framework provides flexible pathways that support innovation across Australia’s maritime sector. The growing interest in autonomous technologies has led to a diverse range of applications under the National Law. Notable examples include the PBAT Sentinel, EMAPS, the Anduril Ghost Shark XLarge USV, ASV DRIX 17, along with numerous others. During 2023-24, AMSA approved operation of approximately 30 autonomous vessels under the National Law.

This included several world-first approvals, reinforcing Australia’s reputation as a regulatory leader in this domain. This ongoing work highlights the value of the performance-based regulatory framework within the National Law, providing practical pathways for the trialling and operation of new technologies.

Automation within specific operational domains such as hydrographic survey, has the capacity to increase significantly in the coming years. In these contexts, autonomous and remotely operated technologies act as productivity multipliers—enabling high-resolution data collection and improved safety outcomes.

Trend 4 – High-density polyethylene

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is emerging as a construction material of growing interest within Australia’s new DCV fleet, now ranking as the fourth most common hull material. Since the introduction of a generic equivalent solution in 2016 permitting polyethylene construction, HDPE has steadily gained traction across a range of industries. Vessels such as the Sentinel-class craft, developed by Plastic Fabrications, illustrate the potential of this material to support durable, lightweight and highly customisable vessel designs.

Trend 5 – Offshore aquaculture

Offshore aquaculture is a significant area of growth within Australia’s maritime sector, driven by technological innovation and the pursuit of sustainable food production. While aquaculture has traditionally been centred in protected coastal areas—such as Tasmania’s D’Entrecasteaux Channel—interest is shifting towards offshore farming.

In deeper waters with stronger currents, operators benefit from improved waste dispersion and higher oxygen levels, offering potential environmental and productivity gains. These operational advantages, however, also bring with them new challenges, including greater exposure to weather and sea conditions.

These challenges require robust engineering and vessels that can safely operate in more dynamic environments. As a result, the move offshore is prompting a shift towards larger domestic commercial vessels and an increased reliance on automation and remote operations.

Trend 6 – Alternative fuel technologies

By leveraging the expertise of recognised organisations, the National Law enables innovation while maintaining high safety standards. The launch of Sea Change, the world’s first hydrogen fuel cell-powered vessel in the USA, demonstrates the potential of these new and emerging technologies.

Within Australia, proponents exploring battery-electric propulsion and other alternative energy systems are accommodated via certification as novel vessels with recognised organisation survey. Recognised organisations are particularly well-positioned to support innovation in this space.

Their capacity to undertake detailed technical assessments—such as Failure Mode, Effects, and Criticality Analysis (FMECA), Hazard Identification (HAZID), and component verification—provides proponents with a clear pathway to certification even where standards are still evolving. AMSA also recognises that classification is not always a viable pathway for some new technologies, particularly on smaller non-passenger vessels where the complexity and cost of classification may be disproportionate to the risk.

In response, AMSA is developing a new regulatory framework under the National Law for some vessels utilising novel technologies.