The Australian Government is reaffirming its commitment to freedom of navigation and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, by announcing it will support an international maritime security mission. This mission will see the Australian Defence Force work alongside its international partners to ensure the security of merchant vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.
The climate impact of Australia’s fossil fuel exports ranks behind only Russia and Saudi Arabia exports in terms of global emissions, a major new report from the Australia Institute Climate & Energy Program explains. The new research also concludes that in absolute terms Australia is the world’s fifth largest miner of fossil fuels.
Captain Scott Laughlin and Captain Paul Clarke will lead the alternating crews operating Australia’s new icebreaker, the RSV Nuyina. Both Captains come to the role with experienced track records working in the Southern Ocean. Paul Clarke also has extensive experience in the Antarctic, while Paul Clarke started working for the British Antarctic Survey as a deck hand in 1994.
The University of Western Australia teamed up with Perth-based start-up company Electro.Aero, and funding sponsor Galaxy Resources, to develop the world’s first electric hydrofoil personal watercraft, named WaveFlyer. The zero-emission vessel operates rising above the water.
In a bid to boost Australia’s alarmingly low domestic fuel stocks, the Australian government is negotiating with the Trump administration to buy millions of barrels of oil from the US’ tightly guarded fuel reserve. This follows a report by MUA raising concerns on the country’s extremely low liquid fuel reserves.
Australian Minister for Defence, Linda Reynolds, stated to reporters during the annual US-Australian security talks in Sydney, that the US request, to join in the coalition to protect the vessels that sail in the Strait of Hormuz, is seriously taken under consideration.
The Australian Department of Agriculture announced the extension of the prohibition on live sheep exports to or from the Middle East to September 22, 2019. Prior to concluding to this decision, the department took under consideration available science and evidence, and also public feedback.
Japanese shipping company Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha Ltd (K-Line) has been convicted of criminal cartel conduct and ordered by the Australian Federal Court to pay a fine of $34.5 million. According to the Federal Court, K-Line took part in a cartel with other shipping companies in order to fix prices on the transportation of cars, trucks, and buses to Australia between 2009 and 2012.
Western Australia’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development announced the charges against Emanuel Exports, Perth-based live export company, and two of its Directors with alleged cruelty to animals under the State’s Animal Welfare Act.
The US is planning to construct further military infrastructure in Australia, when the Congress gives approval to the US Navy to be allocated $211.5 million, according to the Australian Foreign Minister Marise Payne. Australian media reporting that the US wants to build a new port facility near Darwin.
