Aim of the review
The National Plan currently focuses on response and recovery from oil spills. The review considered how to expand this focus to alternative energy such as methanol, hydrogen and ammonia, and their associated risks. This is key as the maritime transport industry moves towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions.
Outcome and report
The review concluded that the future state is expected to be more complex and the National Plan is now only partially fit for purpose. The review also concluded that current arrangements are insufficient to manage hazards associated with alternative fuels emerging in the shipping industry and changes to the offshore energy sector.
The report made 11 recommendations, to provide a framework to enable Australian governments and industry to effectively respond to current and future maritime hazards.
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Endorsement and next steps
The report recommendations were endorsed by the Infrastructure and Transport Senior Officials Committee (ITSOC) in September 2024.
The National Plan Strategic Coordination Committee (NPSCC), with advice from the NPSIAF National Plan Strategic Industry Advisory Forum (NPSIAF), will progress these recommendations.
Review process
The NPSCC, with advice from the NPSIAF, regularly reviews the National Plan to ensure it remains relevant and fit for purpose.
The current review began in April 2023.
AMSA and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts (DITRDCA) engaged with a broad range of stakeholders to review the National Plan. A key part of stakeholder engagement involved a series of workshops, facilitated by Alchemy Partners.
The National Plan stakeholders include:
- state and Northern Territory government representatives, particularly those involved with marine pollution
- industry representatives
- Australian Government representatives
- others as required.