NEW marine repor ts and guides
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.
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THE REPORT | SEP 2025 | ISSUE 113 | 55
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