Sea

Coastal shipping is central to some of Australia’s major supply chains. It carries large volumes of bauxite, alumina, crude oil and refined petroleum to processing and refining locations. It’s also the only mode of transport for most goods moved between Tasmania and the mainland. Domestic coastal shipping volumes are projected to remain close to current levels through to 2040.*

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50%
Growth in coastal shipping volumes between 1970-71 and 2018-19*
0.5% per annum
Projected growth in coastal shipping freight task (high case) between 2019-20 and 2049-50*
100 billion
Tonne kilometres of coastal freight moved in 2021-22**
8,833
Water transport jobs in 2022**

Sea interactives

Do you work in the sea freight industry? Find out more about how 2-way data sharing can help you improve outcomes and boost productivity.

Sources: *Australian aggregate freight forecasts – 2022 update, **Australian Infrastructure and Transport Statistics – Yearbook 2022