Cruisers exceeding 5000 GT will be exempt from the Australian Coastal Trading Act

The Australian Government has released a document informing that the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012 will see a significant change in 2024, as cruise vessels exceeding 5,000 gross tonnes will be exempt from the Act.

This exemption applies to vessels capable of a speed of at least 15 knots, able to carry a minimum of 100 passengers, and primarily utilized for passenger carriage between ports in the Commonwealth or Territories, excluding Victoria and Tasmania.

The exemption will be effective from January 1, 2024, until December 31, 2024.

This decision aims to streamline passenger transportation and enhance the efficiency of cruise vessel operations.

Catherine Fiona King, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, and Local Government, issued the directive on December 13, 2023, marking a significant development in Australian shipping regulations.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Act 2012