Australian bill seeks to liberalise cabotage licenses

A bill which would open up Australia’s cabotage market to foreign shipping lines has been introduced to the country’s parliament.

Under current laws and licensing structures, Australian carriers can contest voyages applied for by foreign ships and face few restrictions, while foreign carriers have to meet a list of requirements and can only qualify for a far more limited license.

However, the Coastal Trading (Revitalising Australian Shipping) Amendment Bill 2017 would restructure the licensing system, and would reduce the restrictions overseas shipping lines face.