Officers from 15 navies attended the annual Pacific and Indian Ocean Shipping Working Group (PACIOSWG) meeting, demonstrating the growing significance of protecting maritime trade for Indo-Pacific navies.
Observers and guests from the navies of Germany, Japan, Malaysia and Fiji joined for the 27th meeting of the PACIOSWG forum at HMAS Penguin from March 3-6.
The meeting was established to advance the cooperation of member and observer navies with merchant shipping and related stakeholders.
Commander Australian Fleet Rear Admiral Christopher Smith opened the conference and emphasised the critical role of the 'blue economy' - the resources of the sea and using it for trade.
"The blue economy is now critical to global food and energy security, as well as the driver of our national economies," Rear Admiral Smith said.
"But the current global order, which establishes the conditions for and allows the safe and effective functioning of the blue economy, is under severe challenge."
Recent threats in the South China Sea, Red Sea and Black Sea, including state-sponsored disruptions, terrorism and unregulated sea mines, were noted as challenges to maritime stability and good order at sea.
'The blue economy is now critical to global food and energy security, as well as the driver of our national economies.'
Senior maritime industry figures highlighted the mutual benefits of close cooperation between Navy and industry in an era of heightened geostrategic competition, particularly given Australia's 99 per cent reliance on seaborne trade.
Mutual trust, credibility and consistency were listed as essential elements to build a robust relationship.
Director Maritime Trade Operations Captain John Cowan chaired the meeting.
As PACIOSWG chair, Australia pursued the strategic enhancement of maritime industry engagement (MIE) by maritime trade operations and naval cooperation and guidance for shipping professionals as a key theme of this year's event.
An important outcome was developing a PACIOSWG workplan for 2025-26, the period of Australia's chair.
Specific outcomes in the workplan include developing a capability matrix, guiding principles for members planning MIE activities or developing an MIE strategy and information sharing mechanisms to enhance communication of trade-related issues.
Australia will chair the next PACIOSWG meeting in London in 2026.
