In 2019-20, the direct value of the maritime industry to the Territory's economy was $184 million, with the sector expected to grow to $347 million by 2030.

The new Maritime Industry Development Plan is being pulled together to provide a framework to grow the size, scope, capability and commercial sustainability of the Territory's maritime sector.

NT chief minister Natasha Fyles said the maritime sector is seen as a key enabler for a range of industries including oil and gas, defence and border protection, agribusiness, recreational and commercial fishing and tourism.

The industry currently employs 980 full time workers, which is anticipated to surge to at 1,490 by 2030.

The Maritime Industry Development Plan includes the development of the Marine Industry Park, Darwin Ship Lift, Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct and a holistic approach to ports throughout the Territory.

The Chief Minister said the Darwin Ship Lift and Marine Industry Park will become the centrepiece of the Territory's maritime industry, paving the way for hundreds of jobs and positioning Darwin as a major international and national player in the marine services industry.

She said the government's vision is for the Territory to be a leading hub for maritime service, supply and sustainment in the Indo-Pacific region.

The key focus areas include; developing strategic infrastructure by investing in maintenance, freight and connectivity-related infrastructure to drive future industrial expansion; growing the Territory's maritime industry and working together with industry, the Australian Government and the community to sustainably grow the maritime industry; and developing local capability and capacity by ensuring Territory businesses are positioned to take advantage of an expanding maritime industry; and

It will also focus on stimulating growth in the regions: Developing the regional maritime industry to unlock new opportunities for regional communities.

"The maritime industry delivers direct jobs, opportunities and investment for the Territory - employing close to 1000 full time workers, with that number anticipated to grow.

"Darwin is strategically significant, being centrally located on the Northern Australian coastline we have the capability to be the leading destination of new and current industries," Fyles said.

LNG support hub

In recent years the Territory has investigated the opportunity for it to be a major global gas supplier, delivering on increasing demands for clean, affordable energy and creating long-term economic growth and more jobs.

The government's vision its that by 2030 the Territory will be a world class gas production, manufacturing and services hub.

Supporting this, it has developed a 5 point plan to:

• expand Darwin's LNG hub

• grow the service and supply industry

• establish a gas-based processing and manufacturing hub

• grow local research, innovation and training capacity

• contribute to Australia's energy security.

It has also developed a goal that by 2025 local participation in the gas industry supply chain will be at least 50%.

This has been assessed to have the potential to add an additional $1 billion to the Territory economy over the next 10 years.

Source: Energy News Bulletin