Middle EastOperations

Australia signs up for US-led Hormuz naval patrols

Australian forces will add a “modest, meaningful and time-limited” contribution to a United States-led mission in the Strait of Hormuz aimed at protecting freedom of navigation in the Gulf region, the country’s prime minister Scott Morrison has said.

The Australian contingent will join military forces from the UK, Bahrain and Israel in the US mission.

Morrison said 15% of crude oil and 30% of refined oil destined for Australia came through the Strait of Hormuz.

The move is supported by Maritime Industry Australia Ltd (MIAL), which represents the interests of maritime businesses in Australia.

Teresa Lloyd, CEO of MIAL, commented: “Freedom of navigation and the protection of the ships and seafarers responsible for international trade are ideals worthy of our attention as an island nation reliant upon them.”

Sam Chambers

Starting out with the Informa Group in 2000 in Hong Kong, Sam Chambers became editor of Maritime Asia magazine as well as East Asia Editor for the world’s oldest newspaper, Lloyd’s List. In 2005 he pursued a freelance career and wrote for a variety of titles including taking on the role of Asia Editor at Seatrade magazine and China correspondent for Supply Chain Asia. His work has also appeared in The Economist, The New York Times, The Sunday Times and The International Herald Tribune.
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