An anti-mine solution for Australia

In this article Don Deakin-Bell*  lays out his concept of a new class of vessel that he calls the Patonga Class Mine Warfare Trawler which he argues would be a cost-effective anti-mine asset.

Australia, a vast island nation surrounded by strategic seas, is deeply dependent on its maritime trade routes for economic prosperity and security. With 98% of its trade transported by sea, and crucial imports like 89% of its oil, Australia is intimately connected to the global maritime network.

The nation’s significant fisheries, offshore oil, and gas industries, alongside its major and minor ports, form the backbone of its economy. But this reliance also exposes Australia to maritime risks—especially the growing threat of naval mines.

In recent years, Australia has faced increasing vulnerabilities in its maritime security. Mines—cheap, effective, and capable of causing massive economic and strategic disruption—pose a unique threat to the country’s ports and sea lanes. The need for a comprehensive, scalable solution to this issue has never been greater.

Enter the Patonga Class Mine Warfare Trawler, a game-changing proposal that could provide Australia with a cost-effective, flexible defence against mine warfare while leveraging the nation’s existing maritime infrastructure.

The Growing Threat of Mine Warfare

The strategic choke-points of Australia’s maritime domain make its ports and sea lines of communication (SLOCs) vulnerable to interdiction by naval mines. These weapons—often simple, inexpensive, and easy to deploy—have the potential to disrupt Australia’s vital shipping lanes. For example, the closure of key ports would severely affect the movement of goods, particularly Australia’s major exports like coal, iron ore, and agricultural products, which make up a significant portion of its annual export revenue.

• Economic Impact of Maritime Trade: In 2022, Australia’s merchandise exports totalled $396 billion, with 75% of these goods being traded via sea. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reported that the country’s total trade in goods and services amounted to 36.2% of GDP, underscoring the critical role of maritime security in sustaining economic growth. A mine attack that disrupted key ports could cause billions in damages, along with supply chain delays, impacting industries ranging from agriculture to mining and energy.
• Threat from Non-State Actors: Mines are also a tool of choice for non-state actors due to their low cost and ease of deployment. Whether laid covertly by small vessels or even fishing boats, mines can pose a significant risk to Australia’s maritime infrastructure. The difficulty of identifying and countering these attacks adds another layer of complexity to defence planning.

While mines present a clear and present danger, Australia’s mine warfare capabilities are currently limited. The Royal Australian Navy (RAN) has just three dedicated mine warfare ships remaining in service, insufficient to cover the nation’s extensive coastline and numerous ports. Ports such as:

Sydney (NSW): One of the busiest and most economically significant ports.

Melbourne (VIC): Another key economic hub, serving a wide range of industries.

Brisbane (QLD): A critical port for both bulk trade and commercial shipping.

Adelaide (SA): Serving agricultural exports.

Perth/Fremantle (WA): Important for mining exports, particularly iron ore and gas.

Hobart (TAS): Smaller but significant for regional trade.

Newcastle (NSW): The world’s largest coal port.

Port Hedland (WA): The largest bulk export port in Australia, especially for iron ore.

Gladstone (QLD): Important for coal exports.

Fremantle (WA): Handles a significant amount of mineral exports.

The RAN lacks enough trained mine warfare specialists, necessary equipment and physical capability to address this growing threat. This is a critical capability vulnerability.

The Patonga Class Mine Warfare Trawler: A Cost-Effective Solution

To address these concerns, the Patonga Class Mine Warfare Trawler proposes an innovative, dual-use vessel concept that combines the capabilities of Australia’s maritime industry with its national defence requirements. The idea is simple yet transformative: mass-produce fishing vessels that can serve both as commercial fishing boats and mine warfare ships. These dual-use vessels would be stationed at ports around Australia, offering a rapidly deployable, cost-effective mine warfare solution.

1. Dual-Use Vessels: Commercial fishing vessels are ideal candidates for dual-use purposes. These ships are already familiar with the operational environment and have the capacity to be adapted for mine detection and neutralisation. With minimal modification, they can be fitted with radar, sonar, and underwater drones—off-the-shelf technologies that allow them to perform mine-clearance operations efficiently.
2. Mass-Production and Cost-Effectiveness: Rather than relying on expensive, purpose-built military vessels, the Australian government could mass-produce these specialised fishing vessels. This approach would significantly reduce capital costs while ensuring that a sufficient number of vessels are available to cover the nation’s strategic maritime areas. According to estimates by the Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI), the cost of developing a purpose-built mine warfare vessel can exceed $100 million per unit, whereas adapting commercial fishing vessels for dual-use could cost a fraction of that amount.
3. Naval Reserve Integration: The Patonga Class vessels would be crewed by the Naval Reserve, drawing personnel from the commercial maritime workforce—particularly fishermen—who could be trained in mine warfare operations. By training civilian seamen in mine detection, clearance, and defence tactics, Australia can rapidly expand its specialised workforce without the need for large-scale recruitment into full-time naval service.
4. Faster Response and Flexibility: With Patonga Class vessels stationed at ports across Australia, the transit time for mine clearance operations would be drastically reduced. This rapid deployment capability is essential for addressing immediate threats to vital infrastructure, particularly during times of increased tensions or war.

Economic and Defence Benefits

1. Scalability and Operational Efficiency: The Patonga Class system provides a scalable defence solution. By leveraging existing fishing fleets, Australia can expand its mine warfare capabilities quickly and without significant upfront costs. The vessels would also remain active in peacetime fishing operations, contributing to the economy, while serving as an integrated part of the national defence system during wartime.
2. Cost-Effectiveness: As mentioned, re-purposing commercial vessels offers a far more affordable alternative to building dedicated military ships. With three existing mine warfare ships unable to cover Australia’s vast maritime territory, the Patonga Class solution offers a way to increase the number of available vessels without incurring the high operational and maintenance costs associated with military assets. The government could also provide incentives for fishing industries to participate in the program, making it a more attractive and sustainable solution for local businesses.
3. Strengthened National Security: Given the increasing threats in the Indo-Pacific region, it’s essential that Australia strengthen its defences at home. The Patonga Class would contribute directly to national security by ensuring the protection of Australia’s key ports and shipping lanes, reducing the risk of disruption to trade and the economy. A 2018 report from the Australian Department of Defence identified mine warfare as one of the key threats to Australia’s maritime security, and the Patonga Class would address this vulnerability head-on.
4. Job Creation and Workforce Expansion: By training fishermen and other commercial seamen as mine warfare specialists, Australia not only enhances its maritime security but also invests in its local workforce. This creates a dual benefit: boosting defence capabilities while providing economic opportunities for coastal communities.

Recommendations for Implementation

To realise the potential of the Patonga Class, the following steps are recommended:

1. Government Approval and Funding: The Australian Government should initiate the development and mass production of dual-use fishing vessels tailored for mine warfare operations. Public-private partnerships between the government, shipbuilders, and the fishing industry should be explored to ensure cost-efficiency and rapid deployment.
2. Naval Reserve Expansion and Training: Increase the number of trained mine warfare specialists by expanding the Naval Reserve and incorporating commercial seamen into the training program. This would require collaboration with the Royal Australian Navy and commercial fishing associations to develop tailored mine warfare courses.
3. Strategic Investments in Data Collection: Conduct comprehensive surveys of Australia’s seabed conditions around key ports and sea lanes to identify areas of vulnerability. This would enable more targeted and effective mine-clearing operations.
4. Adaptation of Emerging Technologies: Continuously assess and integrate emerging technologies, such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), into the Patonga Class vessels to enhance their effectiveness and extend their operational reach.

Conclusion

The Patonga Class Mine Warfare Trawler offers a transformative, cost-effective solution to one of Australia’s most pressing maritime security challenges. By leveraging the nation’s existing fishing fleet and expanding the role of the Naval Reserve, Australia can rapidly scale up its mine warfare capabilities, enhancing national security and economic resilience in the face of emerging threats.

In a rapidly changing strategic environment, innovation will be key to ensuring Australia’s security for years to come. The Patonga Class could be the foundation for a new era of defence, where Australia’s maritime infrastructure and workforce become an integral part of its national security strategy.

References

1. Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). (2022). “Merchandise Exports.”
2. Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI). (2021). “The Costs of Mine Warfare.”
3. Department of Defence (Australia). (2018). “Defence White Paper: Addressing Maritime Security Challenges.”
4. Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). (2020). “Economic Impact of Marine Security.”
5. Royal Australian Navy. (2023). “Current Mine Warfare Assets and Strategic Gaps.”

*Don Deakin-Bell is a retired Australian Public Servant, having working in policy and operations for a number of Australian Government departments, including Defence at a Director and Deputy Director level. He served as a Peace Monitor with Operation Bel Isi in Bougainville, where he was involved in IO implementation. He is a former Army Reserve Officer, having served in regimental postings with infantry and armour. He has a BA in Political Studies and International Relations, a Graduate Certificate in HRM and is a RAN Staff Acquaint Course graduate from the Australian Command and Staff College.