With more than 1000 employees, 100 vessels and servicing nearly 50,000 tug movements annually, Svitzer Australia aims to onboard eleven trainees over the next two years, to address skills and workforce shortages in the maritime sector.

Among them are two trainees who have commenced their journey in the Top End, made possible through a partnership between Svitzer and the Clontarf Foundation, and funded through the INPEX-led Ichthys Joint Venture’s training and development arrangement.

Both undertaking a four-year Marine Engineering traineeship, Djuan Brogan and Jason Chevalier-Roberts, joined the Svitzer crew in Darwin Port in 2024.

“I grew up on the Tiwi Islands and have always wanted to work on the water,” says Djuan.

“Svitzer is like family – they are always happy to answer questions and help me with on-the-job training, explaining everything in detail.”

The increase in traineeship opportunities at Svitzer ensures a pipeline of talent to support the ageing maritime workforce and the likelihood of many seafarers retiring in the future.

“Building a diverse and generational workforce in the maritime industry is incredibly important to enhance the sustainability and scalability of our business,” says Training Manager Dane O’Brien.

A Seafaring Skills Census Report published by Maritime Industry Australia in 2019 found that 49.4 percent of seafarers were over the age of 46 and around 1 percent of seafarers identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islanders.

“If we work to increase the pipeline of young talent entering the maritime industry, we are setting a strong foundation for success.”

Svitzer’s Darwin operations assist vessels entering and departing Darwin harbour, supporting the resources, tourism, livestock, trade and Defence industries in a safe and reliable manner.

“Svitzer provides a crucial link in the Australian supply chain, working closely with the Northern Territory resources sector to facilitate trade, and generate a range of employment opportunities,” says Svitzer’s NT Port Manager Tom Abraham.

SVITZER MARINE ENGINEER TRAINEE DJUAN BROGAN

“It’s been a pleasure to work closely with INPEX on our shared goals in maritime industry development.”

INPEX and Svitzer are passionate about supporting the Darwin community to create opportunities for future generations.

Svitzer has been working closely with the Clontarf Foundation in Darwin to provide a range of experiences and employment opportunities for young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men to explore and pursue careers in the maritime industry,” says Cameron Ilett, Partnerships Manager at Clontarf Foundation.

The Clontarf Foundation exists to improve the education, discipline, life skills, self-esteem, and employment prospects of young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men, equipping them with the skills and experience to grow their careers.

“It is inspiring to see Clontarf graduates Jason (Taminmin Academy) and Djuan (Nightcliff and Casuarina Academies) excelling in their traineeships with Svitzer, developing into leaders and role models who will inspire future generations,” says Mr Ilett.

In 2021, Svitzer successfully facilitated a Marine Master traineeship supported by the INPEX-led Ichthys Joint Venture and completed by Aboriginal candidate, Storm Hardy. Storm successfully completed her traineeship, achieved her qualification, and is still working on a casual basis for Svitzer Darwin’s operations.

Svitzer is developing a school-based trainee program in conjunction with Darwin Port and Programmed which will provide a ‘Port Trainee’ introduction for Year 10 students an opportunity to gain exposure across multiple port, vessel, and maritime operations including on-water tug training and operational exposure shore-side.

This program is expected to be delivered in 2026.

TUG MASTER BEN HAMILTON AND TUG RATING MATT CARSWELL ABOARD SVITZER’S STOCKTON