The offshore patrol vessel ICGS Shaunak sailed from Fremantle on 11 October after a week-long stopover that showcased deepening border-security ties among QUAD members India, Australia, Japan and the United States. During the Perth visit, the Indian Coast Guard crew conducted professional exchanges with the Australian Border Force’s Maritime Border Command, including joint boarding-party drills, illegal-fishing interdiction scenarios and technology briefings on satellite surveillance of Australia’s vast northern approaches. The visit formed part of the “QUAD-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission 2026”, which embeds ‘Sea Riders’—personnel from all four nations—aboard partner vessels to build interoperability. ABF officials told Fremantle Shipping News that shared patrols and information exchange have already led to multiple detections of foreign fishing vessels in the Arafura Sea this year. Australia views such engagements as critical after a spike in people-smuggling attempts was recorded in mid-2026. Indian officials, meanwhile, highlighted the mission’s role in safeguarding sea-lanes used for more than A$45 billion in two-way trade between India and Australia. For multinational companies relying on secure maritime supply chains, the exercise underscores Canberra’s commitment to multilateral policing of its borders. Enhanced coordination should reduce piracy and illegal-fishing disruptions but will also mean stricter vessel inspections—something shipping and project-logistics teams need to factor into scheduling.
Source: Fremantle Shipping News
