Enhanced Maritime Cooperation (EMC) was introduced as a new initiative at the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations in 2021.
EMC has sought to increase the logistics and sustainment capabilities of US surface and subsurface vessels in Australia. The initiative also explores ways to enhance engagement of all services in the maritime domain to create a deterrent effect.
This includes activities such as:
- establishing maritime maintenance facilities
- rotations of US Navy capabilities
- combined fleet exercises with a wide range of partners
- integration of new maritime technologies.
The EMC improves Australia and the US’ maritime domain awareness. It also contributes to regional security by promoting a rules based order in the region. This includes enabling other countries to exercise their maritime rights and freedoms in a manner consistent with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.