Expensive to buy and very expensive to operate, this acquisition epitomises the “Sovietisation” of Australian shipping. I predict massive losses when the ship and its coming brethren try to compete globally.
It will also be practically useless in its MUA proclaimed role as a “disaster relief” saviour for Australia’s Pacific island neighbours. It is too large, too deep draughted, and too slow to achieve anything there and, given their history, the MUA members of its crew will expect to be paid danger money for such activities. They will also preclude its practical use in time of war.
The Soviet Russians never made profits from shipping. Inevitably, neither will the Soviet Australians. Governments should never own commercial ships.