At a time when BHP and the Australian Government actually owned and operated vessels, Port Kembla and the broader Wollongong region all benefited from the flow on effects of servicing the many Australian flagged vessels, which brought raw materials into the humming manufacturing leviathan that was the Port Kembla Steelworks.

"Under the watch of the Howard, Abbott, Turnbull and Morrison governments we have seen the rapid decline of the Australian shipping industry," a MUA spokesperson said. "Liberal governments have handed out 'temporary licenses' like confetti to unscrupulous foreign operators.

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"These operators use exploited labour on vessels where conditions onboard are disgraceful and, in many documented cases, inhumane. Earlier this year the final swift kick in the guts to Australian seafarers was delivered by BHP and BlueScope Steel, sacking two crews on the MV Lowlands Brilliance and the MV Mariloula - by email while overseas in foreign waters.

"People lose jobs through no fault of their own, it's a stressful time for anyone but imagine being sacked at sea with no support from family, friends or the union who represents you.

"This is the thank you Australian seafarers received from BHP and BlueScope for playing their part in 100 years of making steel in the region. Without their professionalism and toil, not a single furnace would burn.

"There are real and imminent risks to the environment, fuel supplies, human rights violations on foreign vessels, economic development in regional ports because of these policies and actions. And of course, we mourn the demise of good, secure local jobs.

"Australian shipping must be revitalised. It is in the interest of our community and the country. Proud Australian seafarers have been cast aside in the interests of profit for far too long.

"It's time to change the government, change the rules and save Australian shipping."