The Australian Border Force plans to save money on fuel by pulling ships from ocean patrols, amid a high-stakes political fight between the Morrison government and Labor over border security policy.

The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age has sighted an internal Border Force email stating that “operational limitations” will be imposed to achieve a saving in the annual fuel budget and “ships will cease active patrolling to achieve this fuel saving”.

An Australian Border Force Cape class patrol boat. Credit:Byron Smith

It also explains the move is in line with budget control measures, which are in force until the end of the financial year to rein in a purported multimillion-dollar blowout. The email also notes the ships will only patrol or respond in specific circumstances.

Border Force vessels conduct patrols to identify and intercept threats at sea such as unauthorised boat arrivals, smuggling and illegal fishing. Patrols can last weeks and fuel costs are a significant expense.