A novel foundation to extend the operation of mobile structures into deeper water. Oil and gas is a key industry in Australia, contributing A$17 billion to the economy. However, with the large accessible reserves in shallower waters becoming exhausted, Australian oil and gas companies require new technologies to extend their capabilities. The research in this proposal addresses this concern, providing an extension of the operational depth range of mobile jack-up platforms from 120 to 200 m. This ....A novel foundation to extend the operation of mobile structures into deeper water. Oil and gas is a key industry in Australia, contributing A$17 billion to the economy. However, with the large accessible reserves in shallower waters becoming exhausted, Australian oil and gas companies require new technologies to extend their capabilities. The research in this proposal addresses this concern, providing an extension of the operational depth range of mobile jack-up platforms from 120 to 200 m. This creates the opportunity to develop the significant number of Australia's smaller gas fields that are currently uneconomical to exploit. The proposed project will contribute to the future competitiveness of Australia's oil and gas industry and ensuring energy supply for the sustained growth of the Australian economy.Read moreRead less
Automation of species recognition and size measurement of fish from underwater stereo-video imagery. The project aims to develop algorithms to automate the processing of stereo-video images recorded to count and measure the size of fish. This will improve husbandry and monitoring for finfish aquaculture at reduced costs, create technology export for industry partners, and develop cost effective, non-destructive finfish sampling tools for marine agencies.
Oceanic Conditions within Extreme Tropical Cyclones. Australia's tropical and subtropical areas include major infrastructure projects such as the North West shelf oil and gas projects, major mining operations, export ports, natural environments such as the Great Barrier Reef and major tourism industries. All these industries are crucially impacted by extreme tropical cyclones. Despite the importance of these systems, our present understanding of tropical cyclones is incomplete. This project will ....Oceanic Conditions within Extreme Tropical Cyclones. Australia's tropical and subtropical areas include major infrastructure projects such as the North West shelf oil and gas projects, major mining operations, export ports, natural environments such as the Great Barrier Reef and major tourism industries. All these industries are crucially impacted by extreme tropical cyclones. Despite the importance of these systems, our present understanding of tropical cyclones is incomplete. This project will significantly enhance our ability to carry out accurate engineering design of critical offshore infrastructure, as well as marine forecasts in such environments. As such, the project will have major scientific, economic and social benefits for Australia.Read moreRead less
Developing solutions to marine mammal interactions with long-line fisheries. Developing solutions to marine mammal interactions with long-line fisheries. This project aims to use innovative techniques to determine aspects of natural marine mammal behaviour that can be exploited, in conjunction with optimal fishing vessel operations, to minimise their interactions with commercial fisheries. Marine mammal interactions with commercial fisheries are a growing worldwide issue with both ecological (in ....Developing solutions to marine mammal interactions with long-line fisheries. Developing solutions to marine mammal interactions with long-line fisheries. This project aims to use innovative techniques to determine aspects of natural marine mammal behaviour that can be exploited, in conjunction with optimal fishing vessel operations, to minimise their interactions with commercial fisheries. Marine mammal interactions with commercial fisheries are a growing worldwide issue with both ecological (incidental bycatch and increased dependence on fisheries) and economic consequences (annual losses of tens of millions of dollars to the fishing industry). Successful solutions to reduce these interactions have remained elusive. Outcomes from this research are expected to be applicable worldwide, have substantial economic and ecological benefits, and ensure the sustainability of the fishing industry.Read moreRead less