Both pictures are Courtesy Woodside Energy
As the human population grows, we are expending more and more of the resources that are readily available on land.
This is pushing the advance of marine resource extraction, as bigger oil platforms and longer pipeline projects are granted government approval. The oceans cover more than two-thirds of the planet, and offshore oil fields supply nearly one-third of the world’s crude oil.
One of the most significant components of WA’s economy is the coastal and offshore oil and gas industry. This business enterprise involves a variety of infrastructure types including platforms, pipelines, ports and coastal protection structures. These are mainly located off the north west coast of WA, off Karratha and in the Carnarvon Basin.
New structures are being planned on an unprecedented scale; Chevron’s Gorgon project, for example, is predicted to boost Australia’s gross domestic product by $64 billion.
Designing, building and maintaining these structures so that they run effectively, safely and with minimum damage to the environment is more than challenging. Ocean engineers not only need a combination of skills derived from the disciplines of civil, mechanical and electrical engineering, they also require a thorough understanding of other oceanographic disciplines such as marine biology, chemical and physical oceanography, marine geology and geophysics.
It is essential that UWA is able to continue research that will benefit these areas as it such a huge source of income for the State. Perth is the centre for both Chevron and Woodside Australia, and the Oceans Institute at UWA is perfectly located to build a strong relationship with these and other organisations.
At UWA, research is focused on:
University information
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