Design of novel stand-alone and integrated offshore aquaculture and renewable energy infrastructure.

The objective of the Offshore Engineering and Technology program (Program 1) is to generate the infrastructure that supports the development of offshore systems. It brings together industrial engineering expertise to collaborate with the aquaculture (Program 2) and offshore renewable energy (Program 3) sectors to build the required infrastructure for integrated offshore operations.

IP will emerge in the design of sea-cage infrastructure, support systems for operating (e.g. anchoring devices), innovative maintenance technologies (e.g. anti-corrosive or antifouling devices), and monitoring (e.g. advanced materials for longevity and structural reliability; in-built sensors in composite materials to detect fatigue in offshore platforms). Commercial prototypes will be developed for monitoring and maintenance using robotics, artificial intelligence, integrated sensors and real-time visualisation.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Engineered solutions that use the latest technologies for construction, installation, automation, monitoring and maintenance of offshore infrastructure.

Designs for new cost-effective and environmentally sensitive cages and station keeping systems that minimise environmental footprint.
Configurable platform designs for optimal production suited to all Australian conditions.

An installed offshore co-located aquaculture farm and renewable energy generation system.
Autonomous air, surface and underwater systems to reduce high risk practices in offshore aquaculture