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Key industry figures from as far afield as Houston, London and Norway were among the speakers featured at the International Symposium, Frontiers in Offshore Geotechnics held at UWA recently.

The conference was organised by the Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems, which is part of UWA's Oceans Institute.

In opening the conference, Shell's head of oil and gas in Australia, Ann Pickard, indicated that Shell is due to make a final decision next year on the proposed Prelude floating LNG facility earmarked for the Browse Basin.

She said the project would be the world's first deployment of a floating LNG facility. Ms Pickard also outlined other projects Shell is involved with such as the $43 billion Gorgon Project and stressed the value of local expertise in areas such as sub-sea pipelines.

"You guys know better than me the challenges we face as go we go deeper and struggle with the local calcareous soil, which is why it's great to have a centre of expertise right here on our doorstep," she said.

Ms Pickard paid tribute to the research teams and facilities at UWA and the advanced geomechanics researchers.

"My explorers and technical development guys tell me we are in your debt, we could not be doing these things without your help," she said. "Your cutting edge work is absolutely invaluable."

Page 2: The UWA Oceans Institute December Newsletter

Media references

Maryann Evetts (The UWA Oceans Institute), (+61 8) 6488 8116