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Faculty of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences (EMS) researchers in the Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems, Dr Mehrdad Kimiaei and Dr Hongwei An, have won a Cooperative Research Centres Project (CRC-P) Grant, a first for the University of Western Australia (UWA) and the oil and gas industry.

Dr Kimiaei and Dr An’s project is about design and manufacturing of an inaugural Australian work-class ROV (Remotely Operated Vehicle) for ultra-deep waters (up to 6000m). Their research investigates the structural integrity and forces on the ROV frame.

“Only a few developed countries around the world have this advanced technology and it can be used in oil and gas industries, subsea oceanography, subsea mining, salvage, rescue and for military applications,” said Dr Kimiaei.

“We (UWA) have two industry partners in this project: TMT and SapuraKencana Australia, who are WA-based. It is great because, over the three year project, $359,500 will come to UWA for our planned research.”

The support and assistance of the Research Development Office and Jill Stajduhar (National Energy Resources Australia, NERA) made the researchers’ proposal possible.

The grant amount is for $2.99 million, with a total project value of $8.06 million and will support the short term, industry-led collaborative research, for up to three years.

CRC-Ps aim to improve the competitiveness, productivity and sustainability of Australian industries, especially where Australia has a competitive strength; solve industry problems and deliver tangible outcomes.

Media references

Lauren Humfrey (UWA Faculty of Engineering Mathematical Sciences) (+61 8) 6488 2260