Report shows need for concrete offshore platform industry

28/3/94

Anticipated growth in Western Australia's oil and gas sector could lead to the establishment of a valuable new industry in the State.

Resources Development Minister Colin Barnett today launched a report which identified a need to carry out further work to establish a concrete offshore platform industry in WA to cater for the growth of the nation's oil and gas industry.

Mr Barnett said the report signalled that at least seven such concrete oil and gas production platforms could be required during this decade due to the suggested expansion of the oil and gas industry in WA and the rapid growth of potential markets in South-East Asia.

"The report has indicated that such an industry would provide local employment and business and export opportunities, while also increasing local content in the construction of platforms and reducing some of the costs associated with producing oil and gas," Mr Barnett said.

He said offshore concrete structures were increasingly being used in offshore petroleum projects, replacing the traditional use of steel platforms.  More than 25 concrete offshore platforms have been used in the North Sea.  The first of these platforms being built for Australia will be located in the Bass Strait in 1996.

Several Western Australian offshore field operators have already considered the use of concrete structures and undertaken investigations into design and scoping to assess viability.

The Minister said the report followed a study conducted by independent consultants on behalf of the Concrete Institute of Australia and was supported by a $15,000 grant from the Western Australian Department of Resources Development.

"The study has provided a valuable basis for determining the feasibility of such an industry in WA and has outlined engineering and construction considerations, availability of suitable sites and the industry's reaction to the proposal," he said.

"The report has indicated that concrete structures are often more economical than steel, can withstand harsh conditions and are simpler to construct, install and maintain."

The study's organisers hope to carry out a second stage of the study involving the identification of sites for the industry, labour requirements, infrastructure needs and technical requirements for establishing, servicing and maintaining the industry.

Mr Barnett said the Government, through the Department of Resources Development, had already contributed a further $20,000 towards continuing this work.  Future Government assistance would be based on the level of support received from industry.

Media contact:  Caroline Lacy 222 9595