Agreement furthers oil and gas training and research

By Leanne Coleman

Charles Darwin University has furthered its capacity for education, research and on-the-job training related to the needs of the oil and gas industry after signing a memorandum of understanding with Incospec and Associates Australia.

The memorandum will see the establishment of collaborative initiatives between CDU and Incospec for specialised training, educational and research services, including training and competency development in areas of corrosion engineering.

Incospec Technical Director Mark Weston said that corrosion remained a huge cost to the oil and gas industry.

"Corrosion-related damage costs the industry between 3 and 5 per cent of GDP," he said. "It is vital that we improve our research in testing and evaluation of corrosion protection. Together with CDU we will work towards providing good quality corrosion engineering, specific to the oil and gas industry in North Australia and Incospec globally."

CDU Vice-Chancellor Professor Barney Glover said the agreement would allow CDU researchers to work with industry to develop research and training initiatives at the new North Australian Centre for Oil and Gas.

"The new facility, due for completion toward the end of 2012 will enable the university to provide a range of specialised and generic training requirements in the areas of Higher Education and Vocational Educational and Training for the oil and gas industry," Professor Glover said.

"Incospec has extensive experience in the provision of corrosion engineering consultancies and services for the oil and gas industry, other main resource sector industries, maritime operations and infrastructure.

"Once the new centre is up and running Incospec, alongside our CDU engineering staff and students, will be conducting corrosion testing and evaluation research locally for the oil and gas industry."

Professor Glover said the memorandum would also keep CDU students well connected with the industry while they were studying.