Curtin University and Shell Development Australia have partnered to establish the Global Centre for Floating Liquefied Natural Gas (FLNG) Learning and Research, which will provide essential services to this new technology area.
The Centre will be based at Curtin Perth to provide professional leadership, management and technical education specifically relevant to the FLNG industry and will involve partnerships with Vocational Education and Training providers for training in liquefied natural gas (LNG) factory operations.
Shell’s FLNG technology allows gas to be processed on a floating facility directly over the offshore gas field, which is an important development for the industry as it reduces the project cost and environmental footprint of a LNG development.
This is leading edge technology as there are currently no FLNG facilities deployed anywhere in the world and Shell is planning for the first of these facilities.
Country Chair of Shell in Australia, Ann Pickard, said the Centre was a great example of a partnership approach.
“ We are very happy to be setting up the Global Centre for Floating LNG Learning & Research, in partnership with Curtin University and training providers such as Challenger Institute, which will help train the world’s first FLNG operators right here in Perth,” Ms Pickard said.
This partnership will develop FLNG-focussed research at PhD level as a means of enhancing the long term development of FLNG capability. Shell Development Australia will participate with Curtin University in the selection of the PhD candidates, provide input into the topic of research and have access to the outcomes.
Curtin Vice-Chancellor Professor Jeanette Hacket said she was delighted Curtin was partnering with Shell in this exciting venture.
“This is another example of Curtin’s commitment to providing industry with highly relevant education and research that can support such new and innovative technology,” Professor Hacket said.
Challenger Institute of Technology will also become an important member of the new Centre, through the provision of VET programs and pathways to higher education.
The Global Centre for FLNG Learning and Research will be officially launched later this year.
Contact:
Andrea Barnard, Public Relations, Curtin University
Tel: 08 9266 4241, Email: andrea.barnard@curtin.edu.au
Web: http://curtin.edu.au
