A groundbreaking collaboration between Matrix Composites & Engineering, the Subsea Innovation Cluster Australia (SICA), Baker Hughes, and the Western Australian government has resulted in the official opening of the Matrix Deepwater Hyperbaric Common User Facility.
This state-of-the-art facility, unveiled yesterday by the Hon Stephen Dawson MLC, Minister Assisting the Minister for State and Industry Development, Jobs and Trade, marks a significant milestone in advancing subsea technology in Australia.
Located within Matrix’s Subsea Test Centre in Western Australia, this cutting-edge facility is set to transform the landscape of subsea equipment testing in the country.
The new hyperbaric testing facility allows for comprehensive testing and compliance verification of subsea equipment, including subsea control modules, to be conducted locally in Australia.
This eliminates the need to send equipment overseas, resulting in a dramatic reduction of lead times for testing by approximately 90 per cent and significantly decreasing carbon emissions associated with international transportation.
Aaron Begley, CEO at Matrix Composites & Engineering, expressed enthusiasm about the facility’s opening, stating: “We are thrilled to unveil the Matrix Hyperbaric Deepwater Common User Facility officially open and operational, a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation.
“By partnering with Baker Hughes, SICA, and the West Australian government, we have created a facility that not only enhances operational efficiencies for local companies but also drives technological advancement in the subsea sector.”
Minister Stephen Dawson highlighted the facility’s importance to Western Australia’s oil and gas sector, saying: “We have an extremely busy global oil and gas sector that operates here in WA that requires this cutting-edge technology to support and maintain their subsea infrastructure.
“This new hyperbaric testing facility is a game changer, saving valuable time and money and creating local jobs and a new industry.”
This pioneering facility not only enhances Australia’s capabilities in subsea technology but also positions the country as a leader in the field.
By reducing testing times and carbon emissions, the facility is set to play a crucial role in shaping a more efficient and sustainable future for the subsea industry in Australia and beyond.