Large Underwater Pipelines to Be Built in Australia

The long underwater pipelines that are to be built in Australian waters aim at eliminating the need for oil extraction platforms being set in dangerous areas for primary oil processing. With the new pipes, the large reserves of natural gases will be transported directly to refineries situated on Australia's coasts, greatly reducing the costs of production. Researchers at the University of Queensland, in charge with the design of the project, say that the undertake is possible, but that extreme caution needs to be practiced in regard to the potential effect it may have on the environment.

Dr. Faris Albermani, civil engineer at Oceans Flagship's Subsea Pipeline Collaboration Cluster, says that the main challenge architects and designers face is creating a stable pipe that could withstand the extreme forces exerted on it for many decades. Strong underwater currents, continental drift and very steep slopes are all outside factors that the scientists have to consider when planning the new construction. The environment is also a top priority. “A rupture in the pipeline could cost millions of dollars and potentially leak gas and oil into the environment,” Dr Albermani explained.

The seabed still poses most problems to the project, with unforeseeable events such as tsunamis and underwater landslides caused by earthquakes being on top of the “worry” list. There is also the matter of various seabed densities over the long course the pipes are to follow. There are several rifts and canyons in the way, and bridges have to be built on top of them. Dr. Albermani and Dr. Tom Baldock have previously worked on several such projects and have the necessary experience to create a viable transport system. But they are still trying to come up with a flawless system.

The slightest glitch in the pipes and the environment could be polluted with thousands of metric tones of gases or oil, with potentially devastating consequences to the marine wildlife. The huge engineering challenges brought forth by this project are analyzed by scientists at six universities, including Monash University, The University of Sydney, Curtin University of Technology and Flinders University. If the construction is successful, Australia could gain access to large amounts of natural resources to sustain its economy.