Australia: Woodside Supports Chair for LNG Plant Construction Technology

A new leadership position to service the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) plant construction industry has been established at Curtin University, with the support of Woodside.

The Curtin Woodside Oil, Gas and LNG Construction and Project Management Chair will lead research initiatives and activities relating to oil, gas, LNG construction technology and project management for the next five years.

Professor Graeme Wright, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Development, said the position would also aim to develop best practices for the LNG plant construction industry to improve productivity and safety, allow Curtin to form new networks and collaborations with all parts of the industry, and go beyond the laboratory to be an effective advocate for excellence and innovation in the field.

“I am excited to see this sponsorship from Woodside help develop new research and teaching opportunities in LNG plant construction industry, particularly as it’s a field always in need of new technology productivity and industry-ready graduates,” Professor Wright said.

“With Woodside also funding the Chair of Corrosion Engineering, as well as student awards and bursaries, this sponsorship is another example of Curtin and Woodside working together for the benefit of the wider industry, and we are pleased to see our relationship become stronger as the industry grows.”

Woodside Executive Vice President Technology, Feisal Ahmed, said Woodside was pleased to build on its relationship with Curtin University.

“Woodside is focused on advancing our technological capabilities, and by working with leading research institutions such as Curtin, we can strengthen our ability to find innovative solutions for the industry,” Mr Ahmed said.

“We welcome the appointment of a dedicated Oil, Gas and LNG Construction and Project Management Chair and look forward to working with Curtin to develop new oil and gas technologies in the years to come.”

Professor Xiangyu Wang from Curtin’s School of Built Environment in the Faculty of Humanities has been appointed the acting Curtin Woodside Oil, Gas and LNG Construction and Project Management Chair since the sponsorship’s commencement date in December 2012. The new Chair will be selected within 12 months.

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Source: Curtin University, February 27, 2013