Australian and UK researchers have signed an agreement aimed at boosting opportunities to collaborate on advanced modern manufacturing methods that could be incorporated into ongoing shipbuilding and marine operations from both hemispheres.
Signed by Flinders University, the University of Strathclyde, and BAE Systems, the memorandum of understanding (MoU) will establish the Advanced Manufacturing Research Exchange to boost collaboration and facilitate the development of international best practices for shipbuilding manufacturing methods and processes.
During the agreement’s signing ceremony held earlier this month, South Australian Deputy Premier Susan Close announced that $120,000 would be invested to support the establishment of the research initiative.
Professor John Spoehr, pro-vice-chancellor of research innovation and director of the Australian Industrial Transformation Institute, said the collaboration with BAE Systems ensures researchers at the two Australian universities are engaging with the latest modern manufacturing processes on large-scale shipbuilding, which can directly benefit from the accelerated adoption of new and innovative technologies.
In a statement, Flinders University said any innovative research arising from the MoU will focus on facilitating the adoption of new technologies deployed effectively to bolster the Hunter Class Frigate Program, underway at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia and future shipbuilding programs at BAE Systems’ Govan yard on the River Clyde.
“We thank the South Australian government, National Manufacturing Institute Scotland and wider Strathclyde University, and BAE Systems Australia for their valuable support,” said Colin Stirling, president and vice-chancellor of Flinders University.
“Knowing first-hand the quality of research in Glasgow, it’s great to see our experts at Flinders University’s Australian Industrial Transformation Institute working with the University of Strathclyde and BAE Systems, reinforcing the importance of industry collaboration by actively supporting the shipbuilding industry with solutions benefiting both the UK and Australian naval industries.”
