The next steps for marine defence in South Australia and its impact for you

Underwater, robotic explosive mine detectors, disability inclusive marine defence jobs, and hands-on student experience in the field are just some of the projects taking marine defence to the next level in South Australia.

Marine defence research is vital in South Australia due to its position as the ‘Defence State’ and ‘maritime capital’.

Defence projects and research and development activities are significant contributors to SA's economy and foster a strong connection between research, development, and industry. 

Marine defence research is creating opportunities and preparing a new workforce that is diverse, inclusive, highly skilled and capable of propelling this important sector forward.

Defence outcomes that improve ocean health

Marine defence research has wider ramifications than many people expect, with pivotal research outcomes helping threatened oceans and coastal ecosystems through reducing the risks imposed by exotic and invasive pests, weeds and diseases. 

Marine biofouling is at the core of this complex problem, affecting every industry that engages with aquatic settings.

International freight and naval shipping, vital for both trade and Defence, are severely impacted through the biofouling of ship hulls – which is mostly the build-up of algae, barnacles and mussels. This can increase fuel consumption by 40 per cent through additional hull drag and poor manoeuvrability, which all significantly increase carbon emissions.

“Biofouling is a microbial problem with gigantic economic ramifications,” says Professor Sophie Leterme, Director of the Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Training Centre for Biofilm Research and Innovation, based at Flinders University.

“The attachment of marine organisms to ships’ hulls also allows these species to be transported and relocated around the world. 

“Invasive aquatic species threaten biodiversity and cause economic and environmental damage, especially when they become established in new habitats. Solutions involve a mix of ecology, microbiology and chemistry.”

The centre’s multi-skilled team are working with industry partners to develop biofouling-resistant films for outside surfaces, such as ship hulls, and also biofilms for inside surfaces exposed to water, such as pipes that transport water. 

They are also using computer modelling to forecast the long-term impact of different marine conditions, to understand how much impact biofouling will have on ocean vessel fuel and maintenance costs.                                                                   

Providing diverse workforce opportunities

New industries present fresh opportunities, which is why Flinders researchers are working with BAE Systems Australia and MyModular to design jobs for people with disabilities in advanced manufacturing.

To reshape the manufacturing output of MyModular’s prefab cable processing technology, that provides essential components for electronics industries, researchers have designed safe and meaningful jobs for people who are neurodivergent, or who have learning, cognitive, sensory or physical challenges. 

Using innovations that are informed by research and co-designed by people who are neurodivergent, this inclusive manufacturing project – called the MyModular Micro Factory – is being co-funded by the Department of State Development’s Manufacturing Growth Accelerator and located in Flinders’ Factory of the Future at the Tonsley Innovation District.

The projected success of this Micro Factory will streamline processes as well as provide extra assistance simplifying activities which is helpful for inclusive manufacturing.

It could also provide opportunities for people with disabilities to work in manufacturing on the Hunter Class Frigate Program, which is Australia’s largest shipbuilding project, and many businesses that form its supply chain – building on the new marine industry training advances BAE has already done in collaboration with Flinders to bolster the shipbuilding workforce.

Innovations that run deep below the surface

A new marine defence development is reducing the risk to human life, offering a safer option to people navigating dangerous waters.

Professor Karl Sammut, Director of Flinders’ Centre for Defence Engineering Research and Training, leads a team that has designed the Subsea Crawler vehicle. Built in collaboration with German partner iSeaMC, this unmanned, underwater vessel will protect the lives of anyone navigating waters laced with explosive mines. 

“Most de-mining activities are conducted with specialised clearance vessels in deeper waters, but divers have to investigate and clear threats in shallow, turbulent waters in the surf zone,” says Professor Sammut. 

“Our Subsea Crawler project addresses this problem and reduces risk to human life.

“This has been an excellent collaboration that demonstrates what can truly be achieved when you bring industry and academia together with defence partners to work on a large project.

“Such projects build on our expertise in maritime autonomy and gives Flinders an invaluable opportunity to work with other excellent partners.”