The Global Underwater Hub (GUH) in the UK and Subsea Innovation Cluster Australia (SICA) have entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance growth in the subsea sector across both hemispheres. The partnership aims to capitalize on opportunities in offshore wind, decommissioning, carbon capture storage, and oil and gas.
GUH, which represents the UK’s £9.2 billion underwater industry, and SICA, a membership organization for Australian subsea companies, will work together to promote their subsea supply chains in both countries. The organizations will also support each other’s members in entering new markets, share market intelligence, and explore diversification strategies, particularly in energy transition and defense, including the security of critical underwater infrastructure.
GUH Chief Executive Neil Gordon emphasized the alignment of the two countries’ energy strategies, saying, “Australia has a broad conventional energy mix with strong ambitions towards net zero, powered by carbon capture and a growing pipeline of offshore wind projects in both the west and south-east Australian regions. Crucially, and similar to the UK, Australia champions a just transition which builds in energy resiliency and security with opportunities in sustained oil and gas production, decommissioning, offshore wind, and carbon capture.”
Gordon added that subsea supply chain companies should bring innovative, collaborative, and sustainable solutions to this diversified market. He also highlighted decommissioning as a significant opportunity in Australia, with over 1,500 wells and structures, as well as 4,500 kilometers of pipelines requiring decommissioning.
Colin McIvor, SICA’s cluster manager, noted the importance of the MoU for fostering stronger ties between the UK and Australian subsea industries. “This MoU marks an important step in strengthening collaboration between Australia and the UK’s subsea sectors,” McIvor said. “By working with Global Underwater Hub, we’re opening new opportunities for innovation, knowledge sharing, and international market access for SICA members.”
In offshore wind, which is focused primarily in southeastern and western Australia, Gordon pointed out the substantial potential for UK subsea companies. “There are projects totalling 11GW, and the subsea requirement for cables, foundations, survey, and protection systems across upwards of 700 turbines provides a significant future opportunity for UK subsea companies,” he said.
The partnership between GUH and SICA is expected to drive international collaboration, innovation, and market expansion in the growing subsea sector.
