A SCHOLARSHIP program supported by North Queensland Bulk Ports is enabling marine science students to experience marine and port operations.
NQBP Marine Science Scholarship recipient Amy Cantrill recently travelled to the Port of Weipa for an introduction to maintenance dredging and daily port operations.
NQBP partnered with Queensland’s James Cook University to offer the program. Since 2021, the port and university have awarded five scholarships to students undertaking a Bachelor of Marine Science.
NQBP acting CEO Belinda Kenny said the port authority hosts JCU marine science students each year to give them real-world experience in a port setting.
“The Marine Science Scholarship program is part of our long-standing partnership with JCU, aimed at bridging the gap between academia and industry,” Ms Kenny said.
“Amy’s experience in Weipa is a testament to the program, providing her with real-world exposure to ports alongside our industry experts helping launch her career post-study.”
Ms Cantrill said the experience broadened her understanding of the port industry, which she believes will balance her perspective how to manage marine environments in future careers.
“While in Weipa I accompanied the surveyor team to observe how they installed and used sonar equipment on their boat to map the channel,” Ms Cantrill said. “I learnt about the software used to analyse and display survey results.
“I also had a tour of the dredge vessel, TSHD Brisbane, which included visiting the cabins, bridge, recreational areas, and the maze underneath the deck where the pumps and engines function.”
The scholarship program is part of NQBP’s broader five-year partnership with JCU, where researchers monitor the local marine environment surrounding four ports Weipa, Mackay, Hay Point and Abbot Point.
