TasPorts, AMC seize overseas collaboration opportunities

TASPORTS and Spanish maritime research body BlueNetCat are to co-lead the framework for a new international living lab connecting Greater Hobart and Catalonia.

Last week, alongside the Greater Hobart Councils Partnership, TasPorts hosted a BlueNetCat delegation from Catalonia as part of the European Union’s International Urban and Regional Cooperation (IURC) program.

According to its website BlueNetCat is the innovation and technology transfer instrument of the Maritime Strategy of Catalonia, dedicated to incubating and accelerating scientific and technological projects within the blue economy.

“With a strong international focus, it is coordinated by the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya - BarcelonaTech (UPC) and currently brings together 93 research groups across 15 Catalan research institutions, and 4 hubs of the blue ecosystem.

“Together, they work to transfer cutting edge research to the market and society, positioning BlueNetCat as a key driver for the valorisation and conservation of marine resources.”

The Hobart visit ended with four joint pilot actions confirmed:

1. TIDE Living Lab Framework, a shared approach to running and evaluating pilots
2. Dynamic port and city planning
3. Real-time marine monitoring
4. Nature-positive port infrastructure

“For TasPorts, this means opening up a working port as a living lab. Researchers and industry can test solutions in real conditions, and the ideas that work can be scaled internationally,” the Tasmanian GBE said.

Meanwhile, also in Tasmania, British-based underwater drone company SubSeaCraft Australia is partnering with the Australian Maritime College, collaborating to deliver a refurbished joint-facility at Beauty Point.

This $1.9 million upgrade will see six new employees onsite as the world looks to Tasmania as a leader in research and innovation globally, the state government said.

Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan, said the government’s Northern Economic Plan seeks to capitalise on the skills, capabilities and industry partnerships that underpin northern Tasmania’s internationally acclaimed maritime credentials; and the partnership between SubSeaCraft and the AMC “shows what can be done with the right business confidence and conditions.

“The AMC is the epitome, with people visiting from across the world to learn and upskill here in Northern Tasmania. This $1.9 million private redevelopment and collaboration will welcome SubSeaCraft’s first footprint in the Asia Pacific.

“Underwater drones are going to play a key role in the globe’s future in industries like aquaculture, defence, logistics, and more,” Mr Duigan said.

“AMC has the local knowledge and global expertise; Tasmania has the geography and, as a result, SubSeaCraft has come knocking from the other side of the world.”