The first-ever export of an oil and gas jacket from Australia is on its way the Australian Marine Complex in Henderson bound for New Zealand.
Launching the $10 million Pohokura oil and gas jacket today, Premier and State Development Minister Alan Carpenter said the project had been designed and built entirely in Western Australia.
"The Pohokura was designed, fabricated and assembled in WA by the Ausclad group using the Common User Facility at the Australian Marine Complex," Mr Carpenter said.
"The Pohokura generated approximately $20million for the WA economy and is an indication of the rapidly growing expertise and competitiveness in the global offshore oil and gas production industry.
"It will further strengthen WA's international reputation in terms of our shipbuilding and marine-related capabilities."
The Premier said the outstanding innovation and services on offer at the Australian Marine Complex played a major part in making the Pohokura project possible for WA.
"More than $270 million has been invested in or committed to the Australian Marine Complex to date, including $190million from the State Government and $80 million from the Federal Government," he said.
"This will be a significant boost to WA's bid for the $2 billion Amphibious Vessel project, which is expected to create up to 2,000 highly skilled jobs in WA."
Mr Carpenter said that since opening in July 2003, the Common User Facility had generated more than $55 million in local business and 800 new jobs from some 100 projects using world-class wharf and fabrication facilities.
