NSERC CREATE for The Offshore Technology Research Training Program

The proposed program, "NSERC CREATE for the Offshore Technology Research Training Program", focuses on offshore oceans and the technology required for the development of natural resources therein. Memorial is the North American leader in this type of research and four specialties are to be pursued in the proposal: floating offshore structures; mooring lines and risers; corrosion material engineering; and subsea systems for offshore exploration, installation, operation, inspection and maintenance. These areas are of critical importance to the process of harvesting natural oil and gas resources to meet Canada and the world's energy needs. This is an applied programme which focuses on commercially important problems in the offshore oil and gas industry while ensuring environmental safety of Canada's important resources. A strong team with complementary expertise and a strong record of training HQP for the offshore industry has been assembled. Based on established collaboration among industry, government, and academia, which is the key to the success of the proposed CREATE program, the continuation of strong industrial interactions are anticipated. Key training features include a blend of research and training to address HQP supply to offshore technology in the ocean and naval architectural program, chemistry, and civil engineering graduate programs. The innovative nature of the program will provide a value-added experience to the university training environment by engaging world-class research institutes and universities, leading oil and gas operators, classification societies, and engineering firms, which will result in the transition from training to successful employment. The proposed training program is important to the continued development of Canadian natural underwater resources; addressing problems identified by industry and within the field, and will provide a highly trained workforce to maintain Canada's competitive advantage.