Welcome to the March 2025 update from the Blue Economy CRC where we highlight the news, project updates, events and achievements over the last quarter.
2025 Participants Workshop
Hydrogen Production and Research Facility Launch
Congratulations Akshay - PhD Graduate
Futures of Seafood update
News and Events
Welcome to our PhD Scholars
Publications
Registrations Open & Draft Agenda Now Available
We are just 8 weeks away from the 2025 Participants Workshop at the Paranaple Convention Centre in Devonport on the 27th – 29th May, 2025.
Join us at this year's Participants Workshop as we demonstrate the real-world impact of our blue economy research through innovative on-ground and in-water projects. Experience firsthand how our collaborations are transforming research into tangible solutions for blue economy industries.
The 2025 Workshop brings together the Blue Economy CRC management and leadership team, research and industry Participants, strategic partners, and PhD students from across Australia and the globe. This dynamic event offers a unique opportunity to:
Demonstrate our achievements from the past 12 months of groundbreaking activity.
Engage directly with researchers and industry leaders at the forefront of blue economy innovation.
Preview upcoming initiatives that will shape the future of sustainable ocean resources.
Connect and collaborate with our diverse network of blue economy professionals.
Be part of this showcase of applied research making a difference in our oceans and coastal communities. Together, we're not just discussing the blue economy - we're demonstrating it.
Please note this event is invite-only and open to Blue Economy CRC Participants only.
Tasmania's First Green Hydrogen Production & Research Facility Opens
Green hydrogen will be produced for the first time in Tasmania with the launch of the Blue Economy CRC’s Hydrogen Production and Research Facility in March.
The Hydrogen Production and Research Facility is Tasmania’s first green hydrogen production plant and supports research and training development for blue economy industries. It will also provide commercial-scale hydrogen for industry and transport applications.
The facility features an innovative DC hydrogen microgrid, controlling one of Australia’s largest electrolysers, which generates 100% renewable, green hydrogen – an alternate, reliable energy supply that could replace carbon-intensive fossil fuels and diesel.
The official launch at BOC Australia's Lutana premises was opened by the Hon Julie Collins MP, Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables; Hon Nick Duigan, Tasmanian Minister for Energy and Renewables; Theo Martin, Managing Director of Linde South Pacific and Head of BOC Australia along with Blue Economy CRC Chair, Greg Johannes; CEO, John Whittington and Research Director, Prof Irene Penesis.
“The launch of this facility marks the beginning of Tasmania’s hydrogen production journey of discovery. The production of green hydrogen begins at commercial scale, but what we’re really looking to produce is answers to some of our most important questions around hydrogen and its uses."
"This is a research facility and as we ramp up commercial production, we will also better understand the role hydrogen can play in our system and how it can support Australia’s blue economy.” Dr John Whittington.
A Letter from Recent PhD Graduate Akshay Krishna Ambika Harikumar
PhD Scholar Akshay Krishna Ambika Harikumar recently completed his thesis and shared this heartfelt letter with the team. With his approval, we are delighted to share this with you - a snapshot of Akshay’s time with us.
On behalf of the Bue Economy CRC, we congratulate Akshay on the completion of his PhD and look forward to what lies ahead.
"Embarking on this PhD journey was like setting sail on a vast and unpredictable ocean. There were moments of calm and clarity, where the horizon seemed within reach, and times of turbulent storms that tested my determination. Along the way, I encountered numerous lighthouses, whose guidance helped me navigate the rough waters, and steadfast ships that journeyed alongside me, offering support and unity. The successful completion of my PhD thesis!"
Futures of Seafood Statewide Commercial Industry Interactive Sessions
Join Seafood Industry Australia, the Blue Economy CRC Futures of Seafood study team for exclusive state-based workshops where CSIRO experts will present the results of comprehensive modelling based on the Futures of Seafood scenarios developed through our foresighting process.
Who can register: Commercial industry participants across aquaculture, post-harvest and wild-caught sectors.
These interactive sessions will demonstrate how different interventions could impact Australia’s seafood production, marine ecosystems, and coastal communities through 2040, revealing potential tipping points and opportunities for sustainable industry growth under varying climate, policy and market conditions.
The workshops will provide seafood industry representatives with essential insights to navigate the complex challenges ahead, from intensifying marine spatial competition to climate change impacts. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how proactive measures can safeguard Australia’s seafood sector while exploring practical pathways for implementation.
This is your opportunity to help shape the Futures of Seafood Roadmap and ensure your sector is positioned to respond, adapt and take proactive action amid the transformative changes facing seafood production over the next 15 years.
Bureau Veritas Grants Approval in Principle (AiP) for SeaFisher Offshore Fish Pen
Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore (BV), a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification, has delivered an Approval in Principle (AiP) for the novel "SeaFisher" offshore fish pen.
The SeaFisher is designed to enable cost-effective, robust fish farming in deeper ocean areas, addressing the growing global demand for seafood. BV conducted a design review of the SeaFisher, based on its NI 387 Rules for the Classification of Fishfarms along with other applicable rules and regulations.
“This innovative design empowers fish farms to meet the rising global demand for seafood while ensuring affordability and sustainability. BV’s involvement reflects our commitment to addressing global challenges and fostering local innovation in Australia.”
Eric Radford, Pacific Business Director at Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore.
These young professionals will benefit from receiving a scholarship of US$550 and participate in a specially designed educational program conducted by experts from academia and industry. Out of 29 awardees worldwide, five are from the Blue Economy CRC—a remarkable recognition of the high calibre of our researchers.
Our Blue Economy CRC recipients are:
Dr. Yunil Chu (Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Queensland) – novel offshore fish pen project.
Dr. Huu Phu Nguyen (Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Queensland) – marine permaculture infrastructure.
Dr. Hongjun Fan (Postdoctoral Fellow, University of Tasmania) – hydrogen-powered vessels and offshore wind supply chain.
Mr. Reza Abbasi (PhD Student, University of Queensland) – M4 wave energy converter.
Mr. Lazarus Gyang (PhD Student, Griffith University) – HDPE connector and net design for offshore fish pens.
Congratulations to our Postdocs and PhD Scholars! 👏
The BE CRC places heavy emphasis on Education & Training, with an unprecedented scale of research opportunities on offer. We are pleased to introduce some of our latest PhD scholars and PostDoctural Research Fellowswho have recently joined us.
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