Matrix to establish deep water hyperbaric test chamber

Buoyancy materials producer Matrix Composites & Engineering will establish the first deep water hyperbaric test chamber in Perth for subsea control modules.

The chamber, to be an upgrade of Matrix’s existing Subsea Test Facility, will be capable of testing equipment the oil & gas industry.

The Western Australian government and industry participants will each contribute $600,000 to the joint facility which will be owned and operated by Matrix.

The upgraded test chamber is set to be operational during the FY23 financial year, unlocking significant recurring revenue opportunities for Matrix.

The upgraded deep water test chamber means Subsea Control Modules (SCMs) will no longer have to be sent overseas for repairs or testing, drastically cutting time and costs.

Establishing the new test chamber is part of a broader programme overseen by the Subsea Innovation Cluster Australia (SICASICA) to develop a more comprehensive Regional Deepwater Testing Facility that will provide comprehensive testing and repair services across the APAC region.

SICA was established by industry growth centre National Energy Resources Australia which supports Australia’s energy transition.

The test chamber is expected to be operational during the FY23 financial year.

Matrix Chief Executive Officer Aaron Begley said the Company was delighted to be part of the project and at the forefront of SCM testing in Australia.

Begley said: “It is a real game changer, one that not only brings significant savings to the oil and gas sector but also taps into the resources and talented capabilities currently available in WA.

“For Matrix, this unlocks a new revenue stream with significant potential for repeat work, and crucially we have a substantial competitive advantage to secure SCM repair and testing work as the only suitable provider in the southern hemisphere.”

Picture: Matrix Composites & engineering

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