The UK’s Global Underwater Hub (GUH) and Subsea Innovation Cluster Australia (SICA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen ties between the two nations’ subsea industries and open up new pathways for innovation, collaboration, and international growth—particularly for Australian technology developers and supply chain companies.
GUH, the trade and industry development body for the UK’s £9.2 billion underwater sector, is partnering with SICA. SICA is the national industry-led innovation and technology cluster for Australia’s subsea sector. Backed by funding from the WA Government and industry partners, SICA drives growth by helping local companies access new markets, build partnerships, and bring new technologies to the surface.
The agreement is designed to actively promote two-way market access and knowledge exchange, enabling SICA members to explore opportunities in the UK while also showcasing Australian capabilities to global operators and developers. Of particular importance will be the sharing of strategic insights into market diversification—especially in emerging focus areas such as energy transition, subsea defence, and critical underwater infrastructure.
Collaboration will be a key driver, with a commitment to establishing cross-border innovation initiatives and industry partnerships. These programs will aim to accelerate the development and deployment of new subsea technologies suited to the shared needs of both regions.
GUH chief executive, Neil Gordon, said:
“Crucially, and similar to the UK, Australia champions a just transition which builds in energy resiliency and security with opportunities in sustained oil and gas production, decommissioning, offshore wind and carbon capture. Supply chain companies are encouraged to bring innovative, collaborative and sustainable solutions to this diversified market.”
Australia’s subsea industry is entering a new phase of strategic growth, supported by large-scale infrastructure developments like the Browse project, an increasing pipeline of offshore wind activity totalling 11GW, and the expansion of carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects. These developments create substantial openings for Australian firms to export their solutions and build international partnerships.
In parallel, the decommissioning of more than 1,500 wells and structures, and over 4,500km of pipelines, presents an immediate opportunity for companies offering inspection, plugging, cutting, and recovery technologies. Local suppliers developing smart, efficient, and sustainable systems stand to benefit.
Defence and critical communications infrastructure are also expected to drive subsea demand, supported by the AUKUS agreement and WA’s strategic role as a hub for undersea telecoms routes connecting Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
Concluding, Dr Colin McIvor, SICA Cluster Manager, said:
“This MOU marks an important step in strengthening collaboration between Australia and the UK’s subsea sectors. By working with Global Underwater Hub, we’re opening new opportunities for innovation, knowledge sharing, and international market access for SICA members. Both organisations bring unique strengths: SICA’s agility and cross-sector innovation focus and GUH’s depth of experience and established global networks. By sharing these, we can deliver real impact for established and emerging industries and accelerate significant growth for both countries.”
Posted 14 April 2025
