news release DMCR signs Memorandum of Agreement with Chevron Thailand and Chulalongkorn University over the pilot project on the use of 8 idle platform jackets
On April 30, 2019, the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR), together with Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Ltd. (Chevron Thailand) and Chulalongkorn University, organized the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on the use of 8 idle platform jackets as artificial reefs for marine and coastal resources conservation in Koh Pha-Ngan, Surat Thani. Jatuporn Buruspat, DMCR Director-General, Pairoj Kaweeyanun, Chevron Thailand president and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewong Sriburi, managing director of Chula Unisearch, Chulalongkorn University, represented their respective organizations at the ceremony. DMCR management, other members of the government and private sector, the marine conservation network, Petroleum Institute of Thailand and press members also attended the event at the Lampan meeting at the DMCR office.
Jatuporn, DMCR Director-General, said “the MOA has been signed to enhance the cooperation stipulated under the resolution of the National Policy and Plan Committee for Marine and Coastal Resources Management (or the National Committee) established in the meeting minute number 2/2561 on July 9, 2018. It aims to study, monitor and evaluate the physical environment and the ecological components as well as benefits the artificial reefs modified from idle platform jackets can yield in the project’s area, contributing to establishing Thailand’s knowledge on the subject. Other objectives include strengthening collaborative efforts to preserve and restore marine resources. With this MOA, the cooperation framework for all three parties in the project is clearly specified. The DMCR will supervise, evaluate and monitor the project’s area as well as coordinate with related agencies in the artificial reef placement process, as assigned by the national committee. Chevron Thailand will be the co-project owner alongside DMCR, providing the agency with 8 idle platform jackets to be modified and used as artificial reef materials as well as supporting its placement and the budget for the project. Chula Unisearch is meanwhile tasked with conducting and supporting relevant studies that meet local and international academic standard.”
Pairoj Kaweeyanun, president of Chevron Thailand Exploration and Production, Ltd., revealed that “Chevron Thailand has operated in Thailand for over 56 years with a proven track record as a safe, reliable and responsible supplier of energy for the country. We are committed to our lasting partnership with Thailand, which includes conservation of marine resources and the environment. The project has received support from local and international experts and the use of modern technology in the project’s study will deliver critical findings and knowledge on developing artificial reefs from idle platform jackets for the purpose of sustainable marine life conservation. The project aims to study the use of platforms jackets from the Gulf of Thailand to create artificial reefs. Marine organism can attach themselves to the complex structure of the platforms which provide a suitable habitat and shelter for marine life. These underwater jackets weigh around 300-700 tons and are made from carbon steel that was designed specifically for marine use, thus it is suitable both in terms of duration and stability. In addition, the structure is free from petroleum substance and results from laboratory tests showed no impact to environment. The department is targeting this potential site off Pha-ngan island because since September 2013, the department and the Petroleum Institute of Thailand have piloted mock-up petroleum jacket structures in nearby Chaloklum Bay. Continuous monitoring by the department showed success of the project from the material suitability, biodiversity and marine life patterns in the area as well as benefits to tourism and fisheries, and without causing negative impacts to the environment. In the first phase of the pilot project, the artificial reef site will cover a 4 square-kilometer area, 8 nautical miles northeast of Koh Pha-Ngan, Surat Thani and 7 nautical miles away from Sail Rock diving site. The artificial reef itself will cover an area of 0.07 square kilometers.”
“The implementation of this project is divided into 2 phases. The first phase, spanning 2 years, will include conducting a biological and ecological study on the project, tracking possible impacts from the artificial reef placement, declaring the area as a protected area to sustainably maximize the benefits of stakeholders, as well as encouraging awareness and participation among nearby communities to ensure continued conservation in the area. The second phase, lasting a total of 4 years, will focus on following up results from the first phase, particularly living marine organism growing in the reef site and benefits of all related parties, which will be funded by Chevron Thailand with a budget of 34.8 million baht (excluding costs of planning and transport of platform jackets for use as artificial reefs).
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Taweewong Sriburi, managing director of Chula Unisearch, added that “Chula Unisearch is pleased to take part in establishing Thailand’s knowledge on this subject from the planned conversion of idle platforms as reefs in Koh Pha-Ngan, Surat Thani. The agency will track, monitor and evaluate the physical environment and the ecological components as well as benefits the artificial reefs can yield within the project area. In addition to supporting the project’s implementation, the agency will also exchange project findings with the aim of marine and coastal resources preservation, conservation and rehabilitation. The project will help provide vital scientific information that will aid the planning and management of artificial reefs from large structures. It can also contribute to national-scale management plans. (The impact may not only be across large-scale projects but also nation-scale management plans.)”
