The minimum cost savings compared to an aerial monitoring solution were larger then 1 million AUD for this project. Reliable and robust quantitative map products avoided any delays in dredging operation, which in its cost impact is not being qualified, but could easily equal the same amount. In addition, HSE risks were avoided completely, since no field operations were required and no environmental impacts generated using the satellite monitoring solution. Due to the direct cost savings the return of investment for this project is already a multiple. In addition, this new methodology can now be utilised at even lower cost for any future dredging projects in Woodside and a familiarisation of the satellite monitoring can lead to new mapping and monitoring solutions in unrelated areas. Apart from the remotely sensed water turbidity products, additional optical satellite retrieved map products can complement the water quality services for various offshore applications. Examples would be water depth mapping and sea floor classification in shallow areas, as well as natural slick and oil spill mapping. Radar satellite monitoring offers additional information on sea surface parameters like ocean surface roughness, wave heights and swell frequency and direction. |