UniSQ Advances Composite Navigation Infrastructure for Queensland Maritime Network
BY Composights
Published: 25 Jun 2026
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Researchers from the University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) are supporting the deployment and assessment of an advanced fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) navigation structure at Cleveland, demonstrating the potential of composite materials to modernize maritime infrastructure.The installation replaces an older steel-based navigation aid with a composite alternative designed to deliver longer service life, reduced maintenance demands, and improved resistance to the challenging conditions typically encountered in coastal and marine environments.
Navigation aid structures are essential to safe vessel movement throughout Queensland s waterways and coastline. Their reliability is particularly important for a maritime sector that contributes close to AUD 1 billion to the state economy and provides employment for more than 4,000 people.
As part of the project, UniSQ researchers are monitoring the composite structure s performance during and after installation. Data gathered from field measurements and structural evaluations will be used to improve understanding of how FRP components behave in operational marine settings and to support future engineering standards for composite-based maritime assets.
Professor Karu Manalo said advanced composite materials offer a practical solution to corrosion-related issues that have historically affected steel marine infrastructure.
Replacing conventional steel systems with high-performance composite materials offers an opportunity to overcome persistent corrosion problems while potentially reducing annual maintenance expenditure across Queensland s navigation infrastructure network by as much as $4 million, he said.
The research team also highlighted the construction advantages of FRP materials. Compared with traditional alternatives, composite components are significantly lighter, simplifying transportation, handling, and installation, particularly in regional and remote locations where many navigation structures are located.According to Professor Manalo, FRP composites combine lightweight characteristics with strong structural performance, enabling them to withstand demanding marine conditions including wave action, current loads, strong winds, and incidental vessel impacts.
The project reflects growing adoption of composite materials in marine infrastructure applications, where operators are increasingly seeking solutions that can extend asset life, lower maintenance requirements, and improve long-term operational efficiency in corrosive coastal environments.
