The Bureau of Meteorology can more accurately forecast tropical cyclones near offshore gas and oil facilities following a two-year research program jointly funded by energy companies.

Its new modelling can produce longer-range and more detailed forecasts, and also predict the threat of destructive cyclone waves off the coasts of WA and the NT.

“This new research allows us to paint a much clearer picture of the threat from a tropical cyclone at a particular location, three to seven days ahead of the event,” Resource Sector Manager Andrew Burton said.

“For the first time, offshore operators can receive an objective analysis of the risk at their location at timescales that match their operational response planning. The research team worked very closely with the industry to understand their particular needs, and to design and develop a system that specifically addressed the problems they face.”

The research was funded by Shell, Woodside, Chevron and Japanese oil company Inpex, which all operate offshore exploration and production rigs and platforms.

They expect the research to improve safety and reduce their facilities’ exposure to damaging cyclones.

“It takes time to prepare an offshore facility for a tropical cyclone, incurring additional exposure for our personnel, and in the past we’ve seen facilities shut down and de-manned unnecessarily due to the uncertainty in the forecast,” Shell Australia Lead Metocean Manager Jan Flynn said.

“The exciting new capability from this partnership will allow oil and gas operators to make better-informed decisions much earlier and on a more objective basis than previously possible, reducing the number of events where we respond unnecessarily.”