Search Results for 'sea swift'

[Jean AquindeKeymaster]

Hi Max,

We fully appreciate the level of detail and depth of your research on this topic – most impressive!

Please see below our response that combines GPT5 (paid version) with our own evidence (based on earlier scoping and discussions with TSIRC this week).

I also recommend checking our EWB Challenge FAQs on how to approach topics with insufficient data.

1.1 Power Station Capacity
Saibai is one of Ergon’s isolated microgrids supplied by a central diesel power station. Ergon’s strategy notes maximum demand across isolated networks ranges from 68 kW at Stephens Island to 4.2 MW at Thursday Island, so Saibai’s plant is below 5 MW. Exact unit ratings for Saibai are not published, so you’ll need to make some assumptions as part of your design.

Links:
https://www.ergon.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/1021517/Isolated-Networks-Strategy-2030.pdf
https://www.ergon.com.au/network/about-us/right-to-information/access

1.2 Power Station Specs
The Saibai Master Plan says supply is via an unmanned, fully automated, multi-unit diesel generator plant. Ergon’s isolated networks pages describe these microgrids but do not publish detailed genset make, model or control specs. You can make some reasonable assumptions to support your design.

Links:
https://tsirc.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Saibai-Island-Master-Plan.pdf
https://www.ergon.com.au/network/our-network/isolated-and-remote-power-stations
https://www.ergon.com.au/network/about-us/right-to-information/access

1.3 Substation and Lines
TSIRC’s planning scheme maps show community infrastructure layers for Saibai and note electricity assets are mapped for information. Ergon’s isolated networks comprise power stations, high voltage feeders, SWER and low voltage distribution, which is the typical configuration. Ergon’s overhead line design standard lists conductor families such as AAC, AAAC and ACSR, which are industry-standard aluminium based conductors. Public, island-specific line schedules or substation single-line diagrams are not published. You won’t need to go into this level of detail. You can make some reasonable assumptions to support your design.

Links:
https://tsirc.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Schedule-3-Saibai-Island-maps.pdf
https://www.ergon.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/1021517/Isolated-Networks-Strategy-2030.pdf
https://www.academia.edu/37091807/Standard_for_Distribution_Line_Design_Overhead

1.4 Solar
Ergon’s “Isolated networks solar capacity” table lists Saibai Island with zero remaining unmanaged PV hosting capacity and notes that dynamic PV connections are not available until 2025 or beyond, to be confirmed. The Master Plan mentions solar water heaters but does not identify utility-scale PV on Saibai.

Links:
https://www.ergon.com.au/network/our-network/isolated-and-remote-power-stations/isolated-networks-solar-capacity
https://tsirc.qld.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Saibai-Island-Master-Plan.pdf

1.5 Gas
There’s no reticulated gas main on Saibai. TSIRC have advised us that LPG bottled gas is common for household cooking, shipped in via Seaswift barges. New homes being constructed have electric stoves. Government subsidised support for replacement of old gas systems ( as part of wider electrification roll out) is also being implemented. It’s also worth reading up on the recent Mirabou Energy initiative that aims to improve the energy resilience of Saibai and other Torres Strait communities.

Links:

Masig Project – Mirabou Energy

Schedules

2.1 Energy Consumption
Public consumption data is not published at Saibai-only granularity. Ergon’s strategy provides ranges for isolated networks, and Ergon groups many communities under shared postcodes for statistics. For Saibai-specific annual MWh or peak demand, you can come up with your own assumptions based on typical usage by population size. Also, we suggest checking out AEMO’s Electricity Demand Forecasting Methodology.

Links:
https://www.ergon.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0017/1021517/Isolated-Networks-Strategy-2030.pdf
https://www.ergon.com.au/network/about-us/right-to-information/access

3.1 WIP Substation Upgrade
WIP Construction’s project page states it upgraded Ergon substations on Mer and Saibai. Scope included bulk earthworks, excavations, works within a live LV station, and improved access decks and peripheral structures to support remote diesel power generation. This appears to be civil infrastructure and LV station works rather than a DER-enabling controls or capacity upgrades, perhaps in support of the Mirabou Energy initiative.

Links:

Ergon Sub Stations – Mer and Saibai Islands

3.2 Corrosion of Infrastructure
Saibai’s marine environment implies high corrosivity categories under AS 4312, often C4 to C5 or higher in surf or severe marine. Standard practice in such zones is to use hot-dip galvanised or stainless steel hardware and protective coating systems specified in AS/NZS 2312.1 for structural steel. Network-specific materials lists for Saibai are not public, but these are the Australian references Ergon designs typically follow.

Links:
https://www.natspec.com.au/images/TECHnotes/NTN-DES-010-Atmospheric-corrosivity-categories.pdf
https://www.intertekinform.com/en-au/standards/as-4312-2019-130477_saig_as_as_2778277/

3.3 Dynamic PV Connections
Ergon is rolling out dynamic connections statewide, with a dedicated standard for small IES that takes effect in 2025. For isolated networks, Saibai’s table currently shows dynamic PV not available until 2025 or beyond, to be confirmed. This indicates the grid is being prepared for more decentralised PV, with timing dependent on island-level controls integration.

Links:
https://www.ergon.com.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/1072592/Dynamic-Standard-for-Small-IES-Connections-3403035.pdf
https://www.ergon.com.au/network/our-network/isolated-and-remote-power-stations/isolated-networks-solar-capacity

4.1 Mirabou Energy Project
Mirabou says it is delivering the Torres Strait Renewable Energy Project with TSIRC, communities, Energy Queensland and Ergon. Public pages describe integrated PV, community batteries and control systems tailored to each island. There is no publicly posted rollout schedule for Saibai on Mirabou’s site, so current detail appears high-level only. Check TSIRC agendas and minutes for updates.

Links:

Masig Project – Mirabou Energy

4.2 Ergon Energy 2030 target fit
Queensland’s Energy (Renewable Transformation and Jobs) Act 2024 sets legal targets for renewable generation, 50 percent by 2030, 70 percent by 2032, 80 percent by 2035. Isolated networks are outside the NEM, but decarbonising diesel microgrids and enabling DER still contribute to Queensland’s total renewable generation share. Ergon’s inner-islands projects show the pathway.

Links:
https://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/view/whole/html/inforce/current/act-2024-015
https://www.ergon.com.au/network/our-services/projects-and-maintenance/major-projects/greater-queensland-projects/thursday%2C-horn-and-hammond-island-renewable-energy-project

5.1 Thoughts on the current infrastructure
Formal, island-specific survey results are not published. Regional consultations point to concerns about reliability, cost of living and resilience. The Queensland Government’s 2023 Torres Strait and NPA Cost of Living Summit documents these issues, and major news reporting shows residents’ broader infrastructure concerns on Saibai.

Based on our interviews with the community during scoping in late 2023, periodic power outages, community expectations regarding energy resilience and impact to livelihood is an ongoing concern.

Links:
https://www.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/381280/2023-Torres-Strait-Islands-and-Northern-Peninsula-Area-Cost-of-Living-Summit-outcome-report.pdf
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-15/rising-ocean-threat-to-island-culture-torres-strait-australia/104613496

5.2 Thoughts on the future plans
The Torres Strait Renewable Energy Transition Plan outlines broad, consultative support for a shift to renewables, with emphasis on reliability, cultural fit and affordability. Mirabou’s partnership framing also reflects this direction. Specific Saibai community sentiment on project designs associated with the Mirabou Energy initiative is not publicly documented, however from our interactions with the community it is very clear that climate change resilience and adaptation are essential to livelihood.

Links:
https://www.tsra.gov.au/document/torres-strait-renewable-energy-transition-plan-2021/

Masig Project – Mirabou Energy

Hope this helps with your design process!

Regards,
Tom & Jean

[Tom NguyenKeymaster]

Hi Lauren

Based on the planning schedule, Saibai Island typically receives fuel shipments on a regular scheduled basis, roughly once a week via Sea Swift’s barge service. Sea Swift runs dedicated freight routes through the “top western” islands (Saibai, Dauan, and Boigu), and Saibai is a standard stop on these runs.

For example, shipping schedules in 2025 show a barge arriving at Saibai around once every 7 days as part of the weekly circuit. https://www.seaswift.com.au/schedules/qld/receivals/#:~:text=06%3A00,30%2F04%20%401000%20SAI%2029%2F04%20%400730

The storage capacity of the fuel station on Saibai is 2000L. Deliveries by Sea Swift come in sealed containers (often 200 L drums or 1,000 L intermediate bulk containers) as part of its freight barge service.

In practice, however, the exact frequency of fuel deliveries to the Saibai petrol station can vary. TSIRC doesn’t necessarily order fuel on every weekly voyage – instead, deliveries are coordinated based on demand and tank levels.

If Saibai’s storage is still sufficiently stocked, a barge might skip bringing additional drums that week; conversely, if fuel is running low (or a busy period is anticipated), TSIRC will arrange for extra fuel on the next available barge.

In general, multiple fuel shipments per month are the norm, with timing kept flexible. Both unleaded petrol and diesel are delivered by the same barges, usually together, though diesel (used for vehicles, machinery and boats) often constitutes the larger volume.

This “little and often” approach ensures the petrol station is regularly topped up without overwhelming its storage.

Based on the above, you will be able to draw your own assumptions to support your design solution.

[Tom NguyenKeymaster]

Hello Haoyang

Estimated costs to ship a 40-foot container from Cairns to Saibai Island ranges between $3,500 and $5,500 AU on a barge service (such as those offered by Sea Swift).

Things you need to consider
Handling and Port Fees: Costs associated with loading, unloading, and port operations at both Cairns and Saibai Island (assuming you’re shipping from Cairns)

Fuel Surcharges: Variable charges reflecting current fuel prices, which can significantly impact overall shipping costs.

Insurance and Documentation: Optional but recommended expenses to cover potential risks during transit.

You’ll need to make some calculated assumptions based on the above, and the type of goods/materials you’re looking to ship to Saibai.

Transport Prices

Hope that helps

Hi, I want to transport a 40 ft container to Saibai Island, but I didn’t see the specific shipping quote on the Sea Swift website. I also don’t want to bother their work for such an order that might never be placed. May I ask if there are any other ways for me to find out the relevant price?

[Anthony BradyKeymaster]

Hi Wardah,

There is an image of the rubbish collection vehicle that services the Saibai community in the Waste Management Gallery (last image).

Domestic waste is collected twice per week with a rubbish truck free of charge for residential properties and with an annual levy applied for commercial properties. If you’re after operating costs, this is not publicly available but you can make some reasonable assumptions based on the collection service. Note that the waste is processed centrally on the island and containerised for shipping to the mainland via Sea Swift – you’ll need to factor this in to your costings.

In terms of the average amount of plastic waste produced per household, we don’t have the exact number (partly because there is no recycling facility on Saibai so everything is sent to the landfill). However, you can make some reasonable assumptions based on data for Queensland. Have a look at this Recycling and waste in Queensland report which gives you a make up of waste in the state, from there you can deduce it for Saibai by taking into account the population, as well as the facilities available.

It might also be helpful to consider the limited options for consumer goods (they only have 1 grocery store on the island) and there is a predominance of single-use plastics in such contexts. So, plastics bags, food packaging, and beverage containers might contribute to it.

Here are some additional links which you may find helpful

• TSIRC Waste Management and Recycling
• TSIRC Fees & Charges
• CEQ launches innovative recycling project across remote Torres Strait Island and Cape York communities

Cheers,
Anthony

• This reply was modified 4 months, 3 weeks ago by Anthony Brady.

This question was ask privately via email. We are sharing here for the benefit of all students currently working on the challenge.

Question:
Design area 1.1 mentions using a repurposed sea container. What size are they able to handle on Saibai Island?

Answer:
For this particular design opportunity, there are some established requirements for waste storage under section 19 of the SeaSwift Preparation and Packaging Guide.

A modular waste transfer station in the form of a repurposed shipping container will generally have the same size handling limitations as a regular shipping container (e.g. you need to consider how shipping containers are stored, ease of transport, modifications to allow waste to be emptied and how the metal frame needs to be sealed to prevent leaking). Consider the hydraulic assets needed to handle a shipping container sized asset on the island.

Cheers,
Anthony

Hi!
We have a couple of questions regarding the current usage of petrol.
How much petrol/diesel is currently imported by SeaSwift and how much does this cost the TSIRC?
Where do islanders buy their fuel? Is it at the IBIS store or another location?
After petrol/diesel is imported, is it stored anywhere before it is sold?

Thank you,
TeamTNT

[Jean AquindeKeymaster]

Hi Blake,

Thanks for checking with us! Apparently many student teams are curious about the shipping costs to Saibai Island. Check the discussion thread here.

While contacting relevant stakeholders outside TSIRC and the Saibai Island community is beyond our scope, we generally encourage students not to send unnecessary enquiries to them. We’ve had an experience in the past where a boat supplier complained to us as they’ve been getting multiple enquiries from students working on the EWB Challenge. (FYI, about 10,000 students are working in the EWB Challenge annually).

I suggest that you check first the resources in the thread. After all, making sound assumptions when there’s a lack of accurate data is part of learning and is also practiced in the industry.

I hope this helps!

Regards,
Jean

I have a question regarding the EWB challenge brief. I know that the EWB challenge says that we are not allowed to contact members of the Saibai Island community or the TSIRC, but I was wondering if we’d be allowed to message companies like Sea Swift about pricings for transporting the materials needed to Saibai Island.

[Jean AquindeKeymaster]

Hi Truong,

Sorry for not being able to get back to you sooner. Unfortunately, we don’t have the information regarding the extent of the road that needs improvement. However, we’ve received similar questions to yours which have been discussed extensively with other students in this 2-page thread.

In our EWB Challenge FAQs, we have tips on tackling tricky topics such as the project budget and different scales at which projects might be implemented and managed, allowing for variables and thinking about a modular approach. Please make sure to check that page.

Determining the type and source of the materials will be critical if you’re allocating transportation of materials for construction. I suggest you explore materials that are already existing on the island. Assuming you’re interested in transporting materials from Cairns, please check the existing discussion thread about Sea Swift’s services.

I hope this helps!

Regards,
Jean

[Jean AquindeKeymaster]

Hi Coen & the rest of the Rockhampton group 5,

Please see our comments below:

1. What are the existing energy sources? 
The island currently relies on a combination of diesel generator sets and solar panels primarily used for heating water. This hybrid approach helps balance the reliability of diesel generators with the sustainability benefits of solar power.

2. How are these sources fueled/repaired? 
Sea Swift transport services transport the fuel for the diesel generators to the island and deliver it to the local dump. Ergon Energy handles the maintenance and operational management of the generator sets, ensuring that the equipment remains functional and efficient.

3. What is an appropriate budget, or will we need to calculate our own? 
For your project, you must calculate your budget, which will involve estimating the costs of materials, transportation, installation, and ongoing maintenance. A thorough budget calculation is a valuable part of your project, as it reflects real-world planning and resource management. Please check our EWB Challenge FAQS for more tips on how to approach budget concerns.

4. What is the island’s energy consumption? 
While specific data for the island might not be readily available, you can make educated estimates by extrapolating from Queensland’s overall energy consumption based on the island’s population. This method will give you a ballpark figure for your project planning.

5. How often are the generators turned on (if generators are used)? 
The diesel generators are typically turned on as needed, particularly to power essential services such as the clinic. The exact frequency can vary based on demand and other available power sources, such as solar energy during sunny periods.

6. What are the island’s current carbon emissions? 
We do not have specific data on the island’s carbon emissions. However, you can estimate these emissions by analyzing the fuel consumption of diesel generators and other energy sources. Tools and formulas for calculating carbon emissions from fuel use are widely available and can provide a reasonable estimate.

7. Do these emission levels need to be lower? 
Yes, there is a recognized need to reduce carbon emissions. Lowering emissions aligns with broader environmental goals and sustainability initiatives. Your project could explore ways to enhance energy efficiency, increase the use of renewable energy sources, and minimize reliance on fossil fuels.

Also, please do check existing threads in this design area by using the search bar!

All the best in your project,
Sai & Jean

[Jean AquindeKeymaster]

Hi Scott,

Great thought! While requesting them for a quote may be a convenient move, it’s certainly an unnecessary work for them.

I found some resources for you where you can base the pricing for shipping goods on Saibai Island. They’re probably outdated, but for the purpose of estimating costs, it’s still a good source of baseline information:

UNDERSTANDING CLIMATE CHANGE DRIVEN COASTAL EROSION AND INUNDATION IMPACTS ON TORRES STRAIT COMMUNITIES AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF ADAPTATION OPTIONS – see page 53 & Appendix 3
Sea Swift’s Customer Freight Guide (2017)
TSIRC’s response to Inquiry Into A Sustainable Queensland Intrastate Shipping Industry (2019)

I hope this helps!

Regards,
Jean

• This reply was modified 1 year, 3 months ago by Jean Aquinde.

[Scott McphersonParticipant]

Do we know what it costs to send a 20 ft container of general freight to the Island on sea swift barge. Their website doesn’t have pricing and I don’t think we should be inundating them with quotes for items that may never be sent.

[Jean AquindeKeymaster]

Hi Cameron,

You can find plenty of resources online! Although you may not see exactly what boats are used on Saibai Island, you may find similar boats used around Torres Strait, which could be a good reference for your design. For example, you can research the commercial vessels of Sea Swift, ferry boats of tour services, and dinghies from people who are selling them online.

I hope this helps.

Regards,
Jean

[Jean AquindeKeymaster]

Hi Darcy, Danny and Ethan,

Thanks for your patience! We’ve been in touch with TSIRC staff, and they’ve explained that the process of determining the cost of fuel shipment is quite intricate. They pay for the shipment in bulk, which includes other items that are also being shipped. This complexity makes it challenging to provide a straightforward answer to your question.

Due to this factor, fuel prices are generally expected to be higher in the Torres Strait. To see the latest fuel prices here, check TSIRC’s commercial fuel fees.

If you want to dive deeper into guidelines for transporting fuels on the island, check out these references:
> Transporting dangerous goods in Queensland
> Seaswift’s Freight Preparation & Packaging Guide 2024

Regards,
Jean