Working with Subsea7 Australia on the West Barracouta gas project in Bass Strait presented unique challenges and opportunities as a digital content creator, in video and photography. The project, part of ExxonMobil’s continued investment in the Gippsland Basin, involves drilling two gas production wells and constructing subsea facilities to access gas in the existing Barracouta field.

Documenting such a large-scale industrial project required meticulous planning and coordination. The Subsea 7 Seven Eagle Diving support vessel’s arrival in Victoria marked a critical phase, indicating that the project was on track to deliver gas to the Australian domestic market within the year.

One of the main challenges was capturing the scale and complexity of the operations. The harsh marine environment and varying weather conditions added to the difficulty of obtaining clear and impactful footage. Ensuring safety while operating cameras and drones, required strict adherence to safety protocols.

Additionally, working in such a dynamic setting demanded flexibility in adjusting to changing light and weather conditions. Coordinating with the engineering and diving teams to avoid interfering with their work while capturing critical moments was crucial.

The acceleration of the project timeline meant that quick turnaround times for video edits and photo deliveries were essential. This required efficient post-production workflows and the ability to meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.

The content produced not only documented the technical aspects of the project but also highlighted the collaborative efforts and expertise involved. This material was used for internal updates, stakeholder communications, and promotional purposes, showcasing the project’s progress and Subsea7’s capabilities.

Overall, working on the West Barracouta project with Subsea7 and ExxonMobil provided valuable experience in handling the logistical and creative demands of industrial photography and videography. The final content effectively communicated the significance of the project and the ongoing investments in Australia’s gas supply infrastructure.