Ocean Sciences has completed plans to develop a Seaweed Innovation and Application Centre in Takalar Regency, south of Makassar.
MARITIMEPOSTS.COM — The Australia-Indonesia Centre (AIC) has taken another step forward in supporting the development of the seaweed industry between Australia and Indonesia.
AIC has signed a non-binding Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ocean Sciences Ltd (ASX: OSS), an Australian company listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. The MoU establishes a foundation for a proposed partnership to develop an added-value seaweed supply chain between Indonesia and Australia.
The MoU establishes a framework for the Indonesia–Australia Seaweed Value Chain Partnership, initially focusing on developing value-added seaweed products with the potential to be supplied to the Australian market.
The partnership builds on existing collaboration, through which AIC has previously introduced Ocean Sciences to various business opportunities and prospective commercial partners aligned with the company’s strategy.
The MoU brings together Ocean Sciences’ operational and commercial capabilities in the seaweed sector with AIC’s networks across research institutions, government, universities, and industry. Both organisations have operations in South Sulawesi, Indonesia.
AIC has established a strong presence and ongoing activities in Sulawesi through its partnership with Hasanuddin University. Since 2019, it has also conducted research in some of Indonesia’s largest seaweed-producing regions.
Ocean Sciences has completed plans to develop a Seaweed Innovation and Application Centre in Takalar Regency, south of Makassar.
Under the MoU, the two parties will explore research collaboration opportunities to support commercialisation, the development of direct supply chains, improvements in processing capacity and product traceability, and stronger connections between seaweed farmers and higher-value markets.
The organisations will also consider developing pilot projects to assess the partnership and evaluate its commercial viability.
Boyd Whalan, Executive Director of The Australia-Indonesia Centre (AIC), welcomed the development, noting that AIC has been at the forefront of Australia–Indonesia collaboration in the seaweed sector.
“AIC has been at the forefront of Australia–Indonesia collaboration in the seaweed sector, and we are excited to work with Ocean Sciences to explore opportunities to build a local seaweed industry in Sulawesi and establish new trade links with Australia,” he said.
About The Australia-Indonesia Centre
The Australia-Indonesia Centre (AIC) is a bilateral organisation established by the Australian and Indonesian governments in partnership with leading universities. Its mission is to strengthen ties between the two countries through collaboration in science, technology, education, and innovation.
About Ocean Sciences
Ocean Sciences Ltd is developing a science-based operational platform focused on Indonesian seaweed supply, controlled cultivation, and marine biotechnology.
The company leverages its commercial activities to develop market insights and operational capabilities, while research partnerships help test applications and explore higher-value uses for seaweed.
