Marine Science, Coastal Dynamics and Management

The work analyzed current level of development in deep-sea ocean technology research in juxtaposition with present level of ocean technology research in West Africa and came up with solutions on research development pathway for the entire region. Given West Africa’s position as current leader in deep-sea oil production in Africa the need for the gearing of her local content in this direction was stressed. Theoretical models discussed in the course of the research includes direct ocean engineering models such as linear wave theory, second-order Stokes wave theory, the stream function theory, and spectrum models. These models were further assessed in terms of current applications in the design of West Africa’s floating, production and storage vessels. Further analyzed were institutions in West Africa with good research laboratories for ocean technology research using such models as the ecosystems model and the diamond cluster model. Solutions were derived at the end of the study and recommendations made for West Africa’s offshore sub sector.