ABSTRACT In South Australia, the newest Australian liquid hydrocarbon marine export terminal has been completed in record time. The terminal services domestic and export trade in crude oil, condensate and liquified petroleum gases while operating within a gulf which supports a major shellfish and scalefish industry, and a small but growing recreation market. The Terminal Operator has undertaken an integrated, rational, and cost-effective environmental protection strategy based on planning studies designed to ensure government and community approval for the facility. The study subject areas include: oil slick trajectory forecasting, ballast water diffuser outfall performance, prawn taint testing, coastal habitat sensitivity rating and mapping, oil spill response equipment selection and deployment strategies, equipment field trials, and industry-government consultative groups.