May 22, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(OTTAWA) – Canada’s Ocean Supercluster today announced three new ocean innovation projects worth more than $12 million during the Ambition 2035 Summit in Ottawa, including the $4 million Smart Hook project led by Impossible Metals Canada.
The Smart Hook System revolutionizes subsea untethered vehicle recovery by enabling safe, efficient operations in harsh ocean conditions. The innovative system operates autonomously, reducing reliance on costly, dynamically positioned vessels and risks associated with vehicle recovery at the surface.
This project is led by Collingwood, ON based Impossible Metals Canada, in partnership with SEAMOR Marine of Nanaimo, BC and Enginuity Inc. from Halifax, NS. With a total project value of $4 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $1.2 million with the balance of funding coming from project partners.
Key advancements from this project include autonomous navigation, dynamic engagement mechanisms, and integration with standard vessels, making recovery faster, safer, and more cost-effective. With applications in deep-sea mining, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) recovery operations, and crewed submersible recovery, the Smart Hook enhances operational windows and minimizes environmental impact.
By advancing cutting-edge autonomous recovery solutions, this project reinforces Canada’s position as a global leader in AUV and remotely operated vehicle systems and stimulates economic growth in the ocean economy by highlighting innovative technologies developed by Canadian companies.
Through Ambition 2035 and together with Canada’s ocean community, we are bold in our ambition to grow Canada’s ocean economy 5X to $220 billion by 2035. Continued investment in the accelerated development and commercialization of globally relevant, made in Canada ocean solutions, including the projects announced today, will help us realize this ambition. Read more about recommendations to help achieve this transformational growth opportunity outlined in Charting the Course to 5X Growth in Canada’s Ocean Economy.
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Media Contacts
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has approved more than 120 projects valued at more than $500 million, which will deliver more than 300 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world.
Quotes
“The Ambition 2035 Summit and the Smart Hook project, supported by the Ocean Supercluster, one of our Global Innovation Clusters, align with the Government of Canada’s commitment to building a stronger and more resilient Canada. We are working together toward a more sustainable and prosperous future—one where healthy, thriving ocean ecosystems remain at the heart of our vision for generations to come.” – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
“The future of ocean exploration and sustainability depends on bold innovation. The Smart Hook project is a shining example of what’s possible when Canadian ingenuity is applied to global challenges. By pioneering autonomous recovery systems that are safer, cleaner, and more adaptable, we are helping to grow Canada’s ocean economy and reinforcing our leadership in the global marine technology sector.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“Impossible Metals is on a mission to lead the green energy transition by supplying the world with the critical minerals needed. The underwater robotics technology developed by Impossible Metals Canada is both more environmentally friendly and more economic than alternative subsea and terrestrial critical metals collection solutions. This project collaboration with SEAMOR Marine through the support of the Ocean Supercluster enables us to develop critical technology in support of our mission that won’t only enable effective retrieval of our autonomous underwater vehicles, but will support the recovery of subsea vehicles worldwide.” – Jason Gillham, President, Impossible Metals Canada
“At SEAMOR Marine, we’re proud to partner with Impossible Metals in advancing underwater robotics, supported through funding from the Ocean Supercluster. Together, we aim to drive sustainable solutions for critical mineral recovery while reinforcing our shared commitment to ocean preservation and green energy innovation. This partnership goes beyond concept-it’s a strategic collaboration focused on delivering impactful, scalable solutions with real-world applications.” – Inja Ma, CEO, SEAMOR Marine