July 28, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(VANCOUVER, B.C.) – Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced three new ocean innovation projects valued at over $25 million, including the $7.6 million Dynamic Air Cushion Electric Vehicle Project led by Celerity Craft Inc. This project is a collaborative initiative to develop the Dynamic Air Cushion Electric Vehicle (DACEV), designed to transform marine transportation through zero emission, high speed, energy efficient vessel technology.
The DACEV platform integrates an advanced air cushion system with fully electric propulsion, dramatically reducing drag, energy consumption, and operating emissions. The project will unfold in two phases:
- A 5.5‑metre technology demonstrator, validating the air cushion and electric systems.
- An 11.9‑metre, 12‑passenger commercial water taxi, establishing the first market-ready DACEV vessel.
The project is led by Squamish, B.C.-based Celerity Craft in partnership with ABS Canada Inc. in Ottawa, ON, and Quantum Technology Corp. in Squamish, B.C. With a total project value of $7.6 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $2.9 million, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.
The DACEV platform directly targets emissions from coastal and inland marine transport. Early assessments indicate the technology could apply to up to 70% of the marine sector, offering a scalable pathway to significant GHG reductions and supporting Canada’s climate commitments. The project will generate new economic activity across British Columbia and beyond, including a new DACEV Manufacturing and Innovation Centre in Squamish and a made‑in‑Canada technology base with global export potential through licensing.
These outcomes align with national priorities for clean industrial growth, innovation, and long‑term economic resilience while positioning Canada as a leader in next‑generation, zero‑emission marine transportation.
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 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 and the projected benefits to Canada here.
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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 Blue Food, Arctic & Surveillance, Ocean Energy, and Marine Decarbonization, 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 almost 160 projects valued at more than $600 million, which will deliver more than 300 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world. Every dollar invested in Ocean Supercluster projects generates more than five times its value in GDP contribution, with the following economic benefits to Canada as of March 2025:
- $1.7 billion in total economic output
- $1 billion in GDP contribution
- Nearly $748 million in total labour income
- Close to 10,000 jobs created
- $286 million in total tax revenues generated
- $295 million in follow-on investment raised
Quotes
“Through investments in innovative projects across marine transportation and decarbonization, advanced manufacturing and sustainable seafood production, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is supporting Canadian companies in developing and commercializing world-leading technologies. These initiatives will create jobs and opportunities for Canadian communities, expand exports, strengthen Canada’s global competitiveness and accelerate the growth of a stronger, more sustainable ocean economy. By supporting Canadian innovators today, we are ensuring that Canada remains at the forefront of the industries that will shape the future.” – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
“Supporting the DACEV Project reflects our commitment to accelerating Canada’s leadership in marine decarbonization, while helping to build a new marine industry that will create jobs, drive economic resilience, and further showcase Canada’s leadership in ocean innovation.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster