For Immediate Release
April 15, 2025
(Nanaimo, BC) – Today Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) announced two new ocean innovation projects valued at more than $9 million, including the $6.6 million Port Environmental Monitoring System (PEMS) Project led by Nanaimo, BC-based Shift Coastal Technologies. This new, collaborative OSC project will enhance environmentally responsible port operations through a cutting-edge solution that records and disseminates environmental data related to a ship’s visit.
PEMS accurately measures and predicts carbon emissions for a vessel staying at any port using a semi-autonomous platform with aerial and ocean observation capabilities. The project team will also test and evaluate PEMS capabilities for additional monitoring of marine shipping stressors, such as seabed disturbance, discharges, noise, and light.
The project is led by Shift Coastal Technologies in partnership with BlueNode in Halifax, NS, and Sensor Technology in Collingwood, ON, as well as Nanaimo-based companies Petroglyph Development Group, Reach Systems, and Nanaimo Port Authority. With a total value of $6.6 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster will invest $2.6 million, with the reminder of funding coming from project partners.
By developing cutting-edge technology for emissions monitoring and autonomous systems, this project advances Canada’s position as a leader in environmental port monitoring, as well as climate action overall. The project also promotes sustainable practices and environmental compliance, which can lead to long-term economic benefits by reducing penalties and fostering a green reputation.
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. For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca.
Quotes
“The Port Environmental Monitoring System Project is a necessary step forward in creating more environmentally friendly port operations, where carbon emissions continue to be a major issue,” says Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. “By co-investing in this project, we are directly contributing to the realization of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, while stimulating economic growth and accelerating innovation in Canada’s maritime technology sector.”