Supergrappe de l’économie océanique annonce le Projet opérations intégrées et analyses en temps réel d’une valeur de 27 M$

Watch the Announcement here:

Innovative Egg to Harvest Solution to Bring Transformative Benefits to Aquaculture

Together with project partners, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced the Integrated Operations and Real-Time Analytics Project. Led from Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia, the almost $27 million project will bridge gaps between land, sea-based, and processing operations that exist in the aquaculture industry today by providing real-time information, analytics and environmental connectivity to improve overall operations. Through its development, the project will create 138 new jobs, including 20 at project implementation.

The innovative system developed and commercialized through the Integrated Operations and Real-Time Analytics Project will provide technology that will enable global control over operations, from egg to harvest, including feeding fish and monitoring of fish, equipment and personnel. Through data exchange and collaboration between partners, the project will result in a suite of technologies that will enable game-changing capabilities in aquaculture and offshore marine operations as well as connectivity to the environment that is transformative for the region and its fishing and aquaculture industries.

The Integrated Operations and Real-Time Analytics Project, led by Grieg Seafood Newfoundland with its partners Innovasea, SubC Imaging, AKVA Group, and High-Tech Communications, will enable companies to have complete control of operations in areas where this would not have been possible due to lack of connectivity. Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is contributing close to $12 million to the project with $14.8 million coming from industry.

The project will benefit its partners, OSC members, industry, and customers by allowing for better planning and decision making through:

• Enhanced containment monitoring;
• Better fish health monitoring;
• Advanced equipment monitoring;
• Broadened environmental monitoring;
• Increased storm preparedness;
• Improved crew safety, and
• Innovative network capabilities and farm system software.

The Integrated Operations and Real-Time Analytics Project will promote sustainable use of ocean and freshwater ecosystems by developing and providing technology solutions for egg to harvest open ocean aquaculture and supporting the Ocean Supercluster’s focus on building Canada’s ocean economy in a digital, sustainable, and inclusive way.

Quotes

“As a country surrounded by three oceans, Canada has the potential to drive innovation and be a world leader in the ocean economy. Thanks to the project announced today, participating aquaculture and fishing companies will have access to a wealth of information in real time, which will allow them to remotely feed and monitor fish, better prepare ahead of storms, and improve crew safety. This shows how Canada’s Ocean Supercluster truly is changing and modernizing how aquaculture is done. ”

– The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“We are thrilled to announce the $27 million Integrated Operations and Real-Time Analytics Project led from Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia. This is a real game-changer for the aquaculture industry and for the region, and we are excited to see not only the transformative benefits that it brings to operations but also from an environmental, safety, and economic perspective. This has been a challenging year for ocean sectors, but today’s project and the almost 50 others we have approved to date point to the incredible opportunity in ocean for economic recovery and long-term, sustainable growth.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“The staff and management of Grieg Seafood Newfoundland welcome today’s announcement of the Integrated Operations and Real-Time Analytics project. It’s a significant step for the aquaculture industry in Atlantic Canada to embrace such a comprehensive analytics approach. Having data infrastructure at this level enables us to embrace predictive modelling, which in turn allows us to enhance both fish welfare and environmental sustainability. Thanks to Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, Placentia Bay is poised to becoming a modern hub for precision fish farming.”  – Perry Power, Director of Human Resources and Communications, Grieg Seafood Newfoundland

“This project marks a significant milestone in the evolution of aquaculture, and we’re excited to continue to develop the leading-edge technologies required for remote fish farming. This will help farm operators make data-driven decisions in real time from anywhere so they can increase efficiency, improve operations and ensure optimal conditions for fish health and well-being.” – Tim Stone, Vice President of Product Development, Innovasea

“Our involvement in this incredible project is to provide machine vision camera systems that will automatically measure net health. The real-time image processing will detect any change in the mesh of the net, including tears or changes in size, and flag for immediate intervention by people who are monitoring the health of the fish and the farm. This will greatly reduce the potential of fish escaping, when compared with the existing methods. The damage and degradation of nets used for fish farms is a common concern in all aquaculture operations, anywhere in the world. Companies invest heavily in the production of healthy fish, and any loss of those fish due to escape or predators is obviously less than desirable. In addition, there is an environmental impact if fish escape into the wild. Our contribution to this project is to develop a solution to this problem.” – Chad Collet, Founder and CEO of SubC Imaging

“Hitech Communications Ltd. is honoured to be working on this project with Grieg Seafood Newfoundland and other partners. Hitech Communications Ltd. has extensive knowledge in the wireless industry, focusing on high-speed data and internet connections.  Being a participant in this project will help us further expand our knowledge and expertise in the aquaculture industry, especially related to sensor technology and control center design and setup. Being a member of this project team will open new opportunities in the aquaculture and fish harvesting sector to complement what we are doing today in the mining, wireless home internet, and municipal sectors.  Participating in this project will allow us to transfer the new knowledge, technology, and experience to other sectors such as forestry and mining.” – Murray Caines, President and CEO, Hi-Tech Communications Ltd.

Solution novatrice des œufs à la récolte pour apporter des avantages transformation à l’aquaculture

De concert avec ses partenaires de projet, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster a annoncé aujourd’hui son Projet opérations intégrées et analyses en temps réel. Dirigé à partir de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador et de la Nouvelle-Écosse, ce projet de près de 27 millions de dollars permettra de combler les lacunes entre les opérations sur terre, en mer et de traitement réalisées dans l’industrie de l’aquaculture d’aujourd’hui en fournissant des informations en temps réel, la connectivité de l’environnement et de l’analytique en vue de rehausser l’ensemble des activités. Par son développement, le projet permettra de créer 138 nouveaux emplois, dont 20 à la mise en œuvre du projet.

Le système novateur élaboré et commercialisé par le projet Opérations intégrées et analyses en temps réel apportera la technologie qui permettra un contrôle global des opérations à partir des œufs jusqu’à la récolte, y compris l’alimentation et la surveillance des poissons ainsi que les équipements et le personnel. Par l’échange de données et la collaboration entre les partenaires, le projet se traduira par une gamme de technologies qui offriront des capacités révolutionnaires dans les domaines de l’aquaculture et des activités maritimes au large des côtes ainsi que la connectivité transformatrice à l’environnement de la région et ses industries de la pêche et de l’aquaculture.

Le projet Opérations intégrées et analyses en temps réel dirigé par Grieg Seafood Newfoundland avec ses partenaires, Innovasea, Sub-C Imaging, AKVA Groupet High-Tech Communications, donnera aux entreprises un contrôle complet sur les opérations dans les zones où cela n’aurait pas été possible en raison de l’absence de connectivité. Supergrappe de l’économie océanique du Canada fournira un financement de 12 millions de dollars pour compléter le financement de 14,8 millions de dollars provenant de partenaires de l’industrie.

Le projet bénéficiera à ses partenaires, aux membres de Supergrappe de l’économie océanique, à l’industrie et aux clients en venant améliorer la planification et la prise de décision grâce à :

• Une surveillance de confinement rehaussé;
• Une meilleure surveillance de la santé des poissons;
• Une surveillance à l’aide d’équipements de pointe;
• Une surveillance de l’environnement élargie;
• Un état de préparation accrue pour affronter des tempêtes;
• Un rehaussement de la sécurité des équipages et
• Des capacités de réseau innovatrices et du logiciel du système d’élevage piscicole.

Le projet Opérations intégrées et analyses en temps réel favorisera l’utilisation durable des océans et des écosystèmes d’eau douce en développant et en offrant des solutions technologiques pour l’aquaculture en pleine mer des œufs à la récolte et en soutenant l’accent mis par Supergrappe de l’économie océanique sur la croissance de l’économie océanique du Canada dans un environnement numérique, durable et inclusif.

Citations

« En tant que pays entouré de trois océans, le Canada présente le potentiel de stimuler l’innovation et d’être un chef de file mondial de l’économie de l’océan. Grâce au projet annoncé aujourd’hui, les entreprises de pêche et d’aquaculture participantes auront accès à une mine de renseignements en temps réel. Cela leur permettra de nourrir et de surveiller à distance les poissons, de mieux se préparer avant des tempêtes et de rehausser la sécurité de l’équipage. Cela montre à quel point Supergrappe de l’économie océanique change et modernise vraiment la façon dont l’aquaculture est réalisée. » »

– L’honorable François-Philippe Champagne, ministre de l’Innovation, des Sciences et de l’Industrie

« Nous sommes très enthousiastes d’annoncer le projet Opérations intégrées et analyses en temps réel de 27 millions de dollars dirigé à partir de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador et de la Nouvelle-Écosse. Le projet vient changer la donne pour l’industrie de l’aquaculture et pour la région et nous sommes impatients de voir non seulement les bienfaits de la transformation qu’il apporte aux opérations, mais également à l’environnement, à la sécurité et à l’économie. Ce fut une année difficile pour les secteurs de l’océan, mais ce projet, et presque 50 autres que nous avons approuvés à ce jour, soulignent aujourd’hui l’occasion incroyable de reprise économique et de croissance durable à long terme pour l’océan. » – Kendra MacDonald, présidente-directrice générale de Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

 « Le personnel et la direction de Grieg Seafood Newfoundland sont ravis de l’annonce faite aujourd’hui au sujet du projet Opérations intégrées et analyses en temps réel. L’adoption d’une telle approche analytique complète constitue une étape importante pour l’industrie de l’aquaculture au Canada atlantique. Posséder une infrastructure de données à ce niveau nous permet le recours à la modélisation prédictive, qui à son tour, viendra rehausser le bien-être des poissons et la durabilité de l’environnement. Grâce à Supergrappe de l’économie océanique du Canada, la baie de Plaisance est sur le point de devenir une plaque tournante moderne de l’élevage piscicole de précision. » – Perry Power, Directeur des ressources humaines et des communications, Grieg Seafood Newfoundland

« Ce projet marque un jalon important dans l’évolution de l’aquaculture et nous sommes heureux de continuer à développer les technologies de pointe nécessaires pour l’élevage de poissons à distance. Cela aidera les pisciculteurs à prendre des décisions fondées sur des données en temps réel à partir de tout endroit afin qu’ils puissent accroître l’efficacité, améliorer les opérations et assurer des conditions optimales pour la santé et le bien-être des poissons. » – Tim Stone, vice-président du développement de produits, Innovasea

« Notre participation à ce projet incroyable consiste à fournir des systèmes de caméras qui mesureront automatiquement l’état des filets. Le traitement d’images en temps réel permettra de détecter tout changement dans les mailles de filet, y compris les déchirements ou les changements de taille et servira d’indicateur pour une intervention immédiate par les gens qui surveillent la santé des poissons et la pisciculture. Cela réduira considérablement la probabilité de fuite des poissons par rapport aux méthodes actuelles.

«Les dommages et la dégradation des filets utilisés pour la pisciculture sont une préoccupation commune à l’ensemble des piscicultures de partout dans le monde. Les entreprises investissent massivement dans la production de poissons sains et toute perte de ces poissons en raison de fuite ou de prédateurs est évidemment moins que souhaitable. L’environnement subit aussi des répercussions lorsque des poissons s’échappent dans la nature. Notre contribution à ce projet est de mettre au point une solution à ce problème. » – Tchad Collet, fondateur et président-directeur général de SubC Imaging

« Hitech Communications Ltd. est honoré de travailler sur ce projet avec Grieg Seafood Terre-Neuve et les autres partenaires. Hitech Communications Ltd. possède une vaste connaissance de l’industrie du sans fil et l’entreprise se concentre sur les connexions de données à grande vitesse et à Internet.  Notre participation à ce projet nous aidera à élargir nos connaissances et notre expertise dans l’industrie de l’aquaculture, surtout en ce qui a trait à la technologie des capteurs et à la conception et la mise en œuvre de centre de contrôle. Notre adhésion en tant que membre de l’équipe de ce projet ouvrira de nouvelles possibilités dans le secteur de l’aquaculture et de l’élevage piscicole pour compléter ce que nous faisons aujourd’hui dans l’industrie minière, l’Internet à domicile sans fil et des secteurs municipaux.  Dans le cadre de ce projet, nous pourrons transférer les nouvelles connaissances, les technologies et les expériences à d’autres secteurs tels que la foresterie et l’exploitation minière. » – Murray Caines, président et premier dirigeant, Hi-Tech Communications Ltd.

Projet de validation d’un système de stockage de l’énergie

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Announces $4.15M Field Validation of Energy Storage System Project

One of Three Accelerated Ocean Solutions Program Projects Announced on Feb. 17

On Feb. 17, 2021, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced three new projects with a total value of $12 million from its Accelerated Ocean Solutions Program (AOSP) stream. Led from British Columbia, the new $4.15 million Field Validation of Energy Storage System Project will introduce a novel battery-based Energy Storage Systems (ESS) suited to larger marine vessels to achieve significant greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions in Canada and worldwide. Additionally, the project will benefit Canadians by creating 23 jobs with the potential for 115 indirect jobs and new economic activity, helping grow the ocean economy in a digital, sustainable, and inclusive way.

Watch the Announcement here:

Batteries are increasingly deployed on vessels to help meet ambitious GHG emissions reduction targets, but to date, batteries have not been a viable solution for larger vessels needing extended periods at zero emissions. Corvus Energy is developing an energy-dense multi-megawatt hour battery-based ESS to fill the market void and bring ESS to marine industries.

The Field Validation of Energy Storage System Project, led by Corvus Energy with its partners Seaspan Ferries, VARD Marine, BC Hydro, and UBC will conduct a commercial study and field trial of the new Corvus ESS that will support the development of the system and bring it to market. Canada’s Ocean Supercluster will provide $2 million in funding for the project, with $2.15 million coming from industry partners.

Seaspan Ferries, who is providing both cash and in-kind support for the project, represents an end-user customer and will operate the ESS on a cargo ferry which will result in emissions reductions and lower operating costs. BC Hydro will collaborate by learning more about the shore charging demands that battery-powered vessels will place on the grid and investigate demand management opportunities, and UBC will have personnel supporting the project through the development and provision of methodologies for measuring emissions.

A worldwide movement is taking place to electrify marine vessels using batteries. The Field Validation of Energy Storage System Project will enable Corvus and its partners to be first movers in the supply chain for energy storage on board large vessels such as cruise ships, Ro-Pax and Ro-Ro ferries, and merchant cargo vessels, reaffirming their market leadership and boosting Canadian exports as global leaders in GHG reduction.

Quotes

“The Ocean Supercluster is changing the way business is done and positioning Canada as a global leader in the ocean economy. Through innovative projects like the ones announced today, Canada’s Superclusters are clearly succeeding in fostering stronger connections across the innovation ecosystem and creating real benefits for Canadians.” – The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“It’s on our ocean where some of the biggest opportunity to address climate change and generate economic value exist. This newest Ocean Supercluster project is led from BC with a total value of more than $4 million and will answer the call for viable solutions to electrify larger marine vessels. This project will see the creation of 23 new jobs and the potential for 115 indirect jobs over the life of the project.” Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“We call this new battery system Blue Whale, because it will be deployed with massive energy storage capacity to allow longer durations of zero-emission operation. Its unique rack-free modular stacking design and compact cell packaging help achieve the industry’s highest energy density, but also pose interesting challenges for materials handling and installation. We are extremely grateful for OSC funding to be able to validate our installation procedures in addition to ESS performance prior to commercial product release.” Sean Puchalski, EVP Strategy & Business Planning

French News Release – Projet de validation d’un système de stockage de l’énergie

Smart Integrated Ocean Sensors Project – Projet de capteurs intelligents intégrés pour l’océan

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Announces $3.6M Advancing Smart Integrated Ocean Sensors Project

One of Three Accelerated Ocean Solutions Program Projects Announced on Feb. 17

Watch the Announcement here:

The ocean industry is challenged with a need to improve measurements of ocean health using autonomous platforms to broaden observational coverage and reduce the number of people on research vessels. Following the pandemic, the need to enhance autonomous measurements and reduce people will be accelerated. The new sensors developed within the Advancing Smart Integrated Ocean Sensors Project will reduce power, lower costs, enable better system integration, and improve measurements with higher stability and data quality protocols.

With a total project value of $3.6 million, the Ocean Supercluster will provide $2 million in funding for the project, with the balance coming from industry partners. Led by RBR, the project will partner with world-class scientists across Canada at Dalhousie University and Fisheries and Oceans Canada to define and develop new autonomous sensor technology and data quality control in oceans.

The Advancing Smart Integrated Ocean Sensors Project will solve key challenges in the ocean sector related to integrating environmental monitoring sensors into the ocean’s autonomous platforms, creating global commercial opportunities for OSC members. Project partners will benefit from improved sensor performance and lower costs, access to built-in-Canada and supported-in-Canada sensors and platforms, and public-private partnerships that provide work and collaboration experiences to a diverse group of scientists and students.

Quotes

“The Ocean Supercluster is changing the way business is done and positioning Canada as a global leader in the ocean economy. Through innovative projects like the ones announced today, Canada’s Superclusters are clearly succeeding in fostering stronger connections across the innovation ecosystem and creating real benefits for Canadians.” – The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“Monitoring the ocean ecosystem is critical to how we tackle some of the biggest challenges in our ocean. This new project will not only deliver game-changing capabilities to help us better understand ocean health but also provides global applications across ocean sectors. We are excited to announce the Advancing Smart Integrated Ocean Sensors Project today which brings together SMEs, research and government who will collaborate on this important project.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“The OSC funding enables a leap forwards in our capabilities and reduces the timeline to bring these exciting new sensors to market.” – Greg Johnson, President of RBR Ltd.

“The addition of biogeochemical sensors to Argo floats is an unprecedented opportunity to address pressing questions about changing ocean ecosystems and global climate that are otherwise intractable. This will be a game changer for ocean biogeochemical observation and prediction.” – Katja Fennel, Professor, Department of Oceanography, Dalhousie University

“Fisheries and Ocean Canada is a strong supporter of the Argo Program, and has committed to advancing the effort to integrate biogeochemical sensors into the global fleet. The development ofnew BGC sensors by RBR will provide benefits to all countries that contribute to Argo.” – Blair Greenan, Research Scientist, Fisheries and Oceans Canada

French News Release  – Projet de capteurs intelligents intégrés pour l’océan

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Announces $4.25M Project ORCA

One of Three Accelerated Ocean Solutions Program Projects Announced on Feb. 17

On Feb. 17, 2021, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced three new projects with a total value of $12 million from its Accelerated Ocean Solutions Program (AOSP) stream, including Project ORCA. Project ORCA is the Ocean Supercluster’s first Alberta-led project, and brings together SMEs, academia, and other partners in ocean innovation to advance the development of Katal Green Fuel ahead of commercialization to reduce dependency on diesel and transition to low-carbon fuels. The project will benefit Canadians by creating seven jobs immediately, an additional 42 jobs within three years, and the potential for 210 indirect jobs throughout the project’s lifespan. Project ORCA will generate new economic activity, helping grow the ocean economy in a digital, sustainable, and inclusive way.

Watch the Announcement here:

It is estimated that 80-90 per cent of international trade by volume is conducted across oceans. There is an opportunity to provide a lower carbon fuel for ocean vessels, harbour vessels, cruise ships, ferries, barges, terminal operations, refueling operations, and other marine machinery. Katal Energy is proposing a start to reducing reliance on diesel and transitioning to low-carbon fuels. Project ORCA will address capability challenges of the technology, providing a working demonstration of the technical and structural needs of the marine transportation industry.

With a total project value of $4.25 million, the Ocean Supercluster will provide $2 million in funding, with $2.25 million coming from industry partners. Led by Katal Energy project partners include Valent Low Carbon Technologies, Horizon Maritime, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), Mitacs, Deepsense, and Spearhead Manufacturing to advance the technology readiness level of Katal Green Fuel.

Project ORCA will enable Katal to introduce Green Fuel to market by:

• Extending their work beyond the laboratory environment to the field;
• Collecting necessary fuel performance and emissions data;
• Incorporating customer feedback;
• Working to prove scalability, supply chain logistics and storage capacities; and
• Defining the commercial process considerations

Quotes

“The Ocean Supercluster is changing the way business is done and positioning Canada as a global leader in the ocean economy. Through innovative projects like the ones announced today, Canada’s Superclusters are clearly succeeding in fostering stronger connections across the innovation ecosystem and creating real benefits for Canadians.” – The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“There is global demand for lower carbon solutions in ocean and through environmental technologies like those being deployed through Project ORCA, we are seeing the benefits of the cross-sectoral, collaborative framework of the Ocean Supercluster and the game-changing innovation that comes as a result as well as economic benefits including 42 jobs and up to 210 indirect jobs over the life of the project. We are thrilled to announce Project OCRA, the Ocean Supercluster’s first Alberta-led project.”   – Kendra MacDonald, CEO Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“Our partnership with the Ocean Supercluster helps accelerate our transition towards commercialization. Project ORCA enables us to showcase our environmental technology in a collaborative real-world setting.”  – Katal CEO Craig Latimer

“The collaboration with Katal on Project ORCA provides a tremendous opportunity for SAIT and our students to be active participants in the transition to a lower carbon economy.” – Tom Bornhorst VP Corporate Development, Applied Research and International, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

“The research and development of Katal Green Fuel appears to be a viable and important solution for reducing exhaust emissions of diesel-powered internal combustion engines. Having an abundance of our equipment powered by diesel engines means this is of high interest to us.” – Horizon Maritime CEO, Sean Leet

“Katal’s offering holds a unique opportunity to do this with no modifications to our existing vessels. This means we can make a measurable difference in the short and medium term as other energy technologies become more mature.”- Horizon Maritime CEO, Sean Leet

French News Release – Projet ORCA

January 28, 2021

The Future Code “Future of Oceans” Showcases Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

The show’s first Canadian-focused episode premieres in UK, US and Canada

View the Future of Oceans episode here

The landmark television series called The Future Code has premiered its “Future of Oceans” episode in the US, UK in December and today in Canada. With an expected audience of millions worldwide, this marks the first The Future Code episode filmed in Canada, telling the story of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and how the industry-led cluster is changing the way ocean business is done. In an increasingly digital world, the Ocean Supercluster is focused on game-changing, globally-relevant ocean solutions that deliver sustainable and inclusive economic growth opportunities and help shape the future of oceans.

“Canada is an ocean nation, and as we look to the future of oceans, we know there are big challenges but also big opportunities. We are so excited to share the story of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster with the world and showcase some of the incredible, leading edge ocean innovation that is happening from coast to coast to coast,” said Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. “Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is triggering new activity, opportunity, and industry investment at a time when it is very much needed. We are bringing together different ocean sectors, who in many cases have never worked together before, to develop and commercialize solutions that will position Canada as a leader as we build back bluer.”

Produced by Re:Source Media, filming took place early this fall in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador and features Canada’s Ocean Supercluster CEO Kendra MacDonald and members of the Ocean Supercluster who are leading and supporting some of the game-changing ocean projects through the supercluster. They include: XOcean, Kraken Robotics, eDNAtec, Ocean Choice International, the Ocean Startup Project, Innovasea, the Indigenous Career Pivot Pilot Project, and Petroleum Research Newfoundland and Labrador and Memorial University of Newfoundland.

“Our oceans are under incredible pressure and also hold so much opportunity. When we came across this story, we knew there was something special about the Ocean Supercluster’s approach to not only tackling some of the world’s biggest ocean challenges with made-in-Canada innovation, but also in their commitment to doing this in a green, sustainable way,” said Kevin Fox, President and CEO of Re:Source Media. “In a time when the world is grappling with balancing ocean health and productivity, we are proud to help shine a light on Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and what we saw first-hand as the contribution it has to make to the global blue economy.”

The Future Code brings to its viewers stories of new technologies, new ideas, and new ways of looking at problems. In particular, the series focuses on disruptive technologies, as well as new models and leading companies which are revolutionizing industries, changing the workplace and rewriting the future. The Future of Oceans episode launched across Amazon Prime US and Amazon Prime UK in late December, and had its Canadian Broadcast Premiere today on YouTube Canada. In addition, an extended version of the episode will also be carried with a mainstream Canadian broadcaster with further details to come.

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Media Contact:

Connecting virtually has never been more important.

Visit oceansupercluster.ca for the latest.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) has launched a Canada-wide Call for Proposals for its new Ocean Supercluster Resilience (OSCR) program, investing up to $15 million in ocean projects that create strong collaborations and focus on the growth of multiple Canadian innovation-based companies. The one-time OSCR call for proposals supplements the Ocean Supercluster’s core programs in Technology Leadership and Innovation Ecosystem.

“While ocean sectors have seen significant adverse impacts this past year due to the pandemic, we have also seen incredible innovation and resiliency in ocean with close to 40 new Ocean Supercluster projects approved in 2020, most of which were approved since March,” said Kendra MacDonald, CEO Canada’s Ocean Supercluster. “This year we want continue to build resiliency and momentum with new opportunities for innovative projects while creating and strengthening partnerships.”

MacDonald says the new OSCR will tackle significant challenges, unlocking new development opportunities to help increase Canada’s global competitiveness in ocean.

The Ocean Supercluster Resilience Call for Proposals is designed for projects that can be completed in 30 months or less. It is a deadline-driven and competitive program that aims to generate a diverse set of project ideas that:

• Address challenges impeding the launch of ocean-focused offerings into new markets;
• Leverage digital innovation and business reform to improve customer value, global competitiveness, and connectivity across and between ocean sectors; and
• Advance the ocean innovation ecosystem by creating and strengthening relationships between Canada’s private and public sectors.

The application process is now open and begins with Expressions of Interest which must be submitted by Feb 19, 2021 at 4 p.m. Atlantic time to be considered. For complete details, visit oceansupercluster.ca/projects/ocean-supercluster-resilience/

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About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is a national, industry-led transformative cluster focused on tackling the shared challenges of multiple ocean sectors through a collaborative program designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of globally relevant solutions. This includes leaders in fisheries, aquaculture, offshore resources, bioresources, transportation, marine renewables, defence, and ocean technologies who are committed to leveraging collective strengths and working together. For more information visit www.oceansupercluster.ca

Media Contact

Nancy Andrews

nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca

709.725.7070

Diane joins the team in the capacity of Technology Leadership Program Manager where she will support the development of technology leadership projects. Diane has extensive professional experience covering project management, operations, and business development, and has broad international experience from working for multi-national corporations in Canada and the U.S.A.

Kaitlyn joins the team in the capacity of Communications Specialist where she will focus on content development and support the delivery of OSC’s marketing and communications activity. Kaitlyn will draw on her experience across transportation, oil and gas, and public sectors in writing and editing, media relations, and communications planning.

Welcome to the newest OSC team members!

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Announces Digital Offshore Canada Project

(St. John’s, NL) – Today, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, alongside project partners, announced its Digital Offshore Canada Project with a total value of $18 million. The project will create a platform for the development, validation and commercialization of digital twins for a range of applications in Canada’s offshore as well as for other ocean industries, while also building capabilities to support the increasingly digital ocean economy and the future opportunities it presents.

Watch the live announcement here, starting at: 30:05

The Digital Offshore Canada Project will be led by Petroleum Research Newfoundland and Labrador (PRNL) together with project partners Hatch Ltd, MNP, Virtual Marine, GRI Simulations and in collaboration with Memorial University, applying industry best practice with a staged approach beginning with defining the project scope valued at $1.4 million, followed by project development and execution with the balance of the project value allocated to this work. Canada’s Ocean Supercluster will provide up to $9 million in funding for all phases of the project matched by $9 million in commitments from the industry partners.

This Ocean Supercluster project will accelerate the digitalization of Canada’s ocean industries where users will have the access to real operational data, 3D assets, and analytical tools. The project has brought together local technology companies in partnership with large scale industry members to accelerate the use of digital twins in Canada’s ocean industries. A digital twin is a virtual replica of a real-world asset or process that can deliver enhanced safety, reduced operating costs, increased production, and reduced carbon emissions through production optimization. Partner SMEs will gain from faster product design and new market and growth opportunities as a result of their participation in the project, and 30 new jobs will be created over the life of the project.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is an industry-led transformative cluster focused on tackling the shared challenges across ocean sectors through a collaborative program designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of globally-relevant solutions that will help drive sustainable and inclusive ocean growth in Canada.

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Quotes

“The Ocean Supercluster is driving innovation in the ocean economy by investing in areas where Canada has a competitive edge.  I’m glad to see that this new project, which includes two small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), will help meet our Government’s goal of encouraging a data-driven, digital economy across all our key sectors,” said The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.

“Atlantic Canada is a global leader in ocean technology. The Ocean Supercluster builds on that strength, so that our companies can take on the world, and thrive here at home.” The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources

“In an increasingly digital ocean economy, the Ocean Supercluster is excited to announce the Digital Offshore Canada Project that will help transform our offshore through digitalization. Led by PRNL, this project brings together local SMEs in ocean technology with multinationals in offshore oil and gas to develop and commercialize digital solutions that will help shape the future of energy, create jobs, and support a lower carbon economy.”Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

 “Digital twins are one of the most potent digital technologies to make operations safer, more productive and more efficient. We think the Digital Offshore Canada Project is going to be a major springboard for their development and use in our offshore.” Dave Finn, CEO, Petroleum Research Newfoundland and Labrador

 “Hatch is excited to collaborate with PRNL and our industry partners on such an important project for both the offshore oil and gas industry and for Atlantic Canada. Digitalization and the use of digital twins are key enablers for driving operational efficiencies in the offshore sector—a crucial element that will help us achieve GHG emission reductions while improving the overall economic performance. The Digital Offshore Canada Project will help to develop a world class digitalization capability in the region and will support the broader ocean economy.” Mark Cumby, Hatch Regional Director, Energy, Eastern Canada.

“As a subsea simulation company, interfacing and integrating with leading marine technologies has been at the core of GRi’s research and development initiatives for the past two decades, and we are extremely pleased with the innovation and growth opportunities represented by the DOC partnership for our company and the Canadian ocean industry sector at large.”  Russell Pelley, President, GRi Simulations Inc.

“We’re thrilled to be a part of such a great initiative, and to be pushing the boundaries of digital twin technology. Our core values and focus within MNP’s Technology Solutions revolve around cross-sectoral collaboration, innovation and digital transformation – these are essential for the success of this project, and consequently why we saw immediate alignment in partnering with the OSC to support the growth of small-medium business, and the Atlantic economy through the digitalization of Canada’s oceans industries.” Sean Murphy, Partner, MNP National Digital Services Lead

“Virtual Marine is thrilled to be part of the Digital Ocean Canada Ocean Supercluster project. The project shows the visionary thinking of the local industry as the use of digital technologies such as simulators provide value in improving operational efficiency, knowledge and safety. The project will demonstrate the capabilities of a combined team of ocean expertise in Atlantic Canada and has immediate and long term benefits to our economy through the creation of new jobs and new technologies.” Anthony Patterson, Virtual Marine President and CEO 

“DOC is a fantastic opportunity to digitally transform our offshore. Collaboration and digitalization are two key criteria to revolutionize our oceans and economy. Collaboration across business sectors, industries, and academia will ensure that we’re developing today and tomorrow’s talent.” Lesley James, Associate Professor, Memorial University

One of Four Accelerated Ocean Solutions Program Projects Announced Today

Watch the video announcement here… 

Today Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced four new projects with a total value of $4.5 million from its Accelerated Ocean Solutions Program (AOSP) stream. Included in these new projects is the Miniaturized Sonar Transducers Project, led by Ontario and Nova Scotia based Sensor Technology Ltd. This made in Canada solution will create new domestic and export opportunities, supply chain opportunities, and create 15 new jobs. The data derived from this project will support additional ocean technology opportunities for Canada.

The growth in market demand for unmanned underwater and surface ocean platforms to replace crewed vessels in remote and harsh environments has created a challenge for platform developers to source qualified acoustic sonar technologies customized to their specific mission requirements. With only two global competitors offering miniaturized piezocomposite transducers, and only one fully integrated provider, platform developers are limited in their ability to source suppliers to meet current demand. Piezocomposite transducers offer several advantages over other products, but ultimately provide higher quality and more reliable underwater images.

With a total project value of $906,700, the Ocean Supercluster will provide $566,000 in funding for the project, with the balance coming from industry partners. The Miniaturized Sonar Transducers Project is led by Sensor Technologies with partners NorthEastern Micro, Kraken Robotic Systems Inc, and Dr. Christopher Purcell. This project will develop specialized skillsets and provide the opportunity for experience in new techniques and help in the development of future workforce.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is an industry-led transformative cluster focused on tackling the shared challenges across ocean sectors through a collaborative program designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of globally-relevant solutions, while also building a highly-capable, inclusive workforce. To encourage innovation and trigger new industry investment during these challenging times, the Ocean Supercluster supplemented its core programs with an additional project stream called Accelerated Ocean Solutions Program (AOSP). This enables the development of smaller projects on a shorter timeline that deliver tangible outcomes, while continuing to build resiliency in our ocean sectors.

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Quotes

“The Ocean Supercluster is driving innovation in the ocean economy by investing in areas where Canada has a competitive edge. The four projects announced today demonstrate the depth of expertise that the Supercluster is fostering within the ocean economy, ranging from smart, green electricity grids to artificial intelligence-informed seafood traceability.”  The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“The projects we are funding under the Ocean Supercluster will play a vital role in Canada’s emerging blue economy.  Improving underwater imaging and offshore infrastructure inspections will allow us to grow our marine industries more safely and sustainably. Our government will continue to invest in ocean science and technology, so we can get more Canadians working on and in our oceans.” The Honourable Bernadette Jordan, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“With a growing demand for acoustic radar technologies in ocean, we are excited to announce  the Miniaturized Sonar Transducers Project with an investment of more than $500,000, creating new domestic and export opportunities, supply chain opportunities, and 15 new jobs.” Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Blue Economy, and we are thrilled to be contributing to Canada’s Ocean Nation through this project. With this support from the Ocean Supercluster, we will be able to get to market faster as the only fully made-in-Canada solution of customized acoustic sensors for unmanned vessels.” Niru Somayajula, President & CEO, Sensor Technology Ltd