Enhanced simulators for marine worker training
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 1, 2025
(ST. JOHN’S, NL) – Today Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) announced four new ocean innovation projects valued at more than $13 million, including the $1.1 million Marine Human Performance Digital Thread Project. This new, collaborative OSC project will build enhanced simulators for marine personnel training.
The project is led by Paradise, NL-based Virtual Marine in partnership with Thales Canada in Quebec City, QC. With a total value of $1.1 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster will invest $588,000, with the remainder of funding coming from project partners.
Virtual Marine and Thales Canada are combining their expertise to build intelligent simulations that will transform how marine personnel are trained, delivering smarter, adaptive learning programs. The project leverages intelligent simulators capable of using AI and Machine Learning to detect and evaluate human performance in real time. By identifying skills and weaknesses, these enhanced simulators can use AI to adapt training to the specific needs of individuals and teams, ensuring the overall safety of marine personnel.
By combining the agility and innovation of a Canadian small to medium enterprise with the global reach and expertise of Thales, the Marine Human Performance Digital Thread Project will deliver cutting-edge dual-purpose solutions that directly benefit Canadian defence, energy, shipping, and ferry industries while boosting international competitiveness.
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 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 about 150 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. 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
For more information visit oceansupercluster.ca.
Quotes
“Supported by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, this innovative project harnesses advanced technologies to strengthen the marine sector and Canada’s ocean economy. Our government is investing in solutions that enhance marine training and skills development, improve coastal safety, and strengthen sustainable seafood production in Canada. This initiative drives economic resiliency and promotes the sustainable use of our ocean resources.” – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions.
“Canada’s ocean economy grows when we invest in people, new ideas, and smart partnerships. By supporting projects that strengthen training, foster innovation, and bring digital technologies into our marine industries, our government is improving safety, sustainability, and efficiency while keeping Canada at the leading edge of ocean innovation. Together with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, we are unlocking new opportunities, creating jobs, and building a stronger, more resilient ocean economy.” The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries
“This collaboration not only reinforces Canada’s leadership in simulation and training technologies, particularly in harsh environments, but also ensures that Canadian companies are at the forefront of a rapidly growing global market. By advancing cutting-edge training solutions, we’re preparing Canada’s workforce for the jobs of the future, growing global competitiveness, and building a sustainable ocean economy.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster