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 $2.4 million Digital Ship Vessel Sustainment Project. This new, collaborative OSC project will improve the efficiency and safety of marine ships and create a sustainable future for Canada’s marine fleet.
The project is led by Genoa Design International in Mount Pearl, NL, in partnership with SSI in Victoria, BC. With a total value of $2.4 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster will invest $815,000, with the remainder of funding coming from project partners.
This project will develop an advanced digital platform to support In-Service Support (ISS), which is the critical sustainment phase of a ship’s life. While the platform is designed for ISS, it also has the potential to improve ship design, construction, and overall lifecycle management, expanding Genoa’s scope as the industry’s Digital Ship Experts® and increasing the company’s value proposition.
By bringing together leading Canadian shipbuilding and digital technology partners to transform how vessels are maintained and operated throughout their lifecycle, this project brings Canada to the forefront of Digital Ship® technology globally. With an existing presence in the U.S., the project team has a strategic advantage to expand the platform internationally and plans to leverage existing partnerships to bring this Canadian-built innovation to new markets.
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
Luke Joyce
Genoa Design International
ljoyce@genoadesign.com
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.
About Genoa Design International
For 30 years, Genoa Design International as the Digital Ship Experts®, has been a trusted partner for digital ship design across North America, with extensive experience in Navy and Coast Guard programs in Canada and the U.S. With more than 130 projects completed to date, and offices on both coasts of Canada and in the US, we are recognized as one of the shipbuilding industry’s most reliable and innovative suppliers.
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 project demonstrates how Canadian digital innovation can reshape traditional industries for a smarter, more sustainable future. By connecting shipbuilding expertise with advanced digital technologies, we’re not only improving fleet sustainment, but creating pathways for new companies, jobs, and technologies that will position Canada as a leader.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“With a 30-year track record as innovators and pioneers in detail design and 3D modelling for shipbuilding, Genoa continues to invest in and develop new technologies that modernize the industry. As the Digital Ship Experts®, we are focused on solutions that increase efficiencies and ease maintenance challenges across a vessel’s full lifecycle. We’re excited to launch this project and work with our partners to grow the sector in Canada.” – Gina Pecore, CEO, Genoa Design International