Ocean Technology

In Atlantic Canada, the economic importance of the ocean technologies sector far exceeds its size.

It is one of our region's largest advanced technology industries with high levels of R&D and innovation, a highly skilled labour force, an export focus and its capacity to generate wealth.

A 2006 ACOA report on the ocean technology industry in AtlanticCanada, reported over 60 ocean technology firms operating in Nova Scotia which contributed over $150 Million in direct and $200 Million in indirect output.

The industry includes any firm engaged in the delivery or creation of technology for marine applications and includes products and services like:

• acoustic systems and equipment
• defence systems and equipment
• imaging systems and equipment
• instrumentation and information systems
• marine communications
• navigation
• platforms and vehicles  

Leadership

Continuous development of cutting-edge technology and the willingness to form strategic partnerships make Atlantic Canada a centre of excellence for ocean technologies. The following organizations work together to develop and enhance the region's ocean industry:

• The Atlantic Coastal Zone Information Steering Committee (Halifax, NS) promotes collaborative coastal management in Atlantic Canada by supporting the distribution and exchange of geospatial data and other industry information.
• Oceans Advance (St. John’s, NL) Newfoundland and Labrador’s ocean technologies cluster, is a partnership of business, government and academia aimed at making the region an international location of choice for ocean technologies. The cluster builds research and development capacity in the region to enhance international export and business opportunities.
• The Ocean Management Research Network distributes information to ocean management researchers across Canada on such topics as fisheries and aquaculture, oil, gas and mineral extraction, ports, shipping and other areas of transportation, and integrated multiple-use management. The Network has close to 60 national and international partners.

Ocean Technology in Action

• Deep Vision (Halifax, NS) specializes in developing real-time, intelligent machine perception technology. The company has developed a unique and proprietary technology that enables systems or devices to detect, recognize, and interpret objects and events. Deep Vision’s technology is applicable to intelligent surveillance, robotics, intelligent transportation systems, automated inspection systems and a host of other applications.
• Ultra Electronics Maritime Systems (Halifax, NS) is recognized as an international leader in the design, development, and production of advanced antisubmarine solutions including low frequency sonar, military towed arrays, and undersea surveillance systems. Key areas of technical expertise include digital and analogue electronics design, telemetry systems, acoustic transducer design, construction, and calibration, autonomous undersea surveillance systems, and mechanical design and packaging for the rigours of the marine environment.
• Welaptega Marine Limited (Halifax, NS) stands out amongst oil and gas service companies for its aggressive research and development program which has produced ground-breaking underwater technologies. Data, such as that provided with its underwater 3D modeling capability, gives clients measurements of unprecedented accuracy on underwater components.