A St. John�s company that pioneered long distance, land-based radar is developing a new portable version of its Ocean View system which is capable of monitoring ocean surfaces up to 100 kilometres away.

Northern Radar Incorporated�s new product is based on its land-based High Frequency Surface Wave Radar System (HFSWRS) which is used to detect and track ships, icebergs and low-flying aircraft up to 200 nautical miles from land, well beyond the range of conventional radars.

"Companies like Northern Radar are emerging throughout the province and their work is resulting in the province earning a reputation for excellence in the areas of ocean technology," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "The Provincial Government is committed to providing the necessary support to further develop the province�s ocean technology cluster. This commitment was evident in Budget 2008 with the allocation of more than $4 million to support the sector�s progression."

Northern Radar is partnering with the Marine Institute�s School of Ocean Technology to test the new portable system as a component of the SmartBay project in Placentia Bay.

"As the world�s oceans become an increasingly precious resource, there is an increasing need to observe and protect them, which is what the Ocean View system allows," said Barry Dawe, president of Northern Radar. "The SmartBay project will provide an ideal launch pad for the new technology, and allow us to showcase the Ocean View system to the world."

The Ocean View system will provide data in near real time and enable the collection of information on ocean oil spills and sediment flow in rivers. Potential users of the system include iceberg trackers, search and rescue, the oil industry, coast guards, aquaculture and sustainable coastal development organizations, nationally and internationally.

Northern Radar has received a $374,900 investment from the Provincial Government under the Commercialization Program. The Commercialization Program bridges an identified funding and investment gap between product research and product marketing. It provides financial assistance to private sector enterprises for activities leading to the development of innovative, market-ready products and services, including support for technology transfer activities.

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