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Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
March 31, 2009

Newfoundland and Labrador Company a Leader in Boat-building Technology

With an investment of $67,500 from the Provincial Government, Seacraft Limited will market its innovative vessel construction technology � the Robert�s Adjustable Modular Molding System (RAMMS) � to the international boat-building community. With its new product, Seacraft will be able to leverage its patented technology to gain a competitive edge in marine markets world-wide. 

"Seacraft�s achievement highlights the skills and resourcefulness that have characterized Newfoundland and Labrador�s boat-building industry for many years," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "Boat-building continues to be an important industry for the province and this initiative will once again highlight Newfoundland and Labrador as a global leader in both business and marine transportation." 

RAMMS is a faster and more efficient method of vessel construction. No longer will shipyards need a separate mold for every size of vessel offered � one molding system will enable shipyards to construct and offer up to 56 varying hull sizes to their customers, allowing the construction of vessels with lengths ranging from 65 to 120 feet.

"We will soon demonstrate RAMMS innovations by constructing a sample patrol boat with a design that has already received a lot of interest from overseas buyers," said Wally Roberts, President of Seacraft. "Thanks to the support from the Provincial Government, I am confident that marketing our new brand of technology will grow our company."

Based in Seal Cove, Seacraft Limited has been designing and constructing vessels and molds for 30 years, with new methods of construction always holding high priority. After 10 years of perfecting RAMMS technology, the company shifted its focus from fishing boat to patrol boat construction given the recent national and international interest in coastal boat surveillance to protect against terrorism. 

"This project will not only enable Seacraft to reach a lucrative international market, but it will bring additional economic benefits to the local business community as well," said Terry French, MHA, Conception Bay South. "This is another example of the Provincial Government�s commitment to assisting local businesses in their pursuit of new opportunities."

This project was funded through the Commercialization Program. Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, 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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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca

2009 03 31                                                   11:40 a.m.
 


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