Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
February 14, 2011

Ocean Technology Capacity Boosted with Provincial Support

Memorial University is expanding its capacity to service the growing demands of the global ocean technology sector with a $647,000 investment from the Provincial Government.

Announced today by the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, the investment will enable Memorial University to upgrade its facilities at the Ocean Engineering Research Centre and the Marine Institute’s Centre for Marine Simulation. The announcement was made at Memorial University’s tow tank in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science building in St. Johns.

“Globally, businesses operating in ocean-related industries are seeking innovative technologies and services that allow them to better operate vessels and offshore platforms in harsh environments,” said Minister Sullivan. “Memorial University over the years has positioned itself as a leading source for such technologies and services – both through its tow tank and marine simulators. Today’s investment will enable it to continue to expand its scope of services to meet industry needs.”

The Provincial Government, as outlined in Oceans of Opportunity – a five year, $28 million strategy designed to accelerate growth of the province’s ocean technology sector – is an active supporter of initiatives that strengthen ties between educational institutions and industry. Memorial University and its Marine Institute are integral to the growth of the local oceans sector as they provide the tools and environment for industry to test products and improve performance, which collectively contributes to the creation of effective solutions and best practices.

Located within Memorial University’s Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, the Ocean Engineering Research Centre will be upgrading its tow tank with a $400,000 investment. The Marine Institute’s Centre for Marine Simulation will use a $247,000 investment to add to its marine simulation activities.

“This support will significantly advance the capabilities of Memorial University’s unique research and training facilities in the Ocean Engineering Research Centre, and the Marine Institute’s Centre for Marine Simulation,” said Dr. Christopher Loomis, Vice-President (Research), Memorial University. “They build upon and will help maintain Memorial University’s reputation as a leader in ocean technology research, and training for improved safety and effectiveness in offshore operations.”

Both projects support Memorial University’s vision for offering a complete range of training exercises for industry, which will help mitigate the risk of accidents, accelerate training and improve performance, and test new equipment designs.

“With this investment, the Marine Institute will develop a ‘first of its kind’ capacity to create training exercises that realistically imitate offshore operations,” said Glenn Blackwood, Executive Director, Marine Institute. “By integrating our remotely operated vehicle simulator with our dynamic positioning and navigation simulators and developing an advanced tug simulator, Captain Chris Hearn and his team at our Centre for Marine Simulation will provide the Newfoundland and Labrador ocean technology sector with enhanced simulation services that will improve the safety and efficiency of marine operations.”

These projects are supported through the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development’s OceanTech Intelligence Program. Established under Oceans of Opportunity, the program is designed to advance initiatives focused on growing Newfoundland and Labrador’s ocean technology sector. Not-for-profit organizations, industry associations, and public sector educational institutions are eligible for assistance under this program.

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2011 02 14                                                           2:20 p.m.