September 27, 2013
Ocean Technology Branch Wins Prestigious International Award
The Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development’s Ocean Technology Branch was awarded the prestigious Compass International Award for 2013 at the OCEANS ’13 MTS/IEEE conference, held this week in San Diego, California.
The Compass International Award is presented for outstanding achievement in the advancement of ocean technology and is granted by the Marine Technology Society (MTS). Awards are presented to individuals, companies and MTS groups who have shown exemplary contributions to the society or within their industries. The award is sponsored by Compass Publications, Lockheed Martin, and Ocean News and Technology.
“I am very proud of our Ocean Technology Branch for being recognized with this significant award,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development. “The branch is responsible for supporting the growth of the ocean technology sector throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and provides essential support to the emerging ocean technology sector. This award recognizes the world class calibre of our government’s developmental efforts in the growth of this industry.”
Newfoundland and Labrador’s ocean technology industry continues to be a natural sector for growth as the province emerges as a recognized leader in supplying technologically-advanced platforms and equipment for offshore oil and gas development, sub-sea systems and other marine industries. Expected to outpace global sector growth, the province’s ocean technology industry is anticipated to grow by 16 per cent a year with revenues expected to top one billion dollars by 2015.
“The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is unwavering in our support of promoting and growing ocean technology while working hand-in-hand with our industry and academic partners,” said Minister Hutchings. “The Ocean Technology Branch is progressively advancing strategic initiatives, leading to greater research and new business opportunities. They have been acknowledged in this way because they continually demonstrate leadership and are working tirelessly to advance the ocean technology sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
The OCEANS’14 MTS/IEEE conference will be held in St. John’s next year from September 14 to 19. Themed, Oceans: Where Challenge Becomes Opportunity, the conference will provide an international platform for Newfoundland and Labrador’s ocean technology sector and bring greater awareness to the province’s research and development in emerging technologies; extraordinary marine infrastructure; as well as bring attention to local leading-edge companies operating in the sector. OCEANS’14 MTS/IEEE will also be a forum for scientists, engineers and business leaders to gather and exchange their knowledge and ideas regarding the future of the world’s oceans.
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The Compass International Award for 2013 was received by the Ocean Technology Branch, Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development September 2013.
Media contact:
Chrysta Collins
Communications Specialist
Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
709-729-7311, 690-4436
chrystacollins@gov.nl.ca
2013 09 27 11:10 a.m.