Fisheries and Aquaculture
January 24, 2014

Investments in Processing Enhancements Contribute to a Vibrant Economy

More than $155,000 Provided to Help Processors Reduce Energy Costs

Ocean Choice International and Allen’s Fisheries Limited will each receive more than $75,000 through the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program to assist with the installation of new automated refrigeration control systems that could generate energy savings of 10 to 15 per cent.

“The Provincial Government’s Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program is helping industry players throughout the province enhance their ability to compete globally. Supporting improvements to the operational efficiency of processing plants is vital to achieving maximum economic gains from our fishery, and with this commitment of more than $155,000, two leading processors in this province will explore new equipment that could benefit the entire processing sector.”
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture

This project responds to previous research supported by the Provincial Government, which indicated that refrigeration systems were the largest consumers of electrical energy in processing plants. The participating companies, in consultation with the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation, identified new automated refrigeration control systems that have the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption through the use of enhanced monitoring devices that optimize performance and save energy.

Ocean Choice International is committed to environmental sustainability and this new technology enhancement to the refrigeration system will help us realize energy efficiencies and reduce our overall carbon footprint. We thank the Provincial Government for their assistance with this project, and for ongoing support for research and development initiatives.
- Martin Sullivan, President and CEO, Ocean Choice International

The installations will be required to meet applicable provincial regulations and will take approximately six weeks to complete. The Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation will conduct further work to evaluate the systems once they have been installed.

“Allen’s Fisheries is pleased to pursue this research and development project, which has the potential to show processors throughout the province a new way to reduce energy costs, and also reduce the greenhouse gas emissions produced by processing activity. I greatly appreciate the cooperation and partnership we have enjoyed with the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation, our counterparts in industry, and the Provincial Government in this project, and look forward to seeing the results.”
- Richard Allen, Vice President, Allen’s Fisheries Limited

Through sound fiscal management and responsible decisions, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is strengthening the business environment, encouraging the development of innovative industries, and building a vibrant economy.

QUICK FACTS

• Ocean Choice International and Allen’s Fisheries Ltd. will receive more than $75,000 each for installation of new refrigeration control systems.
• As a follow-up to this project, the Canadian Centre for Fisheries Innovation plans to fund a study by Memorial University that will evaluate the systems once installed.
• Budget 2013: A Sound Plan, A Secure Future included a $2.2 million investment in the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program, which has promoted innovation in the province’s billion dollar fishing and aquaculture industry by assisting more than 230 research and development projects since 2008.

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2014 01 24                                          2:15 p.m.