Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
March 31, 2009Newfoundland
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."
� 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.