Fisheries and Aquaculture
November 4, 2014
Investing in Efficiency to Promote Economic Success
Bonavista OCI Plant Pursues Energy Savings with Provincial Government Support
Ocean Choice International (OCI) will evaluate its refrigeration and electrical systems to reduce costs and energy use with help from the Provincial Government. The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, announced $8,464 today through the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program to support the energy efficiency project.
“The Provincial Government is committed to helping processors compete internationally, and an important part of that is supporting their efforts to achieve greater efficiency. We are also dedicated to promoting energy conservation and environmental protection. Our commitment of more than $8,000 towards this project advances commercial and environmental goals, and gathers knowledge that could help other industry players.”
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
Refrigeration represents a significant cost to processors throughout the province. A consultant will be hired to review the facility’s electrical and refrigeration systems at peak operation to determine where the greatest improvements could be made.
“OCI’s pursuit of energy savings at its Bonavista plant shows a commitment to running the best plant possible, which is good for workers, and good for the community. I commend the company for taking on this project, and wish them all the best as they proceed.”
- Glen Little, MHA for Bonavista South
The OCI plant in Bonavista is a multi-species processing facility that employed 320 people last year.
“OCI competes internationally against the very best seafood producers in the world, making it necessary to review and improve our equipment and processes on a regular basis. We appreciate the Provincial Government’s support in this energy efficiency project, and look forward to achieving enhanced operations.”
- Curtis Fisher, Plant Manager, OCI International
Once the consultation has concluded, a detailed report identifying potential savings and recommendations will be completed.
QUICK FACTS
- Ocean Choice International will receive $8,464 to pursue energy efficiency and cost reductions at its Bonavista processing facility.
- In 2013, Ocean Choice International invested significantly in new storage facilities, and further upgrades to their facility are planned.
- Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook includes $4 million for the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program to support projects aimed at enhancing the harvesting, processing and marketing of provincial seafood.
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Media contacts:
|
Jason Card Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 699-0470 jasoncard@gov.nl.ca |
Paula Kieley Media Relations Ocean Choice International 709-782-7122 pkieley@oceanchoice.com |
| Linda Walsh Communications Assistant Government Members Office 709-729-0898 lindajwalsh@gov.nl.ca |
2014 11 04 1:40 p.m.