The ever-changing world of Ocean Technology bears a striking resemblance to the ocean itself right now. The depths of need and potential are vast and the progress coming from the oceans tech ecosystem are constantly smashing any technological boundaries we thought might have existed pre-pandemic.
The recent events surrounding the OceanGate implosion while diving the Titanic wreck illustrate to the world the complexities associated with improving our knowledge of the ocean. Similar to watching the continuous coverage of the Macondo/Deepwater Horizon blowout 13 years ago, the general population gets a front row seat to the environmental, organisational and engineering complexity of marine operations.
OceanGate was a tragic event on many levels, but it is also a stark reminder to some, and fresh news to others, of how hostile the deep ocean can be. Working in extremely challenging conditions requires a maniacal focus on laws of physics, diligent design and progressive testing. Disruption in any industry is necessary to maintain progress and break down boundaries, but material properties and laws of physics cannot be ignored or misrepresented.
Across the world there are pockets of ocean technology companies who are creating innovative solutions as fast as they can find problems to solve. Advancements in robotics, sensor technology and material design are helping these oceans tech companies create industry disrupting products and solutions at a rapid rate. The Eastern Seaboard of North America, both sides of the border, is punching above its weight in this globally significant economic driver. Cross-border collaboration is increasing as both the US and Canada realise the potential in all sectors from fishing, military, oceanography, energy production and resource management.
Addressing Challenges in Ocean Technology
Enginuity is consistently brought into the picture during the development process. Whether it’s an academic research venture, a start-up or an established business identifying new market opportunities, we are tasked with determining how technology can withstand the corrosive waters, the extreme pressures of the deep ocean, the relentless beating and pounding, as well as the challenges associated with deployment and retrieval. These hurdles represent the initial entry point for companies venturing into the vast oceans worldwide.
Harsh Environment Engineering is how we address this aspect of each project by asking, “how does the project withstand the elements of mother nature?”
Aspects to consider include:
- Power Supply and Power Efficiency in the field
- Communications and Data transfer
- Environmental Impact and sustainability
- Material properties and material selection
- Cyclic loading, pressure, impact, shock & vibration
- Environmental circumstances – Temperature, humidity & salinity
- And many more.
Ocean Technology As A Growing Sector
Ocean technology has gained significant attention on the eastern seaboard, particularly in areas like Nova Scotia. Incubators like COVE (Centre for Ocean Ventures & Entrepreneurship) have become hubs for fostering innovation in this field. Enginuity has had the privilege of collaborating with several pioneering companies at COVE and beyond.
We’re getting an inside look at all the exciting products and technology diving into marine and ocean tech right now. Here are a few of these innovative companies we’ve worked with who are currently addressing challenges in ocean technology with an impact:
Geospectrum Technologies (GTI): Dartmouth-based GeoSpectrum designs and manufactures integrated, end-to-end underwater acoustic transducers and systems for defense, security, and surveillance
Kraken Robotics: Kraken Robotics is a marine technology company providing complex subsea sensors, batteries, robotic systems and innovative survey techniques.
Lee Way Marine: When a client needs something done at sea, Lee Way Marine figures out a way to make it happen. They supply ships, equipment, and teams of highly skilled and deeply experienced crew who do everything in their power to support their clients.
Staying on top of the Ocean Tech Excitement
Ocean technology is currently abuzz with so many exciting events and conferences that serve as platforms for collaboration, knowledge sharing, and showcasing the latest advancements in the field. These gatherings bring together industry experts, researchers, innovators, and policymakers from around the world.
The marine sector in particular is extremely buoyant (pardon the pun)…The recent success of the H2O Conference, coupled with the Annual COVE Demo Day, saw people from Japan, from Germany, from the UK, from down south, coming to meet with their peers and the local supply chain. These events are growing year over year, cementing Atlantic Canada as a focal point for ocean innovation.
– Alastair “Alf” Trower, Director of Business Development, Enginuity Inc.
Here at Enginuity we actively participate and attend events like this all over the world. This has allowed us to not only expand our expertise in oceans and marine but also contribute some of our own product in order to help reduce some of the challenges that the ocean presents to every client. If you want to learn more about some of our contributions, check out our case studies page and our SEA-line connectors.
If you’re interested in staying on top of the latest developments in ocean and marine technology, here are a few annual conferences that we try and always attend.
H2O Home to Overseas Conference – this conference just wrapped up in Halifax. The Canadian government in partnership with Nova Scotia has built this into Canada’s premiere annual event for ocean and marine technology innovation.
Oceans Conference & Exposition – this iconic conference happens all over the world and 2024 will be coming to Halifax, NS. Oceans is the event for global maritime professionals to learn, innovate, and lead in the protection and utilisation of the world’s largest natural resource – our OCEANS.
The developments in ocean and marine technology are very exciting right now. Conferences like this make it easy to stay on top of the fast paced innovation happening in these sectors right now.
If you’re planning on learning more about marine and ocean technology, visit our program page and if you’re at any of these conferences, make sure to say hello!
