Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announces Digital Offshore Canada Project

The following has been reproduced with permission from Canada’s Ocean Supercluster.

The Digital Offshore Canada Project will be led by Petroleum Research Newfoundland and Labrador (PRNL) together with project partners Hatch Ltd, MNP, Virtual Marine, GRI Simulations and in collaboration with Memorial University, applying industry best practice with a staged approach beginning with defining the project scope valued at $1.4 million, followed by project development and execution with the balance of the project value allocated to this work. Canada’s Ocean Supercluster will provide up to $9 million in funding for all phases of the project matched by $9 million in commitments from the industry partners.

This Ocean Supercluster project will accelerate the digitalization of Canada’s ocean industries where users will have the access to real operational data, 3D assets, and analytical tools. The project has brought together local technology companies in partnership with large scale industry members to accelerate the use of digital twins in Canada’s ocean industries. A digital twin is a virtual replica of a real-world asset or process that can deliver enhanced safety, reduced operating costs, increased production, and reduced carbon emissions through production optimization. Partner SMEs will gain from faster product design and new market and growth opportunities as a result of their participation in the project, and 30 new jobs will be created over the life of the project.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is an industry-led transformative cluster focused on tackling the shared challenges across ocean sectors through a collaborative program designed to accelerate the development and commercialization of globally-relevant solutions that will help drive sustainable and inclusive ocean growth in Canada.

“The Ocean Supercluster is driving innovation in the ocean economy by investing in areas where Canada has a competitive edge.  I’m glad to see that this new project, which includes two small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), will help meet our Government’s goal of encouraging a data-driven, digital economy across all our key sectors.” – The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“Atlantic Canada is a global leader in ocean technology. The Ocean Supercluster builds on that strength, so that our companies can take on the world, and thrive here at home.” – The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Natural Resources

“In an increasingly digital ocean economy, the Ocean Supercluster is excited to announce the Digital Offshore Canada Project that will help transform our offshore through digitalization. Led by PRNL, this project brings together local SMEs in ocean technology with multinationals in offshore oil and gas to develop and commercialize digital solutions that will help shape the future of energy, create jobs, and support a lower carbon economy.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“Digital twins are one of the most potent digital technologies to make operations safer, more productive and more efficient. We think the Digital Offshore Canada Project is going to be a major springboard for their development and use in our offshore.” – Dave Finn, CEO, Petroleum Research Newfoundland and Labrador

“Hatch is excited to collaborate with PRNL and our industry partners on such an important project for both the offshore oil and gas industry and for Atlantic Canada. Digitalization and the use of digital twins are key enablers for driving operational efficiencies in the offshore sector—a crucial element that will help us achieve GHG emission reductions while improving the overall economic performance. The Digital Offshore Canada Project will help to develop a world class digitalization capability in the region and will support the broader ocean economy.” – Mark Cumby, Hatch Regional Director, Energy, Eastern Canada

“Virtual Marine is thrilled to be part of the Digital Ocean Canada Ocean Supercluster project. The project shows the visionary thinking of the local industry as the use of digital technologies such as simulators provide value in improving operational efficiency, knowledge and safety. The project will demonstrate the capabilities of a combined team of ocean expertise in Atlantic Canada and has immediate and long term benefits to our economy through the creation of new jobs and new technologies.” – Anthony Patterson, Virtual Marine President and CEO 

“DOC is a fantastic opportunity to digitally transform our offshore. Collaboration and digitalization are two key criteria to revolutionize our oceans and economy. Collaboration across business sectors, industries, and academia will ensure that we’re developing today and tomorrow’s talent.” – Lesley James, Associate Professor, Memorial University

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