LeeWay Marine integrates advanced imaging technology in vessels

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

The Leeway Striker will allow the Dartmouth-based firm to capitalize on new international opportunities

May 3, 2019 – Dartmouth, NS – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Innovation is a key economic driver in Atlantic Canada, generating new opportunities for increased international trade, sustainable economic growth, and creating well-paying jobs for the middle class. LeeWay Marine is adapting its Striker research vessel to include advanced underwater imaging technology, dramatically improving its capacity to survey seabeds and generate data.

LeeWay Marine is modifying the back deck of its offshore Striker vessel to add a system to launch and recover underwater vehicles. One such vehicle is the Kraken KATFISHTM, which uses underwater imaging technology that provides ultra-high resolution imagery at superior coverage rates to other products on the market. This capability, combined with Striker’s new state-of-the-art control system, has applications in ocean observation, military, oil and gas offshore inspections, and surveying.

Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), announced support for the project today.

Economic growth and the creation of good jobs for Atlantic Canadians require innovation and diversification. Support for this project is one way the Government of Canada is growing the innovation economy by working to sustain strategic clusters, and enhance the development and reach of business accelerators and incubators. Projects like this also contribute to the Atlantic Growth Strategy outcome of long-term economic prosperity in the region.

Quotes

“Our government is laying the foundation for Canadians to become more competitive and succeed in the global economy. Today’s investment is building on our competitive advantages by helping LeeWay Marine enhance its research vessels with sought-after technology so it can boost economic growth and create good, middle class jobs for Canadians.”

-        The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“LeeWay Marine is a great example of a company in Dartmouth capitalizing on Atlantic Canada’s expertise and reputation as a global leader in the ocean technology sector. Today’s investment will help this company access advanced technology that will attract a broader international clientele and set it apart from the current competitors on the market.”

-        Darren Fisher, Member of Parliament for Dartmouth-Cole Harbour

“LeeWay continues to deliver unique and highly specialized solutions to the otherwise traditional offshore vessel market. Advanced sensor technology and robotics have enabled smaller, specialized hull designs such as Leeway Striker to harvest high volume, quality ocean data at a capacity currently serviced by vessels 10-15 times its size. Leeway Striker was designed specifically to enable speed, safety and stability in harsh offshore conditions. This project will allow us to focus more acutely on business development activities in export markets and will accelerate market entry.”

-        Jamie Sangster, CEO, LeeWay Marine

Quick facts

  • LeeWay Marine offers a range of expertise and services including hydrographic and geophysical survey work, naval support training, ocean technology testing and research, offshore inspection, telecommunications installations and rapid environmental response.

  • The Leeway “Striker” is capable of reaching speeds of more than 55 knots and, when complete, will be the world’s most advanced and efficient offshore data harvesting vessel.

  • LeeWay has already secured work for its vessels in the United States and the Arctic and is pursuing additional international opportunities.

  • LeeWay employs 11 full-time staff and up to 20 additional seasonal staff.

  • The Government of Canada invested $290,600 in this project through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.

  • The Business Scale-up and Productivity stream of the REGI program supports businesses at various stages of development, including high-growth firms, to accelerate their growth, help them scale up and enhance their productivity and competitiveness in both domestic and global markets.

  • The REGI program continues to build on the objectives of the Government of Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan.

Contacts

Chris Brooks
Director, Communications and Outreach
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
902-426-9417 / 902-830-3839 (cell)
chris.brooks@canada.ca

Jamie Sangster
CEO
LeeWay Marine
902-209-3119
Jamie.sangster@leewaymarine.ca

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