July 9, 2021 · Halifax, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
In Atlantic Canada, the ocean not only creates good jobs, it is an important part of the region's culture and identity. That is why the Government of Canada is investing in OceanSync Data Solutions Inc. to help the company develop weather data solutions for the shipping industry.
Federal support for innovative ocean technology
Today, Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Halifax, announced a repayable contribution of $93,888 for OceanSync Data Solutions Inc. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.
The funding will help OceanSync to test and commercialize its automated weather station units. The remote units, which will be deployed onto seafaring ships, collect and relay environmental data in realtime, improving shipping route optimization, situational awareness and safety.
Today's announcement further demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to help Canadian businesses innovate and bring new products to market. Funding for strategic projects like this one will help the region seize new opportunities to build a stronger, more sustainable economy in communities throughout Atlantic Canada.
Quotes
"Ocean technology is a fast-growing and important part of the economy. With three oceans, world-class universities and innovative research and development underway, Canada is well positioned to be a global leader in the world's Blue Economy. Support for the Ocean Supercluster and projects in this field reinforce the government's commitment to growing this sector."
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
"Nova Scotia isn't just Canada's ocean playground; I often say it is also Canada's ocean workshop. Our ocean sector in Nova Scotia continues to grow, fueled by leading-edge businesses using our infrastructure, support and academic networks to create the right solutions to address global challenges. This investment in OceanSync Data Solutions further demonstrates that Halifax is the place to start and grow an ocean-tech business."
- Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Halifax
"We are excited to be building the first truly global distributed network of shipborne weather stations delivering large volumes of high-quality data in a cost-effective way. Our solution provides data models for better weather forecasting, route optimization, situational awareness, and safety."
- Sebastiaan Ambtman, Managing Director, OceanSync Data Solutions Inc.
Quick facts
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OceanSync Data Solutions Inc. is a System as a Service (SaaS) technology company that will provide accurate and cost effective marine weather forecasts to reduce ships' environmental footprint, transport costs and increase safety.
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OceanSync uses existing commercial fleets and satellite technology to collect and distribute real-time ocean weather observations with more relevant geographic coverage than satellite, drifters, buoys or drones.
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The automated weather station units monitor conditions such as wind direction and speed, humidity, temperature and barometric pressure. This data is useful in real time applications and provides important insights in monitoring and analysing weather systems and climate change over time.
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This project will enable the company to source, assemble and deploy 20 hardware units to capture a baseline data set with enough richness and volume to provide customers with valuable data on specific geographical areas and shipping routes.
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Over 90% of globally traded goods are transported by ship.
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Funding for this project is provided through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency's Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI) program.
