(Dartmouth, NS) – Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced four projects including the Smart Protective Coatings Project as a part of its core Technology Leadership stream of projects. With a total project value of more than $4.6 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster will provide $2.2 million in funding with the balance coming from industry partners. The Smart Protective Coatings Project is led by Dartmouth-based SME, Graphite Innovation and Technologies, together with partners Horizon Maritime Services Ltd, and Mitacs.
The project will introduce a new graphene-based nanotechnology to the global ocean economy through the development of revolutionary graphene-based protective coating products for vessels. GIT’s coatings provide a number of advantages to marine industries including reduced fuel consumption for vessels, nontoxic protection and reduced underwater radiant noise. The impact resulting from this exciting project is expected be a game-changing outcome for the global ocean community. As Canada’s leading protective coating company, GIT is focused on using nanomaterial technologies to deliver solutions for a wide range of applications. The smart coating technologies aim to tackle and solve complex issues by being part of the solution, with the end goal of helping address environmental impacts and saving money for the shipping industry.
Lloyd’s Register will oversee and provide independent assessments. There will be a pilot production to supply quantities for demonstrations and initial commercialization of certified products by Lloyds Register.
The Smart Protective Coatings Project brings together partners across different sectors to develop and commercialize a product that will not only help position Canada as a global hub of innovation in ocean but also delivers shared competitive advantages in accessing those worldwide market opportunities across different ocean sectors, particularly with its environmental focus.
Commenting, the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry said: “Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is energizing the ocean economy through its support of innovative projects, like Smart Protective Coatings, that will bring our country to the forefront of marine technology through the development of its unique products for ocean vessels. This project will provide clean and innovative solutions to real-life ocean environment challenges.”“Our ocean economy provides an incredible opportunity for sustainable economic growth. The Smart Protective Coatings Project is a demonstration of how SMEs are driving some of the most innovative, game-changing ideas that will not only deliver commercial outcomes, but also help mitigate risks to ocean health.” Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“We are working on technology that will not only advance green technologies used in the ocean but also protect Canada’s marine ecosystem for years to come.” Added Mo Al Germozi, Chief Executive Officer, GIT
