Canada’s Marine Sector Embraces Innovation: The Digital Ship In-Service Support Project

In a bold stride towards enhancing Canada’s global competitiveness in the marine sector, two Canadian firms, Seaspan Shipyards and Genoa Design International, are teaming up to develop cutting-edge 3D digital twin capabilities. This initiative, known as the Digital Ship In-Service Support Project, is poised to revolutionize how vessels are managed and maintained, driving job creation and export opportunities.

Funding and Project Overview

With a total investment exceeding $3 million, the Digital Ship In-Service Support Project is funded mainly by Canada’s Ocean Supercluster (OSC) through its Accelerated Ocean Solutions Program, contributing $2 million. The funding will also be supplemented by the project participants, enabling the development of advanced vessel management technologies. The partnership combines expertise from British Columbia and Newfoundland and Labrador, creating a synergy to tackle the contemporary challenges faced by the marine industry.

Enhancing Vessel Management and Maintenance

At the heart of the project is the development of integrated capabilities that will streamline vessel lifecycle management. The focus is on creating a robust technology platform equipped with predictive maintenance tools, which will significantly reduce downtime associated with repairs and maintenance.

Key features of the digital platform include:

• Data Streams: Continuous data flow that monitors vessel health and predicts potential maintenance issues before they escalate.
• Dynamic Representations: Real-time updates on the condition of vessels and their subsystems to improve operational efficiency.
• Virtual Reality Integration: Advanced visualization tools that allow operators to interact with 3D digital twin data for improved decision-making.
• Sensor Networks: A comprehensive network of sensors that provide real-time monitoring of vessel conditions.
• AI and Machine Learning: Implementation of advanced algorithms to analyze data, providing actionable insights for maintenance and management.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and its Role

The OSC is a transformative, industry-led collective that addresses shared challenges in the ocean sectors. Its mission is to accelerate the development of innovative, globally relevant solutions while building a capable and inclusive workforce. The introduction of the Accelerated Ocean Solutions Program is a strategic move to support smaller, impactful projects that can yield tangible outcomes quickly.

According to Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, the OSC is pivotal in fostering collaboration among Canadian businesses, paving the way for the development of new technologies in real-life ocean sector challenges. He emphasizes the potential for the Digital Ship In-Service Project to distinguish Canada within the multibillion-dollar global maritime market.

Collaboration: A Fundamental Strength

The collaboration between Seaspan Shipyards and Genoa Design International is rooted in their common goals, originally established under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). This partnership not only focuses on present innovations but also looks forward to contributing to Canada’s future Polar Icebreaker program, ensuring the continuity of collaboration in advancing Canada’s marine capabilities.

Kendra MacDonald, CEO of Canada’s Ocean Supercluster, highlighted the significance of this partnership as a driver for new export opportunities and job creation, reiterating collaboration’s essential role in achieving strategic innovation goals in the marine sector.

Transforming the Industry Through Technology

As stated by Dave Belton, Director of Strategy and Business Development at Seaspan Shipyards, the marine industry stands on the brink of a transformation fueled by advanced digital technologies. With government support, the Digital Ship In-Service Project promises to introduce powerful predictive maintenance capabilities, establishing Canada as a leader in this vital industry.

Laurie Balan, Chief Technical Officer at Genoa Design International, acknowledged the transformative potential of this shared initiative, emphasizing the utility of 3D modeling in facilitating collaboration, evaluation, and decision-making. The successful integration of these technologies could set a new standard for shipbuilding and maintenance worldwide.

Alignment with Naval Strategy

The Royal Canadian Navy has also identified digital twins as a top focus area within its Digital Strategy. Captain Jacques Olivier, Director Digital Navy, noted that digital twins can optimize operations and maintenance of naval systems by incorporating real-time data from physical platforms. The collaboration between Seaspan and Genoa exemplifies Canadian-led innovations that align with the Royal Canadian Navy’s key priorities.

Conclusion

The Digital Ship In-Service Support Project marks a significant milestone for Canada’s marine sector, showcasing the immense potential of technology and collaboration in driving innovation. As Seaspan Shipyards and Genoa Design International forge ahead with their partnership, the project serves as a beacon of what is possible when industry leaders unite to tackle challenges that pave the way for a prosperous and competitive maritime future. The ripple effects of these advancements promise not only to enhance vessel management and maintenance but also to bolster the Canadian economy through job creation and enhanced export positioning in the global market.