(Dartmouth, NS) – Canada’s Ocean Supercluster announced four projects today 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, non-toxic 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 coatings 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. They are a global professional services organization with more than 260 years of experience in engineering and technology solutions that improve the safety and performance of complex, critical infrastructure and supply chains. There will be a pilot production to supply quantities for demonstration 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 world-wide market opportunities across different ocean sectors, particularly with its environmental focus. This project will see the lead partner, GIT, scale and grow as a result of this project, and through the partnerships it has been able to develop as a result of its involvement in the Ocean Supercluster.

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, while also building a highly-capable, inclusive workforce.

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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.” The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“Our ocean economy provides and 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.” Mo AlGermozi, Chief Executive Officer, GIT

“Having worked with GIT for over two years now, we are excited to be part of launching this OSC project and supporting the next phase of GIT’s development. Our shared goal of reducing the environmental impact of commercial marine activities in our oceans is of paramount importance and we appreciate the opportunity to be on the leading edge of this transformational project.” Sean Leet, Chief Executive Officer, Horizon Maritime

“The future of underwater marine coatings is driven by decreased marine pollution and increasing the energy efficiency of ships. Our project will support this future, with the end goal of helping to position the marine and global shipping industries in an environmental leadership position while, in parallel, reducing operating costs.” Dr. Marciel Gaier, Chief Technology officer, GIT

“Thanks to the ongoing support of our partners, especially the Government of Canada, Mitacs is able to accelerate innovative projects like Smart Protective Coatings. This initiative will provide great opportunities for GIT to train up their future R&D leaders with PhD and master’s researchers. We look forward to seeing their success in the future.” John Hepburn, CEO and Scientific Director, Mitacs

“Lloyd’s Register is excited to partner and support Graphite Innovation and Technologies in the new technology application enhancing sustainability and performance of small to medium vessel sector which will bring significant and long-lasting improvements to a Canadian domestic fleet.”

John Hicks, President, Lloyd’s Register – Americas Marine & Offshore

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