FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(HALIFAX) – Canada’s Ocean Supercluster today announced five new ocean innovation projects worth over $18 million during the H20 Conference in Halifax, including the $4.5 million Cleaner Smoother Natural Ship Bearings Project led by Hydro Tech Inc.
This new project is bringing a century-old Canadian innovation back to life with modern engineering. The initiative will reinvent lignum vitae wood stern tube bearings – a durable, naturally lubricated material once used in marine applications – to meet today’s maritime demands for performance, efficiency, and sustainability.
The project is led by Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario-based Hydro Tech Inc. in partnership with Canadian Maritime Engineering Ltd. from Dartmouth, NS. With a total project value of $4.5 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $1.8 million, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.
Designed for vessels over 40 feet, the new high-performance, water-lubricated wood bearings offer significant benefits over conventional metal and synthetic composites, including reduced wear and failure rates, elimination of oil discharge, improved fuel efficiency, and a PFAS-free composition – supporting both economic and environmental performance.
The project will also support job creation, with 50 new roles in bearing manufacturing, engineering, and installation across Atlantic Canada and Ontario.
Through enhanced maritime resilience, this project will bolster industry competitiveness and showcase Canadian leadership in sustainable ocean technology.
Through Ambition 2035 and together with Canada’s ocean community, we are bold in our ambition to grow Canada’s ocean economy 5X to $220 billion by 2035. Continued investment in the accelerated development and commercialization of globally relevant, made in Canada ocean solutions, including the projects announced today, will help us realize this ambition. Read more about recommendations to help achieve this transformational growth opportunity outlined in Charting the Course to 5X Growth in Canada’s Ocean Economy and the projected benefits to Canada here.
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Media Contacts
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca
About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has approved more than 140 projects valued at more than $500 million, which will deliver more than 300 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world.
Quotes
“This project is a shining example of how ocean innovation can drive real economic impact; creating new jobs, advancing sustainable manufacturing, and turning a legacy Canadian technology into a globally competitive solution. By bridging traditional expertise with modern engineering, we’re not only strengthening our marine industry, but we’re also building the foundation for long-term growth in the ocean economy.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
“We’re proud to lead a project that merges Canada’s maritime legacy with the demands of the modern ocean economy. By reengineering lignum vitae wood bearings for today’s vessels, we deliver a natural PFAS-free solution that outperforms synthetics, eliminates oil discharge, and extends service life – without compromising sustainability. This project is not just about innovation – it’s about building a better future for our industry, our oceans, and our communities.” – Mike Dupuis, President, Hydro Tech Inc.
We’re excited to welcome Darren Rasmussen to the Hydro Tech team!
Darren brings over 13 years of experience in manufacturing, with the past 7 years spent balancing dual roles as Quality Manager and Project Manager. In his role as Quality Manager, he maintained ISO 17025 third-party accreditation standards, while also managing and performing calibrations and certifications. As Project Manager, Darren oversaw complex projects across the automotive and aerospace industries – bringing a deep understanding of precision, process, and performance.
Outside of work, Darren enjoys quality time with his wife and two daughters, along with their two dogs. He’s also an avid woodworker and gardener, and tries to squeeze in as many rounds of golf as his love-hate relationship with the sport allows.
Welcome aboard, Darren – we’re lucky to have you! 🎉
We are thrilled to introduce Nina Slijepcevic, MBA, our new Vice President of Business Commercial Relations at Hydro Tech!
With over 20 years of experience in Renewable Energy, Nina has worked with industry leaders such as GE, Siemens, Voith Hydro, and Hatch, having started her journey in hydropower generation while still a university student. In 2022, she transitioned into mining consulting at Ausenco as Director of Operations.
Nina’s expertise spans hydropower, transmission & distribution, wind, and solar energy, with a strong background in commercial and project management, finance, and legal affairs. She holds an MBA from Queen’s University and is also a certified paralegal.
Outside of work, Nina enjoys spending time with family and friends, swimming, biking, hiking, and playing the piano and guitar. Fun fact: she is a classically trained opera singer and can even break glass when she hits the high notes! 🎶
Please join us in welcoming Nina Slijepcevic to the team!
Arkin Abad brings a strong background in Civil Engineering, with expertise in land surveying, structural engineering, and project/construction management in the Philippines. Since moving to Canada, he has expanded his experience as a Project/Land Surveyor and most recently worked as a Project Manager for civil construction projects in a manufacturing company.
Now, as part of the Hydro Tech team, Arkin is eager to apply his skills in a new engineering discipline and contribute to the company’s continued growth. Arkin appreciates the warm welcome from all departments and is excited about this new opportunity.
Outside of work, Arkin enjoys staying active at the gym a few times a week, attending church gatherings with his family, and spending quality time exploring parks and restaurants with his wife and kids. They believe that maintaining physical, emotional, and spiritual wellness plays a key role in their professional productivity and success. 🌟
We’re thrilled to have you on board, Arkin! Please join us in welcoming him to the team. 👏🏼
We are thrilled to welcome Manon Memegos to our team as our new Payroll Clerk! With over 20 years of experience in diverse office roles, Manon has developed a strong foundation in executive assistance, bookkeeping, and managing financial records. Supported by an educational background in these fields, she brings a wealth of expertise and adaptability to effectively manage multiple responsibilities within an office environment.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time in the great outdoors, whether hiking, hunting, fishing, or exploring scenic trails. On quieter days, Manon can be found unwinding in their library with a good book and a warm cup of tea.
Welcome aboard, Manon! We’re excited to have you on our team. 🌟
We are thrilled to announce that Pardeep Kumar, MTech has joined Hydro Tech’s Engineering Department this October 2024! With an impressive educational background, including a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and a Master’s from the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology, Roorkee, Pardeeo’s journey in the hydro industry has been impressive.
From 2009 to 2016, Pardeep worked with Voith Hydro in the large hydro turbine department, where he honed his skills in hydraulics and transient calculations, as well as the design of Francis, Pelton, and Kaplan turbines. He then joined Jash Engineering (2016-2018) to work on the design and development of Archimedean screw turbines and pumps. Alongside his technical expertise, Pardeep is ISO-certified for internal auditing in quality and environmental standards, as well as occupational health and safety.
Most recently, from 2018 to 2024, Pardeep brought his talents to GE Renewable Energy as a Lead Engineer, contributing to the standardization of turbine components, performing mechanical validations, and developing engineering tools in C#. His depth knowledge in mechanical components and his innovative spirit are already proving invaluable to our team.
Outside of work, Pardeep is a passionate sports enthusiast who enjoys cricket, hiking, and keeping up with professional hockey, soccer, and tennis. We’re thrilled to have Pardeep on board, and we’re confident his wealth of experience and dedication to the industry will be an incredible asset to Hydro Tech.
Please join us in welcoming Pardeep to Canada and the Hydro Tech family!
We are excited to announce that Derek McGillicuddy has joined our team as our new Project Manager. Derek brings extensive experience from his roles in engineering and project management across various energy fields, including marine engineering, drilling, and power generation. His proven expertise in overseeing large-scale projects, coordinating maintenance, and managing site operations will be a tremendous asset to Hydro Tech.
Away from his desk, Derek enjoys golfing, quality time with his kids at camp, ice fishing in winter, and rooting for his favourite Boston sports team – a fact we’re willing to overlook! 😉
We look forward to Derek’s contributions and invite everyone to join us in welcoming him to our team.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Lignum Vitae North America and Hydro Tech Inc. Unite to Propel Fully Engineered and Manufactured Water-Lubricated Bearings
Powhatan, VA. — December 5, 2023 — Lignum Vitae North America, a distinguished provider of water-lubricated bearing and seal solutions, and Hydro Tech Inc., a premier service and engineering company, proudly announce their strategic partnership aimed at advancing fully engineered water-lubricated bearings.
This collaboration brings together the expertise and capabilities of two industry leaders to address the growing challenges in water-lubricated bearings. Lignum Vitae North America’s commitment to environmental responsibility and bearing longevity, coupled with Hydro Tech Inc.’s cutting-edge testing and engineering technologies, will synergize to drive innovation and provide comprehensive solutions for the evolving needs of hydro and marine industries.
Key Highlights of the Partnership:
Leadership Statements:
Bob Shortridge, President at Lignum Vitae North America: “This partnership signifies a bold step towards a more sustainable future. By combining our strengths with Hydro Tech Inc., we redefine the depth of engineered water-lubricated bearings and seal solutions.”
Mike Dupuis, President at Hydro Tech Inc.: “We are excited to join forces with Lignum Vitae North America. Together, we are well-positioned to propel innovation and make meaningful contributions to the global water-bearing industry.”
Alliance Overview:
Hydro Tech and Lignum Vitae have allied to supply the hydro and marine industries with design, engineering, manufacturing, and after-sales services in water-lubricated applications. This collaboration combines leading experts to support one of the most exciting restorations of material use and developments in material technology with the sustainable supply of Lignum Vitae.
© 2021 Hydro Tech Inc.
