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.