Unlocking Marine Potential: Advancing R&D Partnerships in Newfoundland and Labrador Workshop
CISMaRT, in partnership with Energy Research and Innovation Newfoundland and Labrador (ERINL), Hibernia Management and Development Company (HMDC), Hebron Project, and Memorial University, will host the Unlocking Marine Potential: Advancing R&D Partnerships in Newfoundland and Labrador Workshop, taking place June 17-19, 2025, at the Delta Hotel in St. John’s, NL.
The Workshop will focus on exploring research and commercial priorities that include:
Remote Operations and Logistics
Marine Design, Simulation and Training
Inspection/Certification, linking to Operations and Surveillance
Creation of Global Benchmarks and Standards for Marine Innovation
We’ll examine these opportunities as we learn from global experts and participate in facilitated working groups to collaboratively define CISMaRT projects for the next three years and beyond. Each project has funding support and will bring together research capacity, ecosystem partners, and industry to help shape a roadmap for Newfoundland and Labrador, positioning the province as a global leader. The outcomes from the projects include R&D, innovation, and commercial opportunities.
Space is limited, thus attendance is by-invite only. To express an interest in attending, please provide your name, title, and organization by sending an email to Dr. Wei Qiu at qiuw@mun.ca.
An agenda and other materials will be provided via email ahead of the event. This Workshop is free to attend, thanks to the support of our partners.
Summary of CISMaRT’s Marine Innovation NL Initiative
The Canadian Network for Innovative Shipbuilding, Marine Research and Training (CISMaRT) is a strategic, pan-Canadian network that brings together academia, government, and industry across leading Canadian research and training organizations. CISMaRT provides a collaborative framework to support high-quality research among academia, government and industry, while also contributing to value-added education and training to produce highly qualified personnel.
In partnership with Energy Research and Innovation Newfoundland and Labrador (ERINL), Hibernia Management and Development Company (HMDC), the Hebron Project, and Memorial University, CISMaRT has launched a three-year initiative, Marine Innovation NL, to unlock marine potential and to advance R&D Partnerships in Newfoundland and Labrador. This initiative aims to accomplish the following objectives:
Host a three-day global workshop of subject matter experts to support two partner-led research projects at Memorial University. These projects will focus on critical areas within the marine and offshore sectors. The research topics will be shaped by insights from workshop participants, the Newfoundland & Labrador offshore industry, relevant local studies and projects, as well as recent international developments.
Develop highly qualified personnel by offering research and hands-on learning opportunities in areas of marine technology and sustainability.
Enhance R&D partnerships and collaboration by expanding CISMaRT’s scope, mandate, and network. This will help to strengthen connections among Canada’s marine and offshore industries and related small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). As part of this goal, CISMaRT will design and implement a stakeholder engagement and collaboration program to support the marine industry in Newfoundland & Labrador.
The Marine Innovation NL initiative represents one of the key projects under the CISMaRT umbrella, exemplifying the network’s commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration, and workforce development in Canada’s marine sector.
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June 17–19, 2025
Delta Hotel, St. John’sBreakout instructions (coming soon)
Program book (coming soon)
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Panel #1: Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Opportunities for Innovation
This panel will explore how Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) policy can be effectively leveraged to promote innovation across the marine and defense sectors. Panelists will address the key principles and operational mechanisms of the ITB policy, discuss how ITB obligations can be aligned with national R&D priorities, and examine its potential as a driver for technological advancement.
The discussion will feature real-world examples of successful ITB-driven partnerships, highlighting best practices and strategies for maximizing innovation outcomes. Panelists will also share lessons learned from past initiatives to help guide future efforts.
Discussion Themes:
Core principles and mechanisms of Canada’s ITB policy
Strategies for using ITB commitments to support innovation and technology development
Success stories, best practices, and lessons learned from previous ITB initiatives
Panel #2: Marine Design, Simulation and Training
This panel will examine current challenges and emerging opportunities in marine design, simulation, and training, with the aim of sparking focused discussions during the breakout sessions to help define potential project scopes. Rather than cataloging existing capabilities, the emphasis will be on raising key questions and identifying critical gaps that need to be addressed through future research and collaboration.
Panelists will offer insights across a range of topics, from the evolving landscape of marine design and advanced numerical simulation methods, to experimental validation techniques and the role of simulation-based training in education and workforce development. This session is intended to inspire fresh thinking and guide meaningful project planning in these key technical areas.
Discussion Themes:
· Current and future directions in marine design
· Advances and challenges in numerical simulations
· Experimental simulations and validation techniques
· Simulation-based training and education
Panel #3: Remote Operations, Inspections and Logistics
This panel will explore the distinct challenges and emerging opportunities associated with remote operations inspections and logistics in offshore and maritime environments. With an emphasis on complex, especially, harsh operational conditions, the discussion will examine key technological, regulatory, and operational barriers, while highlighting areas where innovation can enable meaningful progress.
Panelists will offer diverse perspectives, from the deployment of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) and the development of supportive regulatory frameworks to recent advancements in autonomous robotic inspection. The session is designed to lay the groundwork for focused breakout discussions, where participants will help define project scopes and identify research and development priorities in this rapidly evolving field.
Discussion Themes:
· Challenges in remote operations and logistics in harsh environments
· Regulatory frameworks for remote maritime operations
· Advances in autonomous robotic inspection
Panel #4: Benchmarking and Standards
This panel will focus on two strategically important areas, Arctic and offshore operations, where benchmarking Canadian maritime practices against international standards is both timely and essential. The objective is to assess where Canada is currently leading, where it may be falling behind, and to generate expert-driven recommendations for enhancing standards, improving performance, and identifying future collaborative project opportunities.
Panelists will discuss challenges and advancements in ensuring safe and sustainable operations, highlight key gaps in comparison with global benchmarks, and explore how modernizing training and addressing workforce needs can strengthen Canada’s position in these critical domains. This session will help inform targeted breakout discussions to further refine priorities and project ideas.
Discussion Themes:
· Ensuring safe and sustainable Arctic and offshore operations
· Key gaps in benchmarking against global standards
· Modernizing maritime training and addressing workforce shortages
Panel #5 Long-term Projects and Ocean Strategy for the NL Marine Industry
This panel will explore strategic initiatives and long-term project models to strengthen the marine industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. It will go beyond CISMaRT’s current three-year Marine Innovation NL initiative, emphasizing broader, sustainable development strategies. To inspire the discussion, two successful models, DeepStar and the U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation, will be presented as catalysts for the breakout sessions that follow, which will focus on shaping a forward-looking, long-term vision for the region’s marine sector.
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Tyler Beatty, Research, Education and Training Lead, ExxonMobil
Randy Billard, President and CEO, Virtual Marine, and Board Member of Co. Innovation Centre (COIC)
Dave Finn, CEO of Energy Research & Innovation Newfoundland and Labrador (ERINL)
Mike Howley, Account Manager, International Business, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Steve Kavanagh, Sr. Analyst - Atlantic Region, ISED Canada
Shane Peddle, R&D Project Manager, ERINL
Michael Long, Dean of Applied Research and Innovation, College of the North Atlantic
Dave Murrin, Director General, National Research Council Canada (NRC)
Paul Preston, Executive Advisor (Consultant), CISMaRT
Wei Qiu, Chair, CISMaRT Interim Board and Department Head, Ocean and Naval Architectural Engineering, Memorial University
Kelley Santos, Director, The Launch, Marine Institute
Joe Singleton, Head, School of Ocean Technology, Marine Institute
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See full list of bios here
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Michael Abbott, Principal Project Manager, WSP Canada Inc.
Jaakko Autere, Trade Commissioner, Embassy of Finland - Ottawa
Laurie Balan, Chief Operating Officer, Genoa Design International
Kevin Baldwin, Principal Project Manager, WSP Canada Inc.
Patrick Barry, Senior Naval Architectural Engineer, Adaptive Marine Solutions Inc.
Tyler Beatty, Research, Education and Training Lead, ExxonMobil
Victoria Belbin, CEO, Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association
Randy Billard, President and CEO, Virtual Marine
Owen Brine, Sales Director, Kongsberg
Tom Browne, Team Lead - Marine Performance & Evaluation, National Research Council Canada
Trevor Butler, Business Development Manager, Lloyd's Register
Matthew Byrne, Economic Development Officer, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Allison Catmur, Trade Commissioner, Global Affairs Canada
Neil Chaulk, CEO, Solace Power
Keith Coffen, Director General Maritime Equipment Programme Management, Department of National Defence
Warren Connors, Head, Underwater Warfare, DRDC - Atlantic Research Centre
Melanie De Young, Principal Consultant, InnovConsultants
Tony Diez, Team Lead, Naval Architect, Robert Allan Ltd.
Gary Dinn, Chief Technology Officer, Chief Technology Officer
Bill Donovan, Senior Manager, Strategy and Growth, Angler Solutions Inc.
Kristopher Drodge, Head, School of Maritime Studies, Marine Institute
Susan Ebaretonbofa, Engineer, ABS Canada Inc.
Dave Finn, CEO, ERINL
Matin Giahi Foomani, Engineer, ACATS Program, Transport Canada
Chad Fowlow, Founder & Principal Consultant, Angler Solutions Inc.
Drummond Fraser, Manager, Marine Safety, Transport Canada
Bodo Gospodnetic, President, Dominis Engineering Ltd.
Michael Grant, Engineer I, ABS Canada
Stephen Green, Director Research & Development, PAL Aerospace
Jeffrey Griffin, Deepwater Technology Developer, ExxonMobil
Matthew Grimes, Director of business development and research, Marine Institute
Maria Halfyard, Manager, Business Development, Marine Institute
Chris Hearn, Director, Marine Institute
Lee Hedd, Future Business Director, BMT Group Ltd.
Brad Henderson, Managing Director, Notus Electronics Ltd.
Riley Hogan, Technical Solutions Specialist, InnovMarine Inc.
Ross Houlihan, Economic Development Officer, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Nicholas House, Project Manager, Waterford Energy Services Inc.
Mike Howley, Account Manager, International Business, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Brian Johnston, Director Business Development, NORBIT ASA
Luke Joyce, Director of Communications and Marketing, Genoa Design International
Meagan Kay Fowlow, President, Co. Innovation Centre
Allison Kennedy, Strategic Pillar Lead, National Research Council Canada
Jonathan Lee, Chair of Marine Mechanical Design Program, Marine Institute
Justin Lee, Defence Research and Development Canada
Sean Leet, President, Horizon Naval Engineering
Curtis Linehan, DeepStar Project Manager, Chevron
Nicholas MacCallum, Commercial Advisor, ExxonMobil
Michael Maguire, CEO, Copsys Technologies Inc.
Steven Mallam, Instructor (Research), Marine Institute
Dan McGreer, President, McGreer Marine Consulting
David McNeil, Senior Advisor, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Jon Mikkelsen, Director of Naval Architecture Program, University of British Columbia
Paul Mitten, Vice President, Compusult Limited
Ed Moakler, Senior Engineer, ABS Canada Inc.
Marcel Montrose, President, Lir Maritime Consulting Ltd.
Lorenzo Moro, Associate Professor, Memorial University
David Murrin, Director General, National Research Council Canada
Lee O'Brien, R&D Advisor / Facilities Engineer, Chevron Corporation
Chad Oldfield, Principal Naval Architect, Vard Marine
Dan Oldford, Manager, ABS Canada Inc.
Anthony Peach, Project Manager - R&D, Fugro GeoSurveys
Shane Peddle, R&D Project Manager, ERINL
Shelly Petten, Executive Director, Oceans Advance Inc.
Paul Preston, Executive Consultant, CISMaRT
Wei Qiu, Department Head/Chair, Memorial University / CISMaRT
Freeman Ralph, VP Oceans and Energy, C-CORE
Bethany Randell, Project Engineer, Marine Institute
Kelley Santos, Director, The Launch, Marine Institute
Shakir (Shak) Shamshy, DeepStar Director, Board Chair, Chevron
Joe Singleton, Head, School of Ocean Technology, Marine Institute
Shane Skinner, Chief Operating Officer, Engage Creative Technologies
David (Duke) Snider, CEO, Martech Polar Consulting Ltd.
Kara Strickland, Account Manager, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Bradley Thorne, Program and Policy Development Specialist, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Adam Templeton, Chief Technical Officer, Real-Time Ocean Data Services Ltd.
Zhigang (Kevin) Tian, Technology Development Lead – Marine, ExxonMobil
Dan Vyselaar, Director, Engineering & Asset Management, Atlantic Towing
Kevin Wall, Project Engineer-in-Training, Angler Solutions Inc.
Mark Williams, Senior Engineer, Chevron Corporation
Mitch Winter, Training & Technical Sales, GRi Simulations Inc.
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Group 1
Maria Halfyard, Marine Institute, Group Lead
Michael Abbott, WSP Canada Inc.
Randy Billard, Virtual Marine
Melanie De Young, InnovConsultants, Note Taker (break out)
Chad Fowlow, Angler Solutions Inc.
Nicholas House, Waterford Energy Services Inc.
Jonathan Lee, Marine Institute
David McNeil, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Lee O'Brien, Chevron Corporation
Freeman Ralph, C-CORE, Note Taker (general)
Bethany Randell, Marine Institute
Drummond Fraser, Transport Canada
Adam Templeton, Real-Time Ocean Data Services Ltd.
Group 2
Warren Connors, DRDC - Atlantic Research Centre, Group Lead
Jaakko Autere, Embassy of Finland - Ottawa
Gary Dinn, eSonar Inc.
Matin Giahi Foomani, Transport Canada
Chris Hearn, Marine Institute
Mike Howley, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Sean Leet, Horizon Naval Engineering
Jon Mikkelsen, University of British Columbia, Note Taker (break out)
Chad Oldfield, Vard Marine
Kelley Santos, Marine Institute
Keith Coffen, Department of National Defence
Shakir Shamshy, Chevron
Kevin Tian, ExxonMobil
Group 3
Lee Hedd, BMT Group Ltd., Group Lead
Laurie Balan, Genoa Design International
Owen Brine, Kongsberg
Bill Donovan, Angler Solutions Inc.
Bodo Gospodnetic, Dominis Engineering Ltd.
Brian Johnston, NORBIT ASA
Nicholas MacCallum, ExxonMobil
Paul Mitten, Compusult Limited
Dan Oldford, ABS Canada Inc., Note Taker (break out)
Joe Singleton, Marine Institute
Allison Catmur, Global Affairs Canada
Curtis Linehan, Chevron
Dan Vyselaar, Atlantic Towing
Group 4
Tom Browne, National Research Council Canada, Group Lead
Tyler Beatty, ExxonMobil
Kristopher Drodge, Marine Institute, Note Taker (break out)
Stephen Green, PAL Aerospace
Brad Henderson, Notus Electronics Ltd.
Luke Joyce, Genoa Design International
Michael Maguire, Copsys Technologies Inc.
Marcel Montrose, Lir Maritime Consulting Ltd.
Anthony Peach, Fugro GeoSurveys
Shane Skinner, Engage Creative Technologies
Neil Chaulk, Solace
Tony Diez, Robert Allen ltd.
Kevin Wall, Angler Solutions Inc.
Group 5
Trevor Butler, Lloyd's Register, Group Lead
Patrick Barry, Adaptive Marine Solutions Inc.
Susan Ebaretonbofa, ABS Canada Inc.
Jeffrey Griffin, ExxonMobil
Riley Hogan, InnovMarine Inc.
Meagan Kay Fowlow, Co. Innovation Centre
Steven Mallam, Marine Institute
Lorenzo Moro, Memorial University, Note Taker (break out, general)
Shane Peddle, ERINL
David (Duke) Snider, Martech Polar Consulting Ltd.
Michael Grant, ABS Canada Inc.
Mark Williams, Chevron Corporation
Group 6
Allison Kennedy, National Research Council Canada, Group Lead
Kevin Baldwin, WSP Canada Inc.
Dave Finn, ERINL
Matthew Grimes, Marine Institute
Ross Houlihan, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Dan McGreer, McGreer Marine Consulting
Dave Murrin, National Research Council Canada
Shelly Petten, Oceans Advance Inc.
Kara Strickland, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Mitch Winter, GRi Simulations Inc.
Ed Moakler, ABS Canada Inc.
Justin Lee, Defence Development and Research Canada
Victoria Belbin, Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association