Unlocking Marine Potential: Advancing R&D Partnerships in Newfoundland and Labrador Workshop

Panel #1: Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB) Opportunities for Innovation
June 17, 2025, 10:45 – 12:00

Moderator: Laurie Balan, COO, Genoa Design International

• Melanie De Young, InnovMarine 

• Stephen Green, PAL Aerospace 

• Dan Vyselaar, Director of Engineering and Asset Management, Atlantic Towing 

• Neil Chaulk, CEO, Solace Power

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
June 17, 2025, 14:30 – 15:40

Moderator: Jon Mikkelsen, Professor, UBC

• Dan McGreer, President, McGreer Marine Consulting 

• Chad Oldfield, Principal Naval Architect, Vard Marine 

• Dr. David Murrin, Director General, NRC-OCRE 

• Dr. Randy Billard, CEO, Virtual Marine

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 topics for the Marine Innovation NL initiative. 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
June 18, 2025, 9:40 – 10:50

Moderator: Bethany Randell, Project Engineer, Marine Institute

• Dan Oldford, Technology Manager, ABS Canada

• Dr. Matin Giahi Foomani, Engineer, ACATS Program, Transport Canada 

• Dr. Zhigang (Kevin) Tian, Technology Development Lead- Marine, ExxonMobil

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 topics for the Marine Innovation NL initiative and identify research and development priorities in this rapidly evolving field.

Discussion Themes:

• Challenges in remote operations, inspections and logistics in harsh environments

• Regulatory frameworks for remote maritime operations

• Advances in autonomous robotic inspection

Panel #4: Benchmarking and Standards
June 18, 2025, 13:15 – 14:25

Moderator: Lee Hedd, Future Business Director, BMT Group

• Captain David (Duke) Snider, CEO and Principal Consultant, Martech Polar Consulting Ltd 

• Owen Brine, Sales Director Canada Maritime Simulation, Kongsberg Maritime

• Drummond Fraser, Senior Policy Advisor, Marine Safety and Security, Transport Canada

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, especially for the Marine Innovation NL initiative.

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
June 19, 2025, 9:00 – 10:00

Moderator: Tyler Beatty, Research, Education and Training Lead, ExxonMobil Canada

• Curtis Linehan, Project Manager, DeepStar 

• David Walker, Vice President of Global Government Services, ABS

This panel will explore strategic initiatives and long-term project governance 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.

Joe Singleton, Head, School of Ocean Technology, Marine Institute

Kelley Santos, Director, The Launch, Marine Institute

Michael Long, Dean of Applied Research and Innovation, College of the North Atlantic

Mike Howley, Account Manager, International Business, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Shane Peddle, R&D Project Manager, ERINL

Steve Kavanagh, Senior Analyst - Atlantic Region, ISED Canada

Tyler Beatty, Research, Education and Training Lead, ExxonMobil Canada

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)

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

See full list of bios here

Michael Abbott, Principal Project Manager, WSP Canada Inc.

Zia Ahmed, Grants Facilitation Officer, Memorial University

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

Randy Billard, President and CEO, Virtual Marine

Tom Browne, Team Lead - Marine Performance & Evaluation, National Research Council Canada

Jon Bruce, Senior Project Engineer, C-Core

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, eSonar Inc.

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.

Bernardo Faragalli, Technical Advisor/Project Manager, ERINL

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

Michael Grant, Engineer I, ABS Canada

Desmond Greene, Senior Project Manager, GRi Simulations

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, External Relations Officer, 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

Adedoyin Odukoya, Operations Manager, Qanittaq Clean Arctic Shipping Initiative

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.

Duncan Phillips, Elomatic Consulting Inc.

Paul Preston, Executive Consultant, CISMaRT

Wei Qiu, Department Head/Chair, Memorial University / CISMaRT

Bethany Randell, Project Engineer, Marine Institute

Kelley Santos, Director, The Launch, Marine Institute

Samantha Sheppard, Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Energy Regulator (C-NLOER)

Shakir (Shak) Shamshy, DeepStar Director, Board Chair, Chevron

Shane Skinner, Chief Operating Officer, Engage Creative Technologies

David (Duke) Snider, CEO, Martech Polar Consulting Ltd.

Kara Strickland, Account Manager, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Rocky Taylor, Associate Professor and Interim Associate Dean Research, Memorial University

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.

Georgina White, Marine Institute

Mark Williams, Senior Engineer, Chevron

Breakout group members will remain the same for all breakout sessions throughout the workshop.

Group 1     

Maria Halfyard, Marine Institute, Group Lead

Melanie De Young, InnovConsultants, Note Taker (break out)

Michael Abbott, WSP Canada Inc.

Randy Billard, Virtual Marine

Chad Fowlow, Angler Solutions Inc.

Drummond Fraser, Transport Canada

Nicholas House, Waterford Energy Services Inc.

Jonathan Lee, Marine Institute

David McNeil, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Lee O’Brien, Chevron

Theresa Rahal, ERINL

Bethany Randell, Marine Institute

Adam Templeton, Real-Time Ocean Data Services Ltd.

Bradley Thorne, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Group 2     

Warren Connors, DRDC - Atlantic Research Centre, Group Lead

Jon Mikkelsen, University of British Columbia, Note Taker (break out)

Keith Coffen, Department of National Defence

Gary Dinn, eSonar Inc.

Matin Giahi Foomani, Transport Canada

Chris Hearn, Marine Institute

Thomas Heppern, Coast Guard

Mike Howley, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Sean Leet, Horizon Naval Engineering

Curtis Linehan, Chevron

Dan McGreer, McGreer Marine Consulting

Pascal Milord, Atlantic XL

Kelley Santos, Marine Institute

Kevin Tian, ExxonMobil

Group 3    

Lee Hedd, BMT Group Ltd., Group Lead

Dan Oldford, ABS Canada Inc., Note Taker (break out)

Laurie Balan, Genoa Design International

Jon Bruce, C-Core

Allison Catmur, Global Affairs Canada

Bill Donovan, Angler Solutions Inc.

Bernardo Faragalli, ERINL

Brian Johnston, NORBIT ASA

Nicholas MacCallum, ExxonMobil

Paul Mitten, Compusult Limited

Duncan Phillips, Elomatic Consulting Inc.

Rocky Taylor, Memorial University

Dan Vyselaar, Atlantic Towing

Morgan Wadden, Coast Guard

Group 4    

Tom Browne, National Research Council Canada, Group Lead

Zia Ahmed, Memorial University, Note Taker (break out/general)

Tyler Beatty, ExxonMobil

Neil Chaulk, Solace

Tony Diez, Robert Allen ltd.

Kristopher Drodge, Marine Institute

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

Brian Slaney, ExxonMobil

Shane Skinner, Engage Creative Technologies

Kevin Wall, Angler Solutions Inc.

Georgina White, Marine Institute

Group 5    

Trevor Butler, Lloyd’s Register, Group Lead

Lorenzo Moro, Memorial University, Note Taker (break out, general)

Patrick Barry, Adaptive Marine Solutions Inc.

Matthew Byrne, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Mark Cumby. Hatch

Susan Ebaretonbofa, ABS Canada Inc.

Michael Grant, ABS Canada Inc.

Jeffrey Griffin, ExxonMobil

Riley Hogan, InnovMarine Inc.

Meagan Kay-Fowlow, Co. Innovation Centre

Steven Mallam, Marine Institute

Shane Peddle, ERINL

David (Duke) Snider, Martech Polar Consulting Ltd.

Mark Williams, Chevron

Group 6    

Allison Kennedy, National Research Council Canada, Group Lead

Chad Oldfield, Vard Marine, Note Taker (break out)

Kevin Baldwin, WSP Canada Inc.

Dave Finn, ERINL

Desmond Greene, Senior Project Manager, GRi Simulations

Matthew Grimes, Marine Institute

Ross Houlihan, Government of Newfoundland and Labrador

Justin Lee, Defence Development and Research Canada

Ed Moakler, ABS Canada Inc.

David Murrin, National Research Council Canada

Adedoyin Odukoya, Qanittaq Clean Arctic Shipping Initiative

Shelly Petten, Oceans Advance Inc.

Kara Strickland, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

Marine Innovation NL
Breakout Session Guidelines

Breakout Session Dates: June 17–18, 2025

In collaboration with Energy Research & 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. This initiative aims to unlock the potential of Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine sector and foster new research and development (R&D) partnerships across the province.

As part of Marine Innovation NL, two research projects with secured funding will be undertaken at Memorial University, engaging both undergraduate and graduate students in close collaboration with industry stakeholders. These projects will focus on high-impact areas within the marine and offshore sectors, with the goal of developing highly qualified personnel (HQP) through a combination of applied research and hands-on learning in marine technology and sustainability.

I. Purpose of the Breakout Sessions

The three breakout sessions on June 17 and 18, one in Day 1 and two in Day 2 (each with 50 minutes) aim to gather recommendations from workshop participants to inform the planning of the two projects under the Marine Innovation NL initiative and stakeholder engagement. Discussions will take into consideration:

Current needs and opportunities in the Newfoundland & Labrador marine and offshore industry

Ongoing local studies and initiatives

Recent global developments in marine innovation

II. Thematic Areas for Discussion

To provide structure for the sessions, the Workshop Advisory Committee has identified three key thematic areas:

Marine Design, Simulation, and Training

Remote Operations, Inspections, and Logistics

Benchmarking and Standards

Three expert panels will explore the challenges and gaps within these areas, laying the foundation for focused breakout discussions and broader dialogue during general sessions.

While these themes offer a starting point, participants are encouraged to propose additional topics consistent with the overarching objectives of Marine Innovation NL.

III. Breakout Session Instructions

As we look ahead to the next three years, each breakout group is asked to identify and prioritize project opportunities that align with strategic objectives, regional strengths, and national priorities. These projects (maximum three for each theme) should be collaborative, impactful, and feasible.

Please use the Project Template to guide your discussion. All groups are encouraged to cover as many key project attributes, outlined below, as possible for each project under each theme.

Project Topic
Provide a concise title or topic for the proposed project.

Project Objectives & Expected Impacts

What specific challenge or opportunity does the project address?

What are the expected outcomes, and who are the key beneficiaries?

What is the potential value to Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), the sector, and Canada?

Application Area
Indicate the primary domain(s) where the project will have the greatest impact:

Oil & Gas / Energy

Supply Chain

Safety / Security

Strategic Alignment

Does the project have dual-use potential (civil/defence)?

Is it cross-sectoral in scope?

How does it align with Government of Canada priorities (e.g., net-zero, Arctic, innovation, defence)?

Can it contribute to Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB)?

Technology Readiness & Development Path

What is the current Technology Readiness Level (TRL)?

What is the proposed path to TRL advancement, including key milestones?

Collaborators & Partnerships

Who are the potential industry, academic, or government partners?

Can the project build on existing networks or partnerships?

Facilities, Capacity & Capabilities

Can the project leverage existing infrastructure or test facilities in NL?

What capabilities are required, and how do they align with NL’s strengths?

What additional capacity (e.g., infrastructure, workforce, expertise) is needed?

Funding & Support Mechanisms (Optional)

What additional funding sources or mechanisms could be pursued during the three-year window (e.g., federal, provincial, industry investment)?

Are there current or upcoming calls for proposals that align with this project?

What potential is there for additional funding beyond the three-year window?

Challenges & Constraints

What are the major risks or barriers (e.g., regulatory, technical, resource-related)?

What are possible mitigation strategies?

Scaling & Replication Potential

Does the project have the potential to scale nationally or internationally?

What is the long-term vision for commercialization, replication, or export?

Prioritization

Prioritize the proposed projects based on their strategic importance, impact, feasibility, and scalability.

Be prepared to present your group’s top one or two recommendations for each theme during the general session.

IV. Session Support

A note-taker will document your discussion.

Flip charts and materials will be available to support brainstorming.

Group leads will facilitate the discussion and ensure inclusive participation.

Group lead and note-taker for each group are listed on the event website and in the program book.

Ocean Strategy 
Breakout Session Guidelines

Breakout Session Date: June 19, 2025

I. Purpose of the Breakout Session

The breakout session on Day 3 is intended to explore strategic initiatives and long-term project models to strengthen the marine industry in Newfoundland and Labrador. It will extend beyond CISMaRT’s current three-year Marine Innovation NL initiative, focusing on broader, sustainable development strategies. The session will help shape a forward-looking, long-term vision for the region’s marine sector.

II. Breakout Session Instructions

As we look toward a long-term ocean strategy and related projects, each breakout group is asked to identify and prioritize initiative opportunities that align with strategic objectives, regional strengths, and national priorities. Each group may propose up to two initiatives. These initiatives should be collaborative, impactful, and feasible.

Please use the Initiative Template to guide your discussion. For each proposed initiative, outline the following key attributes:

Initiative Topic
Provide a concise title or topic for the proposed initiative.

Objectives & Expected Impacts

What specific challenge or opportunity does the initiative address?

What are the expected long-term impacts and outcomes?

What is the potential value to Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), the sector, and Canada?

Strategic Alignment

Does the initiative have dual-use potential (civil/defence)?

Is it cross-sectoral in scope?

How does it align with Government of Canada priorities (e.g., net-zero, Arctic, innovation, defence)?

Can it contribute to Industrial and Technological Benefits (ITB)?

Will this initiative help position Newfoundland and Labrador or Canada as a global leader in the area?

Initiative Model

What delivery model (e.g., DeepStar, U.S. Center for Maritime Innovation) would be most suitable to support broader, sustainable development?

Collaborators & Partnerships

Who are the potential industry, academic, or government partners?

Facilities, Capacity & Capabilities

Can the initiative leverage existing infrastructure or test facilities in NL?

What capabilities are required, and how do they align with NL’s strengths?

What additional capacity (e.g., infrastructure, workforce, expertise) is needed?

Funding & Support Mechanisms

What funding sources or mechanisms could be pursued (e.g., federal, provincial, industry investment)?

Challenges & Constraints

What are the major risks or barriers (e.g., regulatory, technical, resource-related)?

What are possible mitigation strategies?

Scaling & Replication Potential

Does the initiative have the potential to scale nationally or internationally?

What is the long-term vision for commercialization, replication, or export?

Prioritization

Prioritize the proposed initiatives based on their strategic importance, impact, feasibility, and scalability.

Be prepared to present your group’s recommendations during the general session.

IV. Session Support

A note-taker will document your discussion.

Flip charts and materials will be available to support brainstorming.

Group leads will facilitate the discussion and ensure inclusive participation.

Group leads and note-takers for each group are listed on the event website and in the program book.