The purpose of this research project was to identify potential applications of this technology in the naval field and to test it with an industrial partner to validate its application potential. It also provided empirical values of the savings that can be made and the costs of implementing the technology.

In order to put their starfish conveyor back into service, InnoVactiv retained the technical services of Innovation maritime for the overhaul and repair of the equipment.

The objective of this research project was to develop two technically and economically viable concepts of hybrid propulsion systems for fishing vessels, adapted to Québec conditions (St. Lawrence river and gulf) : for vessels operating near the coast and making sea trips of less than one day and for vessels making sea trips of several consecutive days. The adoption of hybrid systems could both reduce business operating costs while reducing their environmental footprint.

The main objective of the project was to finalize the design, prototype fabrication and tests for a hydrofoil. The project aimed to determine which hydrodynamic profiles are most appropriate; determine the polarities of these profiles, establish the geometry of the wings according to the targeted performances, determine the hydrodynamic loads on the components of the hydrofoil; make a prototype, test it and validate the design choices and finalize the design. Photo credit : Optimoule

Commercial groundfish fishing is practiced in Québec with trawl, gillnets or longlines. The longline consists of a main line on which hooks are arranged with branchlines. The launching of the longline (up to 1000 baited hooks) however requires a lot of skill and is at high risk of injury. The goal of the project was to design, manufacture and test a brake system to control the entry of the mother line into the water. This innovation, by allowing continuous control of the gear's speed during baiting and launching, should reduce injuries and increase fishing productivity.

OpDAQ Systems, which specializes in shipboard instrumentation systems, wanted to interconnect its various measurement devices to enable efficient communication between each of them and also to improve their viewing platform for all devices. To assist it in its approach, OpDAQ has requested the involvement of Innovation maritime to help optimize the functionality of the existing system.

Gala Systèmes inc. and Paco Spiralift Inc. have developed a compact, stable, sturdy and quiet stainless steel mechanical cylinder, named i-Lock Spiralift, used as a main lift truck in the entertainment industry. These companies were developing a mechanical cylinder submerged in water that would be used to evaluate removable pool floors. Before marketing the Aquaspiralift, Gala Systèmes inc. and Paco Spiralift Inc. wanted, through the expertise of Innovation maritime, to make a leakage study of their case including the drive gear of the mechanical jack.

The project consisted of the development of a slide system for the safe release of lobster females on lobster boats in the Gaspé fleet. To do this, the engineers of Innovation maritime met with fishermen and other people involved in the project in order to identify needs, to design and manufacture a prototype slide and to carry out functional tests at sea on lobster boats.

In order to remain at the forefront with its products and to develop new markets, Sodel has requested the services of Innovation maritime to evaluate the operation and quality of its welding electrodes and underwater cutting equipment. Various welding tests were carried out in the diving basin and an observation report and recommendations were submitted to the client.

The objective of the project was to develop a crawler trolley that would allow the launching of boats built at the shipyard. It's from a concept proposed by the client that the team of Innovation maritime carried out the structural validation of the handling equipment to be manufactured. This truck was to be able to withstand 300 metric tons, withstand saltwater immersion and had to be easy to insert under a ship under construction.

Innovation maritime developed a system of assistance to captians and pilots for the auto-positioning and mooring of their ship in a sluice. This tool automates the various stages that required personnel at each sluice of the St. Lawrence Seaway. The equipment developed consists of a laser range finder whose internal components are movable and pivoting, coupled with a computer that compiles and analyzes the movement of the ship. Users see the ship's position in real time in the sluice.

The mandate consisted in carrying out a comparative analysis between two systems for calculating under keel clearance of ships transiting the St. Lawrence. It was a question of comparing the model of under keel clearance used by the Canadian Coast Guard and that developed by the Port of Montreal. The analysis made it possible to highlight the methodological differences of the two tools as well as their margins of error in a context of navigation in restricted waters and to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each model. Photo credit: Port of Montréal

The participatory approach to data collection, often called "crowdsourcing", has a lot of potential. Several "crowdsourcing" applications already exist on the web in the field of navigation. Before going further in a strategy involving the general public in collecting and sharing information, the Canadian Hydrographic Service wanted to have a picture of what already exists on the market. It's in this context that Innovation maritime's intervention took place.

GMDSS is an international system, developed by IMO for the purpose of saving lives. The Institut maritime du Québec (IMQ) offers recognized training to train navigation officers in the use of the GMDSS. The design of the simulator proposed by Innovation maritime provided the necessary flexibility to allow the addition of new components and the integration of scenarios generating reaction chains to put the student in a stressful situation, and develop skills related to crisis management. The GMDSS has been recently updated and the New Brunswick Community College has also acquired it for its training.

In order to respond to economic and environmental concerns, Innovation maritime has designed the Optide software to optimize shipping on the St. Lawrence through the use of tidal currents. After the user has entered the required data, Optide provides an optimal time of passage. This hour of passage makes it possible to take full advantage of the tidal currents, thus reducing fuel consumption and generating a maximum monetary saving.

In the North crossing, pilots are passing ships of strong drafts using the tides. However, there may be differences between predictions and observations of water levels. In order to facilitate their work, the client wanted to equip themselves with computer tools for planning and monitoring the transits of their ships in the North crossing. Innovation maritime has therefore developed a computer tool to easily generate prediction curves, prediction and real-time observation of water levels.

Unloading operations include more than one site and are often complex. Transshipment sequences, tidal effects, currents and navigation restrictions create delays in operations, leading to significant costs that could be avoided with better operations planning. The software developed by Innovation maritime uses NOAA data and takes into account all the constraints necessary to plan the different stages of a trip. The software can calculate a scenario in a fraction of a second, which previously took hours of manual planning.

Although environmentally friendly, the movement of ships may have some negative impacts on habitats and certain species of the St. Lawrence. This is why the marine industry, the relevant ministries and environmental groups are working together to put in place innovative solutions to improve cohabitation. One of the measures adopted is speed reduction by ships in areas deemed to be at risk. Innovation maritime has developed and implemented a speed calculation interface on the water using the AIS receivers of the Saguenay Marine Park.

As part of their training, the students in navigation of the Institut maritime du Québec (IMQ) must be trained in the rules of the road and in the interpretation of navigation lights. In this regard, Innovation maritime has developed an educational tool to visualize in 3 dimensions different scenarios showing vessels with their respective navigation lights. Scenarios presented in 3D can be manipulated dynamically so that the student can visualize them from different angles.

To provide a source of information for its partners, to enhance the cruise market while maximizing socio-economic benefits, for both shipowners and the Québec economy, the St. Lawrence Cruise Association wanted to have a itinary calculation tool. The purpose of the project was to create a web application to create an itinary and calculate transit times. The application considers 22 ports that the user can choose to create an itinary. These ports are located not only in Québec, but also in the Atlantic provinces and the United States.

This project aims to support Océan Marine in the development of a plug-in hybrid fishing boat concept that can operate in coastal areas in eastern Canada. The project aims more specifically to optimize the propulsion of the boat to maximize the autonomy and speed of operation. Ultimately, the use of this vessel will reduce the environmental impacts of boats used in the commercial trap fishery, a significant economic activity in eastern Canada, to reduce the impact of oil price fluctuations on fisheries expenditures. Photo credit : Julie Aubé

The goal is to develop a new two-stage closed loop mixed structured scrubber for SOx removal and CO2 capture. The first part deals with the washing of the scrubber on a wave simulator robot to study the impact of the swell on SOx / GHG washing performance. The second focuses on the design of structured packing to minimize energy consumption during washer operation. Finally, there will be validation of the washer on Innovation maritime's test bench as a prelude to the pilot tests by the CO2 Solutions Inc. team.

The sedimentation is sufficiently important in the marina to limit the entry/exit window of the boats, both for pleasure and for cruise ships, and it has significant impacts on the development of nautical activities in the area. To ensure that the resources involved in the maintenance dredging project are used optimally, Innovation maritime has been mandated to identify the technical solution that offers the best potential for customer viability.

The use of biofuels as a substitute or supplement to fossil fuels is one of the strategies to further reduce the carbon footprint of marine transport. In this context, the research project carried out by SEREX and Innovation maritime, in partnership with the client, aimed to validate the possibility of developing a mixed fuel based on diesel and biofuels derived from forest biomass and able to meet the performance requirements of marine diesel engines. Different oils and emulsions, all produced from a pyrolysis process, were analyzed.

The purpose of this project was to provide Parks Canada with a methodology to assist in the recovery of Beluga critical habitat, by reducing the noise level emitted by Parks Canada's fleet of boats, by sea excursion boats and those dedicated to scientific research, of small model, sailing in the marine park.

Innovation maritime initiated the NISOB project to address the risk of introduction of invasive species by ships' ballast water. A rigorous scientific analysis of the treated water has been carried out by laboratories to verify compliance with the standards established by the ballast water control and management Regulations. The technologies tested onboard were intended, among other things, to help the marine industry reduce the risk of introduction of invasive species into Canadian waters, protect Canada's ecosystems from non-native species, meet Canadian government standards for ballast water.

The overall objectives of the project were to reduce GHG emissions from the main propulsion engine ; reduce the main propulsion engine fuel consumption ; increase the overall efficiency of the vessel through the use of performance indicators ; demonstrate the impact of operational best practices on GHG emissions and energy consumption of a building ; inform and educate the ship's crew on GHG emissions and the reduction of energy consumption.

The purpose of the project was to experiment with the use of biodiesel in one of the generators of a Canadian-flagged merchant ship. This project validated the use of biodiesel by generators, evaluate their performance as well as measure the reduction of polluting emissions and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, to determine the benefits of biodiesel in reducing maintenance costs and overall, examine the constraints and opportunities for biodiesel use by the merchant navy.

The project aimed to evaluate the use of biodiesel as an alternative fuel on cruise ships in the Old Port of Montréal. It was produced in collaboration with Rothsay (biodiesel manufacturer), Sine Nomine (a firm specializing in the commercialization of energy technologies) and four cruise companies, AML, Saute-Moutons, Bateau-mouche and L'éclusier, who put twelve of their ships at the disposal of the project. For their part, the Old Port of Montréal Corporation and Parc Canada (Lachine Canal) have given access to their facilities to allow ship biodiesel supply and the implementation of various measures.

Innovation maritime's mandate consisted in taking quantitative information in relation to the depth, width and alignment of the waterway in narrow passages such as the entrance of rivers to communities or straits, identify the most likely navigation route and operational draft and identify dangerous depths taking into account tidal extremes on nautical charts.

The overall objective of the study was to allow the LPA and the CPSLC to decide on the safe duration of transit when performed by a single pilot. More specifically, considering different risk factors, The purpose of the study was to assess the safe transit time between Québec/Trois-Rivières/Montréal and propose,where appropriate, mitigation measures. These objectives included checking whether fatigue appears as a risk factor and how, if any, it manifests itself.

Innovation maritime, at the request of its client, conducted a risk analysis for towing operations and proposed a procedures manual for ship assistance and mooring operations. This book of procedures now serves as a working tool for the personnel on board the tugs.

The Société des traversiers du Québec (STQ) wanted to update its documentation pertaining to the transportation of dangerous goods. To fulfill this mandate, Innovation maritime updated the list of dangerous goods on board ferries. This update was done using the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act, the IMDG Code and the BC Code. From this information, Innovation maritime produced product segregation matrices and stowage procedures for the transportation of dangerous goods. These matrices were made from those found in the IMDG Code and were adapted for eight STQ vessels.

The audiovisual document produced by Innovation maritime had as objectives : safety awareness, of all employees joined during the presentations, a general presentation of the organization of security at the port of Montréal, provide an overview of the challenges identified in maintaining security, for the port of Montréal, new employees when they first view the document. With this tool, the Montréal Port Authority has made sure to provide a uniform distribution to all employees working on its territory. This standardization of training has allowed the port to continue to develop security on its facilities, in a consistent manner and in accordance with its own security plan.

Innovation maritime and SODES have set up a service whose fundamental objective is to collect, process and disperse useful information for marine field contributors. The proposed solution was developed following discussions with clients and partners. The proposed solution was developed following discussions with clients and partners. It relies on a combined expertise in IT, navigation and shipping logistics. The objectives of the project were to put in place mechanisms to monitor, document and analyze the evolution of marine traffic; set up an information system that could provide reliable data on the industry for the benefit of the various participants in the field; to create decision support tools to guide the development of the sector.

The City of Matane, the SADC and the main users of the port facilities have worked together to reflect on the actions to be taken in the context of the announcement of the ZIP at the Port of Matane. It was decided to undertake a reflection on the development of the port of Matane. Innovation maritime's services were then retained to assist the city and its partners in this process. The objectives of the project were to develop the development plan by incorporating the data and analyzes required to meet the expectations of the Local ZIP Committee and to accompany the Local ZIP Committee, the city of Matane and the SADC in defining and implementing a governance model adapted to the Matane ZIP.

The Quebec Table on Short Sea Shipping (SSS) brings together the main public and private participants in shipping on the St. Lawrence. In line with the objectives it pursues, the Table wanted to have a study describing in detail the needs, the interest as well as the requirements of the shippers and terrestrial carriers towards the SSS. The completion of this study, which was also intended to suggest measures through which the marine sector could better integrate with multimodal chains, was entrusted to the CPCS-Innovation maritime consortium.

Considering the anticipated growth of marine traffic carried by container ships, the Port of Montréal (MPA) has been planning for several years the development of a new container handling area at Contrecoeur. However, several steps remain to be completed so that the project can be realized. Among other things, the MPA was required to conduct an environmental impact study, the results of which would be sent to the CEAA. The environmental study covers a wide range of sectoral studies. IMAR was retained to assist the MPA in the preparation of the section on maritime transport.

The main objectives of this study were to assess whether the current framework for the transportation of hydrocarbons by ships is safe for populations, environment and goods ; assess the capacity of the various organizations involved, according to their respective roles and responsibilities ; propose legislative and regulatory changes or measures to improve the preparedness and response of all organizations involved in the event of a major accident ; to identify the measures necessary to ensure the financing of compensation measures to be implemented following a major disaster. Photo credit : Dominique Séguin.

The Maritime Employers Association (MEA) trains longshoremen for the operation of different port cranes. To do this, they use various tools such as simulators and training equipment. One of these tests evaluates the eye/hand/foot coordination of the candidates. This test is relatively standard and not necessarily adapted to the work context of crane operators. The aim of the project was to create a computer tool for the evaluation of foot/hand/eye coordination. This tool takes the form of a 3D environment in which the candidate must move objects using two joysticks and a pedal. The tool also had to provide for evaluation of the candidate's performance with a pointing system.

The purpose of this study, conducted in partnership with SNC Lavallin, was to develop an air emissions inventory for vessels transiting the Arctic and to assess their current and future contributions to global emissions in the Arctic and the northern regions of Canada.

This study explored alternative fuels and compatible engine technologies for the Canadian marine fleet to meet future emissions regulations. The study also investigated programs and regulations and current and anticipated industry incentives and recommending strategies to mitigate the impact of shipowners' regulations and to increase the competitiveness of Canada's marine industry.

In the event that a submarine in distress can not surface, the submariners have the possibility to wait for the rescue or if the circumstances require it, to evacuate the submarine via the emergency evacuation system. QinetiQ, from the United Kingdom, wanted to conduct evaluation tests of this system at different angles of inclination of the evacuation tower and to measure the forces perceived by the submariners using an instrumented mannequin. The tests also identified potential problems with the exhaust tower's top hatch operation and the performance of the hood inflation system in the event of an increase in the tilt angle of the tower.

In order to assess the effect of a submarine in distress that would be in an irregular position on the ocean floor during the evacuation, the European company QinetiQ wanted to use the CSET as a platform to undergo controlled instrumented angle evacuation tests. The objective of the project's first phase was to confirm the angles and depth at which the CSET could be used for testing.

For the launch of divers and their ascent, the IMQ has entrusted Innovation maritime with the mandate to design and manufacture new equipment that meets the standards of the CSST for this type of activity. In line with the new lifting equipment, a new platform has been designed and built, which also respects the standards of the CSST for diving activities.

The aim of this project was to develop a system for remote broadcasting and monitoring of dive parameters and video streams to facilitate real-time management and supervision of professional diving and hyperbaric treatment activities. The developed system retrieves video streams and other data relevant to diving and hyperbaric treatment (from the AxDDM system of the company AXSUB) and transfers them to a remote server for later viewing and viewing in real time over the Internet. Photo credit : AXSUB

Innovation maritime was commissioned to carry out a study on the freezing conditions of the air distribution system of divers' helmets. The simulation tests of the freezing in laboratory and the analysis of the obtained information made it possible to propose to the customer a methodology of action to be taken by the diver when they are victim of a freezing situation. Other recommendations on how to prevent and control helmet freeze incidents were also made.

Innovation maritime developed a submarine emergency evacuation simulator taking into account the specific training needs of the Institut maritime du Québec (IMQ) and the Canadian Forces School of Naval Operations (CFNOS). The CSET is a diving bell equipped with a replica submarine escape tower. This bell is moved vertically in a water column using mechanical systems. It allows training carried out in a perfectly controlled environment. To date, more than 1,200 Canadian and Australian submariners have been trained since 2003.