Nova Scotia companies explore ocean of opportunities in Asia

Nova Scotia is surrounded by over 7,000 kilometres of coastline so, no matter where you go in the province, you are never far from the sea. Some might say that our close proximity to the ocean has given us a competitive edge and natural expertise in the area of Ocean Technology.

Nova Scotia is home to more than 200 ocean-related companies and 60 high-tech innovators, making our province a globally-recognized hub for oceans technology.

Six Nova Scotian ocean technology companies are connecting with opportunities in Asia at the Oceanology International China 2014 conference in Shanghai this September 2014.

The global market value of ocean-related goods and services is estimated at over $3 trillion.

“We have a diverse and strong representation of Nova Scotia’s talent and expertise in Ocean Tech at Oceanology International China 2014,” says Troy Sawler, Trade Development Executive, Nova Scotia Business Inc. “China is putting a lot of money into ocean tech and we are optimistic about the opportunities that exist there for our ocean tech companies.”

Paul Phillips from Hawboldt Industries Ltd. explains, “The seas connect all markets worldwide, and this is reflected by the range of customers we serve. Our traditional products for fisheries and shipbuilding are now joined by advanced projects in national defence, offshore oil & gas, and undersea research.”

China is the world's second-largest economy and Nova Scotia's second-largest trading partner, after the United States. In 2013, the province exported nearly $200 million in merchandise to the Chinese market in areas as diverse as forestry, seafood, biotechnology, educational services, and information and communication technologies.

“The Chinese market has played a key role in our growth with five significant orders placed as China continues to renew and expand its fleet of research vessels.  The Oceanology International China show in Shanghai is an ideal way to stay in contact with our customer base here and to increase our presence in this market,” says Phillips.

The Nova Scotia delegation also includes companies such as: Xeos Technologies Inc. who design and manufacture application specific telemetry and data collection products for environmental researchers, wildlife researchers and operational personnel; JouBeh Technologies’ who focus on communications data from remote locations; and MetOcean, a world leader in integrated systems used for real-time monitoring.

Nova Scotia has the highest concentration of ocean tech companies involved in acoustics, sensors, and instrumentation in North America – considered a key opportunity for growth in this sector. Satlantic develops optical sensors for aquatic research and water quality monitoring. And, GeoSpectrum specializes in underwater acoustic transducers focused on innovative under water instrumentation.

“The province recognizes the powerful role, and the incredible potential, of the oceans sector in our economy, environment and culture,” says Sawler. “It has the potential to be a significant contributor to a number of global value chains associated with the oceans sector.”

“The Ocean research side of our business has experienced a great deal of growth over the past five years.  From the small rural community of Chester we are delivering complex solutions to the world, and adding to our workforce which now stands at 58,” adds Phillips.

Learn more about the oceans sector in Nova Scotia

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