Oceans: St. John’s – Canada’s Ocean Tech Powerhouse

St. John’s is widely recognized as Canada’s Ocean City, home to the country’s largest ocean economy. The sector spans marine technology, fisheries, offshore oil and gas, ocean observation, and defence. The global ocean economy is projected to double to $3 trillion by 2030, and St. John’s is poised to lead.

Kraken Robotics, headquartered in Mount Pearl, is a global leader in 3D imaging sensors, power solutions, and robotic systems with clients across more than 30 countries worldwide. Their Synthetic Aperture Sonar (SAS) is used by NATO navies and offshore energy companies. In 2020, Kraken secured a $40 million contract with the Royal Danish Navy for KATFISH towed SAS systems, reinforcing its international reputation.

SubC Imaging, headquartered in Clarenville with team members based in St. John’s, develops integrated underwater imaging systems and software that help teams collect high-quality subsea data. Their technology supports marine research, deep-sea exploration, and offshore energy, with clients in over 30 countries.

Virtual Marine, a local leader in simulation technology for over 20 years, designs advanced training systems focused on marine safety. Their lifeboat simulators are used by offshore oil crews and naval personnel, helping to reduce training costs while enhancing safety and preparedness.

The region’s strength is amplified by Memorial University’s- Fisheries and Marine Institute, the National Research Council’s Ocean, Coastal and River Engineering Research Centre, and the Ocean Supercluster, which has invested over $91 million in collaborative ocean tech projects in the St. John’s Region