Northern Challenges Focus of Canadian Marine Industry Conference

Senior decision makers in the Canadian marine industry will gather in St. John’s, the Centre of Ocean Excellence, to discuss the engineering challenges and opportunities of working in northern ice-covered and harsh environments

The Newfoundland Branch of the Canadian Institute of Marine Engineering (CIMarE) will host Mari-Tech 2009 at the Sheraton Hotel May 13-16. The 31st Annual Conference and Exhibition of the CIMarE will feature a technical program as well local, national and international marine suppliers will display the latest in marine technology. Delegates to the conference will examine the policies and regulatory regime that govern Arctic operations. The conference will also focus on marine structures, machinery and equipment for cold climate application as well as technologies for protecting the environment.

Vice Admiral (rtd) Peter Cairns, President of the CIMarE and President of the Shipbuilding Association of Canada and the Honorable Shawn Skinner Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development will provide luncheon addresses to the convention. Presenters at the technical conference include marine consultants, suppliers, government representatives, classification societies and academia.

Robert Rutherford, director of the Marine Institute’s Offshore Safety and Survival Centre, leads the conference organizing committee. “Conducting marine operations in the north and other harsh environments, is the next frontier for the marine transportation industry. Having this conference in St. John’s will introduce delegates to the unique training and research expertise that this region has to offer in this area,” said Rutherford.

Sponsors for Mari-Tech 2009 include the Marine Institute, Transport Canada, Lloyd's Register of Shipping, Peter Kiewit and Sons, Diesel Injection Ltd., Wartsila Canada, BMT Fleet Technology Ltd., Toromont Marine Power Systems/Atlantic Cat, International Marine Coatings, National and Marine Fire Services, Joiner Systems Ltd and Young and Cunningham, Canada. CIMarE advances and promotes the science and practice of marine engineering, naval engineering, naval architecture, ocean engineering, marine electrics and electronics, control engineering and other associated professions in Canada.