2017-2018

News Release

REF NO.: 14

SUBJECT: International conference explores technologies to navigate the North

DATE: October 12, 2017

A joint international conference focused on enhancing technology and innovation for polar navigation will take place at the Sheraton Hotel Newfoundland in St. John’s, N.L., from Oct. 16-18.

Hosted by the Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University’s annual Ocean Innovation 2017 conference and IALA’s E-Navigation Underway (North America) 2017 conference, delegates will explore e-navigation infrastructure, ice navigation, passage planning, sea traffic management and governmental programs and plans related to the Polar Code.

Members of the media are welcome to attend.

More than 100 officials from Coast Guard authorities, maritime administrations, shipping companies and pilotage authorities will study new technologies, such as augmented reality navigation, risk assessment systems and innovative satellite imaging technology and cloud processing for improved e-navigation. A final report of the conference’s conclusions and recommendations will be submitted to IALA for distribution to appropriate agencies worldwide.

The Marine Institute will also host a Government of Canada Oceans Protection Plan workshop on Oct 16.

This year’s conference partners and contributors include the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Transport Canada, IALA, Danish Maritime Authority, Fednav, Kongsberg, Ocean Networks Canada, WWF Canada, Rutter, Nautical Institute, International Hydrographic Organization, National Research Council, CIRM, Canadian Pilotage Association, the Shipping Federation of Canada and the Marine Institute’s Journal of Ocean Technology.

The Marine Institute’s annual Ocean Innovation conference explores the latest innovations in the areas of maritime safety, efficiency of operations and sustainable ocean management. The IALA is a non-profit technical association that brings international navigation authorities, manufacturers, consultants, and, scientific and training institutes together to harmonize navigational aids worldwide and to ensure that the movements of vessels are safe, expeditious and cost effective while protecting the environment.

The full conference program is available online.

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