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Oceans Advance Newsletter – May 26, 2026
Join Us for the Oceans Advance Annual General Meeting
Join us for the Oceans Advance Annual General Meeting, Friday, June 5th from 9 – 11am at the Johnson Geo Centre.
We are excited to welcome our members and partners to the Oceans Advance Annual General Meeting. This is your opportunity to connect with peers in the ocean technology sector, hear updates on our initiatives, and help shape the future direction of our organization.
This year’s AGM will feature a keynote address by Mike Maguire, CEO & President of Copsys Technologies Inc. From Newfoundland and Labrador to the heart of NATO’s defence innovation network, Mike has led the journey of Copsys Technologies from ocean-tech innovator to one of just 150 companies selected for the prestigious NATO DIANA accelerator program. Hear how decades of experience in harsh marine environments, offshore innovation, and entrepreneurial persistence helped transform a made-in-NL technology into a globally recognized solution for protecting critical naval and marine infrastructure.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Mike Maguire is CEO and Co-Founder of Copsys Technologies and a professional engineer with more than 35 years of experience in offshore energy and marine transportation. He brings deep expertise in ocean technology innovation, risk and safety, asset integrity, and regulatory policy and compliance.
Over his career, he has helped advance offshore energy codes, standards, and regulations through both industry leadership and volunteer technical committee and board work. Together with his co-founder he leads the development of Copsys Intelligent Digital Skin (CIDS), a patented deep technology with dual use applications across Industries and Defence. Literally a “paint with feelings”, CIDS is poised to transform the way critical ocean and naval infrastructure are protected from the persistent, silent threats of corrosion and biofouling.
Copsys Technologies is a 2026 NATO DIANA Innovator and its founders are the proud recipients of the 2026 Turning the Tide Marine Industry Awards – Innovation Leadership Award.
Notus Electronics: From Fishery to Energy – Transferring Ocean Tech
In our continuing Innovation Waves series, Brad Henderson, Managing Director and Chief Engineer of Notus Electronics, highlights how Newfoundland and Labrador’s fishing industry – one of the world’s harshest ocean environments – has shaped technology and expertise now finding applications in offshore energy. “The fishery teaches you resilience and precision in conditions most would consider extreme,” says Henderson. “The tools, systems, and practices we developed there are proving valuable in oil and gas operations – from safety protocols to remote monitoring and vessel efficiency.”
As an Oceans Advance member, Notus is helping bridge industries, showing that the province’s innovation isn’t just local – it’s transferable, scalable, and ready to meet new challenges. The opportunity is clear: companies that can adapt proven ocean tech can unlock new potential in multiple sectors.
Kraken signs MOU with SEFINE SISAM
Congratulations to Kraken on signing a new Memorandum of Understanding with SEFINE SISAM in Türkiye. This partnership will advance autonomous seabed warfare and mine countermeasure capabilities through the integration of Kraken’s KATFISH technology and synthetic aperture sonar systems, building on a successful at-sea demonstration earlier this year off the coast of İstanbul.
Carolann Harding and Ted Lomond named among Atlantic Canada’s Top CEOs
Congratulations to Oceans Advance members Carolann Harding, CEO of SmartICE Monitoring and Information, and Ted Lomond, President and CEO of North Atlantic, on being named among Atlantic Canada’s Top CEOs. This recognition highlights their outstanding leadership and the continued impact Newfoundland and Labrador companies are making across the ocean and innovation economy.
Webinar Invitation
Smart Ports & Maritime Logistics in Southeast Asia: Opportunities for Canadian Technology Companies
Dear Canadian Companies,
The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is pleased to invite you to a virtual seminar titled: Smart Ports & Maritime Logistics in Southeast Asia: Opportunities for Canadian Technology Companies. This virtual session will provide an in-depth overview of Southeast Asia’s rapidly evolving maritime logistics sector, with a focus on key markets in Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam, and highlight concrete opportunities for Canadian firms offering digital, smart port, and maritime technologies.
Webinar Details
Request for Quotation: Sale of Floating Dock Units
Port of Argentia is inviting qualified proponents to submit quotations for the purchase of surplus floating dock units located in Argentia, Newfoundland and Labrador.
Units are available in varying sizes and configurations, with proponents welcome to bid on any number or combination of units.
This RFQ presents an opportunity to acquire marine infrastructure suitable for a range of industrial, marine, and waterfront applications.
Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium Seeking Community and Corporate Sponsors
The Petty Harbour Mini Aquarium is seeking community and corporate sponsors to help support marine education, conservation, and hands-on ocean experiences for the 2026 season. Located in Petty Harbour, the catch-and-release aquarium welcomes more than 18,000 visitors each summer and showcases up to 45 local marine species through interactive exhibits and touch tanks.
As a registered charity, the Mini Aquarium relies on sponsorship support to enhance programming, care for marine animals, and provide valuable learning opportunities for visitors and young science interpreters alike. Sponsors receive recognition through the aquarium’s website, social media, and on-site displays viewed by thousands each season. Businesses interested in supporting this unique community attraction are encouraged to explore the 2026 Sponsorship and Donation Guide.
Call for Volunteers – International MATE ROV Competition
The 2026 International MATE ROV Competition World Championship is coming to St. John’s, NL, June 23–27 at the Fisheries and Marine Institute. Volunteers are needed to support this exciting global ocean technology event through judging, team support, event operations, and more.
This is a great opportunity to support STEM education, connect with international teams, and showcase Newfoundland and Labrador’s ocean sector leadership.
Interested in volunteering? Register here:
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