Oil, ocean technology and environment companies are about to get a clearer and better view of deep sea activities.
Clarenville-based SubC Control Ltd. yesterday received $115,957 from the Research & Development Corporation (RDC) for the creation of an underwater single-lens reflex camera, capable of taking high definition still videos by being mounted on a remotely operated vehicle (ROV).
“Companies operating in a variety of deep sea conditions require the ability to see the dangers and risks they are working in,” said the Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister Responsible for the RDC. “Young entrepreneurial companies such as SubC Control are putting Newfoundland and Labrador on the global map, attracting clients and collaborators around the world and delivering the message that Newfoundland and Labrador is a leader in the development of ocean technology services.”
The high-tech camera will allow for inspecting the integrity of underwater structures, including leak monitoring; confined space inspections; scientific studies of target underwater areas and ongoing rig and pipeline maintenance.
“Today’s investment supports innovation in the province’s growing ocean technology sector,” said Glenn Janes, Chief Executive Officer of RDC . “The work being carried out by SubC Control satisfies a number of market requirements while supporting the creation of specialized research equipment needed by industry operating in harsh environments.”
The funding comes from RDC’s Research and Development (R&D) Proof of Concept program, which aims to help companies reduce the technical and financial risk of pre-commercial research and development projects for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Launched in 2010, SubC Control has marketed its product to potential clients and partners in Canada, Europe, United States, Africa, Asia and Australia. The company provides reliable solutions for video, image and lighting requirements in the offshore and subsea markets.
“This project will continue to build our expertise developing products that can save our customers money and help prevent potentially dangerous situations from occurring,” said Chad Collett of SubC Control. “By living in the North Atlantic, we are able to develop the technology that underwater cameras need to withstand the challenges of a cold ocean.”
RDC is a provincial Crown corporation responsible for improving Newfoundland and Labrador’s R&D performance. RDC works with R&D stakeholders including business, academia and government agencies and departments. In Budget 2012: People and Prosperity RDC was allocated $19 million to make strategic research and development related investments in people, strategic opportunities and infrastructure.
[mappress] Subsea World News Staff , July 19, 2012