(Dartmouth, Nova Scotia) February 2, 2009 – MetOcean is pleased to announce that it has been awarded funding from Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency’s (ACOA) Atlantic Innovation Fund (AIF).

Project “Oceanus” will encompass the research, design and development of a new generation profiling float. The new profiler will primarily collect ocean temperature, salinity and acoustic data that will subsequently be communicated to end-users via the Iridium satellite system. Iridium satellite technology will improve profiling accuracy, reliability and will allow the profiler to transmit additional data within real-time throughout its operating life. Further design improvements will reduce sensor fouling, have the ability to reprogram floats during deployment and will be air-deployable. The new subsurface profiling float will also include a considerable size reduction and configuration.  The project management and core design development of the new profiler will take place at MetOcean’s production facility in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.

Dalhousie University’s Department of Oceanography will also be collaborating on this project and will ensure that our new profiling float meets the requirements of the scientific community with respects to selection and variability of the core sensor suite.

“After all the time and energy put into the AIF submission for Project Oceanus, it is very gratifying to have ACOA recognize our vision and realize the potential of Project Oceanus.  Without their support through the AIF Fund, it is difficult to say when this project would have got off the ground, if ever.  Now, MetOcean is poised to add another key product to our current product portfolio of leading global remote data collection and telemetry products” 

David Steele, P.Eng., Project Development Manager 

For additional information the Oceanus prototype, please contact our sales department at sales@metocean.com