Investing in Clean Technology for the Fishing Industry

From: Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency

News release

Prince Edward Island-based company develops hybrid vessel for in-shore lobster fishery  

April 6, 2022 · Montague, Prince Edward Island · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Building a sustainable lobster industry is essential to building Prince Edward Island’s economy, and its global reputation for producing quality food. Across all sectors, clean growth means more and better-paying jobs, an improved environment and quality of life, and prosperity for all Canadians. The Government of Canada is supporting innovation in clean technologies for primary industries in Atlantic Canada.

PEI-developed technology will support growth throughout Atlantic Canada

Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Cardigan, announced a federal investment of of $340,000 to support Aspin Kemp & Associates (AKA) in the development of a diesel-electric hybrid fishing vessel for the in-shore lobster fishery.

The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

The project involved design, fabrication and testing of a commercial-scale prototype that is now being showcased around the region. Initial units built by AKA will demonstrate to regional lobster fishers how the technology can reduce fuel costs as well as the carbon footprint of the in-shore fleet. Aspin Kemp hopes to license this technology in other markets across Canada and internationally in the coming years.

Expanding the use of clean technologies is an important component of the Government of Canada’s approach to promoting sustainable economic growth, and is playing a critical role in Canada’s transition to a low-carbon economy. 

Quotes

“ Today’s announcement builds on our commitment to support clean technology, advance the food sector, and become leaders in the ocean economy. With these strategic investments, we are paving the way for new innovative technologies that will benefit all Canadians.”
- Honourable Ginette Petitpas Taylor, Minister of Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA.

“I have enjoyed watching the remarkable research and development team at Aspin Kemp make major strides in renewable energies, microgrids, batteries, and more. Their work has received international attention, and has been essential to propelling the economy in our communities in eastern Prince Edward Island.”
- Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Member of Parliament for Cardigan

“On behalf of AKA, I would like to express my sincere gratitude for the funding we received towards this innovative venture. Through this support, we were able to turn our vision of a greener fishing industry into reality by creating a hybrid power and propulsion system specifically designed to meet the needs of this industry. Although AKA has been delivering hybrid propulsion systems to the global Marine industry since 2007, this hybrid lobster fishing boat is our first system for fishing vessels. In Atlantic Canada and on PEI, the fishing industry is of great importance in our day-to-day, and I am proud that AKA will be able to deliver safe, reliable, and green systems right here in our area.”
- Jason Aspin, CEO, Aspin Kemp & Associates

Quick facts

  • Aspin Kemp & Associates (AKA) is a Canadian engineering firm that designs and manufactures advanced power systems that lead the industry in reliability and efficiency. The company is headquartered in Montague, PEI.

  • ACOA is providing a contribution of $345,000 through the Regional Economic Growth through Innovation (REGI).

  • The National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP) previously provided Aspin Kemp & Associates with advisory services and funding to support early stage research and development of the diesel-electric hybrid fishing vessel.

  • The Province of PEI is providing a grant of $20,000 through Innovation PEI.

Associated links

Contacts

Marianne Blondin
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Official Languages and of the
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Marianne.Blondin@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Michael Critchley 
Senior Communications Advisor
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Michael.Critchley@acoa-apeca.gc.ca

Allen Roach
Business Development Officer
Aspin Kemp & Associates Inc.
hybridfishingboat@aka-group.com

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