NRC Institute for Ocean Technology
(NRC-IOT)

(St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador)

Developing Technology for the Marine Environment

NRC-IOT is an internationally recognized leader in ocean engineering research and a catalyst for advancing Canadian ocean technology. The Institute collaborates with industry, research organizations and government to anticipate and respond to challenges and opportunities that will improve the competitiveness of Canadian industry.

Its research program focuses on such areas as ship and underwater vehicle dynamics, ice effects on marine systems, mooring and towed body simulation, wavecurrent interaction, and wave impact analysis. NRC-IOT conducts its research through modeling ocean environments, predicting and improving the performance of marine systems, and developing innovative technologies that bring benefits to Canada's marine industries.

Ice tank testing vessels in a simulated Arctic environment

The Institute's facilities include the world's longest ice tank (90 metres), an offshore engineering basin, and a 200-metre towing tank. NRC-IOT's specialized equipment includes a marine dynamic test facility to evaluate vessel manoeuvring characteristics, a yacht dynamometer and a cavitation tunnel. NRC-IOT facilities provide an essential infrastructure targeted to meet the needs of industry and support leading-edge R&D.

NRC-IOT combines unique expertise and world-class facilities to address the needs of large multinational companies, SMEs and consultants. Its new Industry Partnership Facility allows companies to develop their technologies surrounded by the expertise and facilities needed to bring ideas to the marketplace. The Institute serves as a mentor and incubator for Canadian ocean technology, as well as a conduit for international technology coming to Canada. It is a key player in the establishment of an ocean technology cluster for St. John's, a critical mass of business and research that will permit Canadian industry to compete in the global marketplace of the 21st century.