Canada’s Ocean Supercluster Announces $6M OCEANIC Digital Twin Maritime Autonomy Project

September 24, 2025

(Montreal) – Canada’s Ocean Supercluster today announced the $6.3 million OCEANIC Digital Twin Maritime Autonomy Project led by Humanitas Solutions Inc.

The OCEANIC Project is advancing an AI-powered digital twin platform that addresses the most pressing challenges in modern maritime operations—including ship navigation, fleet maintenance, and overall efficiency. By enabling a hyper-realistic simulation environment, the OCEANIC project’s use of HyperXspace, a flagship technology using AI enabled digital twin, provides a safe and cost-effective testbed for autonomous navigation systems, predictive maintenance algorithms, and next-generation communication frameworks. This approach not only minimizes development risks but also accelerates deployment, ensuring faster, safer, and more reliable adoption of smart maritime technologies.

This project is led by Montreal, QC-based Humanitas Solutions Inc., in partnership with AML Croisières in Quebec for digital twin to real twin validation. With a total project value of $6.3 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $3.1 million through its Pan Canadian AI Strategy funding allocation, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.

Through its collaborative approach, this project will establish a maritime AI technology cluster, bringing together SMEs, academia, and industry to drive innovation, training, and global leadership in green shipping and autonomous technologies. It will also boost Canada’s ocean economy by creating more than 200 high-tech jobs and supporting hundreds more through industry and academic partnerships.

Through Ambition 2035 and together with Canada’s ocean community, we are bold in our ambition to grow Canada’s ocean economy 5X to $220 billion by 2035. Continued investment in the accelerated development and commercialization of globally relevant, made in Canada ocean solutions will help us realize this ambition. Read more about recommendations to help achieve this transformational growth opportunity outlined in Charting the Course to 5X Growth in Canada’s Ocean Economy and the projected benefits to Canada here.

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Media Contacts
Nancy Andrews
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
nancy.andrews@oceansupercluster.ca

About Canada’s Ocean Supercluster
Canada’s Ocean Supercluster accelerates the development and commercialization of made-in-Canada ocean solutions in energy transition, food security, future of transport, and climate change while also growing more companies, creating more jobs, and attracting ocean talent. As Canada’s national ocean cluster, the OSC is a convenor of members, partners, and networks and a catalyst for transformative growth that helps build the robust ecosystem needed to help realize Ambition 2035 – a 5X growth potential in ocean in Canada by 2035. To date, the OSC has approved more than 140 projects valued at more than $500 million, which will deliver more than 300 new made-in-Canada ocean products, processes, and services to sell to the world.

Quotes

“The OCEANIC project, which is supported by the Ocean Supercluster, is another example of how Canada is investing in innovative solutions for a more prosperous and competitive country. By harnessing AI-powered technology, this initiative will transform ship navigation and maintenance, enhance the efficiency of Canadian fleets, and create new economic opportunities for Indigenous communities.” – The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry and Minister responsible for Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions

“Artificial intelligence is shaping the future of Canada’s maritime sector, and the OCEANIC project is a prime example of our nation’s commitment to innovation. By integrating AI-driven digital twin platforms, Humanitas Solutions and its partners are revolutionizing how ships are designed, operated and maintained. This cutting-edge technology will not only accelerate the adoption of safe and efficient maritime solutions but also empower Canadian businesses and communities to thrive in the global economy.” – The Honourable Evan Solomon, Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Innovation and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario

“Innovation, collaboration, and ambition are at the core of Canada’s ocean economy, and the OCEANIC Project represents all three. By bringing together industry, SMEs, and communities to co-develop next-generation maritime AI, this project strengthens Canada’s global leadership in green shipping, creates high-tech jobs at home, and ensures the benefits of ocean innovation are shared widely, including with northern and Indigenous communities.” – Kendra MacDonald, CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster

“At Humanitas, we are building the next generation of autonomous systems and AI capabilities for the maritime sector. We believe that innovation in maritime autonomy will transform how fleets operate—making them safer, greener, and more efficient. Partnering with Canada’s Ocean Supercluster and AML Croisières allows us to accelerate these advancements from concept to real-world deployment. The OCEANIC Project demonstrates Canada’s ability to lead in AI-driven ocean technology, while creating jobs and building expertise that will benefit our industry and communities for years to come.” — Dr. Abdo Shabah, CEO, Humanitas Solutions

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