Open Ocean Robotics is taking its zero-emission autonomous boat north for testing at the Port of Prince Rupert. The Victoria company's DataXplorer Gen 2 will spend time collecting ocean and marine data as part of a $409,000 project backed by Innovate BC's Integrated Marketplace program.
The vessel runs on solar power and operates without anyone on board, monitoring ocean conditions more sustainably than traditional boats while gathering data for port operations. Co-founder and CEO Julie Angus says the Prince Rupert testbed gives the company a chance to show how uncrewed surface vehicles can make port and coastal operations safer and more sustainable in real-world conditions.
"Through Innovate BC's Integrated Marketplace, we are able to validate our technology alongside public-sector partners, accelerating the adoption of low-emission, ocean-monitoring solutions in ports," Angus said.
Open Ocean's project is one of three technology tests happening at the port, collectively worth more than $1.7 million. Nuport Robotics is installing a data system on a short-haul truck to cut emissions and boost productivity. Hydra Energy is building a hydrogen-fuelling station and testing zero- and low-emission vehicles for port deliveries.
Beyond commercial use, the BC government says these technologies could strengthen Canada's sovereignty and defence capabilities. Uncrewed surface vessels could have applications for the coast guard and navy, while innovations from Nuport and Hydra Energy might improve logistics and supply chains for both commercial and defence operations.
The Integrated Marketplace launched in 2023 through a partnership between the BC government and Pacific Economic Development Canada. Run by Innovate BC, the program helps BC companies test and scale their innovations while reducing adoption risk for industry partners. There are five testbeds across the province.
Rick Glumac, BC's minister of state for artificial intelligence and new technologies, says the projects demonstrate what Canadian innovation can do. "By testing cutting-edge clean technologies in Prince Rupert, we're proving that our homegrown tech solutions can reduce emissions, improve safety and strengthen our economy," he said.