Article Synopsis
Nanaimo’s COAST Industry Showcase put the city at the center of Pacific Canada’s blue economy. Attendees toured Shift Coastal Technologies’ Esplanade facility, exploring unmanned systems and integrated coastal monitoring tools, then visited SEAMOR Marine’s ROV production and testing site. The event connected local innovators with the Marine Technology Society’s international network, highlighting collaborative growth in marine technology. For investors, Nanaimo offers access to emerging ocean technology capabilities and expanding export opportunities. The showcase underscores the city’s role as a practical hub where steady technological progress and partnerships drive the sustainable blue economy forward.
The Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technology hosted the COAST Industry Showcase in Nanaimo, guiding participants through on-site visits at two local ocean technology firms, Shift Coastal Technologies and SEAMOR Marine.
COAST’s Role in the Blue Economy
COAST serves as a regional hub for Pacific Canada’s sustainable blue economy. The organization brings together industry, researchers and communities to support marine innovation and expand export potential.
Shift Coastal Technologies Tour
The showcase opened at Shift Coastal Technologies’ new Esplanade facility. Staff demonstrated the company’s unmanned systems and its Coastal Intelligence Management System, CiMS, which integrates sensor feeds from air, sea and subsea platforms into a unified operational view. Participants toured the workspace and discussed how consolidated data streams can strengthen coastal monitoring and maritime security.
Inside SEAMOR Marine’s ROV Facility
The group then visited SEAMOR Marine’s Northfield Road facility, where the company presented its line of remotely operated inspection-class vehicles. Attendees observed demonstrations in the test tank, viewed the shop floor and received early information on upcoming vehicle designs and components. Participants were also invited to pilot ROV equipment and observe production and testing processes.
Marine Technology Society Partnership
The Marine Technology Society co-hosted the event, linking the local company tours to its broader international network of marine technology professionals. This partnership positioned the showcase within a wider landscape of research, regulatory and commercial activity.
Building Momentum
The showcase highlighted the depth of marine technology activity underway in Nanaimo and the role of collaborative events in connecting regional capabilities with wider industry needs. The day underscored that progress in the sector often emerges through steady improvements in tools, processes and partnerships that support continued growth.
