This year’s Maritime and Arctic Security and Safety Conference (or MASS) is expected to be a busy one with Arctic sovereignty front and center.

The federal government has reportedly chosen Germany’s TKMS to build Canada’s new submarine fleet.

The conference, at the St. John’s Convention Centre July 13th to the 16th, is bringing together industry leaders, northern representatives, and others from around the world to discuss Canada’s security and safety in the northern and coastal regions.

Marine Institute instructor and Master Mariner, Kris Drodge says this year’s conference is going be a busy one.

“the sovereignty piece is huge now,” said Drodge, “and with the increased interest from government and the nation, it makes this year’s conference bigger than usual.”