Several local companies stand to benefit from funding for the latest batch of projects through Canada’s Ocean Supercluster.

A total of $13 million was announced yesterday for four innovation projects involving the province’s ocean tech sector.

Oceans Advance in St. John’s and Hatch Blue of Ireland will receive $1.7 million to advance sustainable seafood production and position the Atlantic region as a hub for aquaculture innovation.

Virtual Marine of Paradise, in partnership with Thales Canada of Quebec, are getting $1.1 million toward enhanced simulators for marine personnel training.

Ontario-based Visual Defence, along with Compusult of Mount Pearl and AXYS Technologies in B.C. are getting $7.7 million to develop an A.I. platform for various ocean applications, including for defence.

And Genoa Design of Mount Pearl, along with SSI of B.C., will be funded to the tune of $2.4 million to improve the efficiency and safety of ships.

Cape Spear MP Tom Osborne, now Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board, highlighted the short and long-term payoffs.

“These initiatives are not only creating jobs and economic opportunities but they will help Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada in tackling some of the world’s biggest challenges in ocean sustainability.”