ST. JOHN'S, NL, April 13, 2015 /CNW Telbec/ - ArcticNet, a Network of Centres of Excellence of Canada, Statoil Canada, the Research & Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador (RDC) and Husky Energy will be partnering on a new research and technology development program on board the Canadian research icebreaker CCGS Amundsen offshore Newfoundland and Labrador in April. The collaboration will bring together the best expertise in academia and industry to collect scientific data and execute full-scale field testing of key technologies that are critical to understanding offshore and harsh weather environments. With a key focus on performing a safe expedition, this unique project will help improve safety practices related to ice hazard mitigation and provide insight on technology requirements specific to cold ocean regions.
From 17 April to 4 May, a team of 40 Canadian and international scientists and technical staff from ArcticNet, Statoil, and partner organizations as well as local Newfoundland and Labrador researchers, will study meteorological, sea ice, iceberg and environmental conditions and assess new data collection technologies in the study area north east of Newfoundland and Labrador. ArcticNet sea ice expert, Professor David Barber from the University of Manitoba, will be chief scientist on board the Amundsen during the 18-day expedition. As an independent academic-led network, ArcticNet provides a scientifically endorsed mechanism that allows the same reliable data to be accessible to all stakeholders, including industry, regulators, communities, government departments and the public.
This collaboration will promote the flow of best practices between the private sector and academia, allow Statoil to gain further knowledge applicable for their offshore developments and will permit ArcticNet to expand its data collection efforts, training programs and technical expertise. This program will build on ArcticNet's successful industry-research collaborations conducted on board the Amundsen in Hudson Bay and the Canadian Beaufort Sea, and Statoil's two successful research partnerships offshore northern Greenland using the icebreaker, Oden, in 2012 and 2013.
About ArcticNet
As part of its Networks of Centres of Excellence mandate, ArcticNet brings together scientists and managers in the natural, human health and social sciences with their partners from Inuit organizations, northern communities, federal and provincial agencies and the private sector to study the impacts of climate change and modernization in the coastal Canadian Arctic. Over 150 ArcticNet researchers and 1000 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, research associates, technicians and other specialists from 30 Canadian universities, and 20 federal and provincial agencies and departments collaborate with more than 150 partner organizations in 14 countries. Since 2004, ArcticNet has been using the CCGS Amundsen as its primary marine research infrastructure. For more information visit www.arcticnet.ulaval.ca and www.amundsen.ulaval.ca
About Statoil
Statoil is an international energy company with operations in over 30 countries. Building on more than 40 years of experience from oil and gas production on the Norwegian continental shelf, Statoil is committed to accommodating the world's energy needs in a responsible manner, applying technology and creating innovative business solutions.
A growing part of Statoil's Canadian operations is offshore Newfoundland, where Statoil has ambitions to become a producing operator. Statoil has built a strong position in the province, managing non-operated production and field developments as well as operating several exploration programs. Statoil is a partner in the Hibernia and Terra Nova fields as well as the Hebron and Hibernia South Extension developments. Statoil has made three discoveries in the Flemish Pass, including Bay du Nord. For more information about Statoil visit www.statoil.com
About RDC
RDC is a provincial Crown corporation responsible for improving Newfoundland and Labrador's research and development performance. RDC works with research and development stakeholders including business, academia and government agencies and departments to make strategic investments in highly qualified people, R&D infrastructure and innovative research. Find out more about RDC at www.rdc.org or on Twitter @RDCNL
SOURCE ArcticNet
Image with caption: "ArcticNet (CNW Group/ArcticNet)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150413_C6076_PHOTO_EN_14174.jpg
Image with caption: "Research & Development Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador (CNW Group/ArcticNet)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150413_C6076_PHOTO_EN_14175.jpg
Image with caption: "Statoil Canada (CNW Group/ArcticNet)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20150413_C6076_PHOTO_EN_14176.jpg
Share this article