Introduction to the Presentation
The speaker begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to present, despite the original plan for an in-person meeting being altered due to the current circumstances, emphasizing a virtual handshake as a replacement for personal interaction.
Topic Overview
The primary focus of the presentation revolves around defining a value proposition for the CSB (Collaborative Surveying and Bathymetry) project and exploring how modern tools can be leveraged to deliver a robust business proposition for CSB. The speaker appreciates the audience's interest and highlights the relevance of recently gathered materials from Comet, hinting at significant insights that will be shared.
Client Focus: Seaports
The discussion notably emphasizes the challenges faced by seaports, which are a key client for Citco. The challenges include:
Increasing number of ships.
Larger ship sizes.
The impact of climate change.
Increasing frequency of shoalings and groundings.
The need for an adaptive service model is presented as crucial, moving from pure scientific data collection to fulfilling market needs regarding maritime navigation and safety.
Statistics on Groundings in Canada
Market studies reveal that, on average, there are about 60 grounding incidents per year in Canada, primarily due to outdated bathymetric products. Each incident can range in cost from:
Minor incidents: approximately $300,000.
Major incidents: nearly $4,000,000.
Consequently, this highlights a significant economic interest in improving product accuracy and updating bathymetric data.
Current Challenges in Bathymetric Surveys
The speaker introduces the current methods used in batymetric surveys:
Traditional bathymetric surveys are costly and have a limited lifespan due to the dynamic nature of environments like the Saint Lawrence River.
These surveys require specialized geomaticians for data interpretation, complicating the process.
Proposed Solution: Development of Collaborative Tools
The strategy involves utilizing collaborative imagery for enhancing the understanding and monitoring of bathymetric conditions. The proposed use case is supported by:
Fleet intelligence from data loggers.
Various communication channels.
A cloud-based backend supporting high-precision bathymetric product pipelines.
HydroBlock Solution
Citco has developed a data logging solution called HydroBlock, designed for continuous data recording and processing while meeting legal compliance through its geofencing capability. This tool tracks position and motion alongside satellite ephemerides, enabling high-precision post-processing (PPP and PPPK).
It operates 24/7, securely transferring data to the cloud. The speaker notes that these features aim to minimize legal risks and simplify operational logistics.
DevGuard: Integrated Software Solution
DevGuard is introduced as a supplementary software solution that aids support operators in monitoring reference metric surfaces and depth discrepancies.
This tool provides real-time alerts regarding anomalies, which are crucial for maintaining navigational safety.
The speaker emphasizes that CSB’s role is to monitor for discrepancies rather than to generate maps, positioning it as a monitoring tool rather than a survey tool.
Value Proposition of CSB
The speaker clarifies that CSB’s value proposition includes several key functionalities:
Definition of surveillance zones for monitoring.
Establishing minimal depth thresholds based on reference surfaces.
Utilizing measurements discrepancies to predict necessary dredging actions.
Automatic alert generation for anomalies against reference values, enhancing proactive management.
The overall objective outlined is to establish a dependable monitoring system that positions CSB as a vital asset in maritime operations.
Pilot Projects and Collaboration
The speaker cites several successful deployments, including:
Monitoring in the Saint Lawrence Waterway, aided by the Canadian Hydrographic Service, ensuring continuous data even in winter months due to unavailability of survey vessels.
A proof of concept demonstrating that sand dune height exceeded the required minimal depths in the Saint Lawrence Waterway as verified by multibeam ecostudies.
In British Columbia, demographic surveys focusing on coastal erosion issues affecting marina accessibility, showcasing CSB’s adaptability amidst challenging conditions.
Usage of whale cruise vessels for high-frequency data gathering, underscoring the collaborative nature of CEBS projects involving various stakeholders across multiple industries.
Partnerships and Community Engagement
The speaker expresses gratitude towards various partners and stakeholders, emphasizing their crucial role in providing expertise, tools, and feedback:
Canadian Hydrographic Service.
Danish Geodata Agency for utilizing HydroBlock technology.
Investors and partners from the OceanRise startup initiative tied to Canada’s Ocean Supercluster program.
University of New Hampshire, recognized for foundational work in related projects.
Ongoing Initiatives
The speaker outlines ongoing projects tied to:
The UN Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, reinforcing their dedication to sustainable practices.
Port of Quebec innovation, highlighting efforts to develop practical and innovative solutions.
Participation in broader industrial initiatives within Canada’s blue economy ecosystem.
Conclusion
In closing, the speaker encourages open dialogue for anyone interested in discussing details or seeing demonstrations of the solutions provided. He mentions the availability of pilot installation information and invites questions from the audience. The session wraps up on an engaging note, expressing excitement about upcoming presentations at the event.
The subsequent presentation is introduced, acknowledging the commitment and efforts of the next speaker, Betty from Kiribati, who makes a personal connection with the audience by presenting despite the challenges posed by time differences.