THE PIER NETWORK WELCOMES PORT SAINT JOHN 

The PIER Network welcomes Port Saint John

September 25, 2024

The Halifax Port Authority (HPA) and Port Saint John (PSJ) today announced a joint commitment for collaboration and innovation between the two ports through The PIER Network. In this new venture, the Ports commit to co-creating, testing and ramping up the adoption of practical solutions to make Canada’s supply chains stronger.

“The vision for The PIER was to see the living lab become a national asset, solving problems we experience locally, but that are global in their nature,” said Mike Davie, Vice-President, Operations and Technology at the HPA. “With today’s announcement, the living lab grows.”

“We’re always striving to find innovative solutions that can create economic and social value,” says Serene Allen, Vice President of Strategy & Performance at Port Saint John. “The PIER network will allow us to collaborate with partners on shared priorities while delivering prosperity and sustainability for our port cities.”

Areas for potential collaboration between the two ports include:

  • Marine safety and cybersecurity
  • Evidence-informed policy making and regulatory development
  • Testing and demonstrating emerging technologies
  • Increased sustainability of marine port activities

Today’s announcement was made at PIER Member Day in Halifax, an annual event to bring together PIER members, supply chain partners and local stakeholders to highlight major outcomes at The PIER, celebrate member successes, and inspire collaboration on new solutions in supply chain and logistics.

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About The PIER Network

The PIER is Canada’s first living lab for supply chain and logistics. The PIER brings together key supply chain partners to collaborate and solve complex problems: focused on co-creating, testing and ramping up practical solutions to benefit Canada’s economy, the environment and local community. The PIER Network brings together Ports and Harbours to solve supply chain issues of local and national importance, leveraging the innovation ecosystem created at The PIER.

 About Port Saint John

Port Saint John is a rapidly advancing Port striving to be a catalyst for growth, recognized for community leadership. A critical piece of Canada’s national supply chain, the Port boasts a diverse cargo base and unparalleled optionality via three Class I Railways. By championing innovation, promoting meaningful engagement, and investing in infrastructure, Port Saint John aims to be a safe, efficient port of choice while delivering economic prosperity in New Brunswick and beyond.

 About the Port of Halifax

The Halifax Port Authority stewards key federal infrastructure and waters at the Port of Halifax as spaces for economic growth, innovation, tourism, and community. The port’s three main lines of business are cargo, cruise and real estate. Our deep harbour and advanced infrastructure mean that Halifax is the only Eastern Canadian port capable of accommodating Ultra Class ships and the largest container vessels to call at any port in Canada. Sustainability is built into every facet of the port and how we operate. Visit www.porthalifax.ca

Contact:

Emma Ross, Communications and Programming Coordinator, The PIER, [email protected]
Becky Knox, Strategic Communications Specialist, Port Saint John, [email protected]
Lori MacLean, Senior Manager Communications, Port Halifax, [email protected]
Opentop (PIN), [email protected]
homePORT (PIN), [email protected]

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Le CIPER Network accueille Port Saint John

Le 25 septembre 2024

L’Administration portuaire d’Halifax (APH) et Port Saint John (PSJ) ont annoncé aujourd’hui un engagement commun en faveur de la collaboration et de l’innovation entre les deux ports par l’intermédiaire du réseau Le CIPER. Dans le cadre de cette nouvelle entreprise, les ports s’engagent à cocréer, à tester et à accélérer l’adoption de solutions pratiques pour renforcer les chaînes d’approvisionnement du Canada.

« La vision du CIPER était de voir le laboratoire vivant devenir un atout national, résolvant les problèmes que nous rencontrons localement, mais qui sont de nature mondiale », a déclaré Mike Davie, vice-président des opérations et de la technologie à l’APH. « Avec l’annonce d’aujourd’hui, le laboratoire vivant prend de l’ampleur. »

« Nous nous efforçons toujours de trouver des solutions novatrices susceptibles de créer une valeur économique et sociale », déclare Serene Allen, vice-présidente de la stratégie et de la performance à Port Saint John. « Le réseau Le CIPER nous permettra de collaborer avec des partenaires sur des priorités communes tout en assurant la prospérité et la durabilité de nos villes portuaires. »
Les domaines de collaboration potentielle entre les deux ports sont les suivants

– la sécurité maritime et la cybersécurité

– Élaboration de politiques et de réglementations fondées sur des données probantes

– l’essai et la démonstration de technologies émergentes

– Durabilité accrue des activités portuaires maritimes.
L’annonce d’aujourd’hui a été faite lors de la journée des membres du CIPER à Halifax, un événement annuel visant à rassembler les membres du CIPER, les partenaires de la chaîne d’approvisionnement et les parties prenantes locales pour mettre en évidence les principaux résultats du CIPER, célébrer les réussites des membres et inspirer la collaboration sur de nouvelles solutions en matière de chaîne d’approvisionnement et de logistique.

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À propos du réseau Le CIPER

Le CIPER est le premier laboratoire vivant de la chaîne d’approvisionnement et de la logistique au Canada. Le CIPER rassemble des partenaires clés de la chaîne d’approvisionnement pour collaborer et résoudre des problèmes complexes : il se concentre sur la cocréation, la mise à l’essai et la mise en œuvre de solutions pratiques au profit de l’économie canadienne, de l’environnement et de la collectivité locale. Le réseau du CIPER rassemble les ports pour résoudre les problèmes de la chaîne d’approvisionnement d’importance locale et nationale, en tirant parti de l’écosystème d’innovation créé au CIPER.

À propos de Port Saint John

Port Saint John est un port en pleine expansion qui s’efforce d’être un catalyseur de croissance, reconnu pour son leadership communautaire. Élément essentiel de la chaîne d’approvisionnement nationale du Canada, le port peut se vanter d’avoir une base de marchandises diversifiée et une option inégalée grâce à trois chemins de fer de classe I. En se faisant le champion de l’innovation, en promouvant un engagement significatif et en investissant dans l’infrastructure, Port Saint John vise à être un port de choix sûr et efficace, tout en assurant la prospérité économique du Nouveau-Brunswick et au-delà.

À propos du Port d’Halifax

L’Administration portuaire d’Halifax gère les infrastructures fédérales clés et les eaux du Port d’Halifax en tant qu’espaces de croissance économique, d’innovation, de tourisme et de communauté. Les trois principaux secteurs d’activité du port sont le fret, les croisières et l’immobilier. Grâce à son port profond et à ses infrastructures de pointe, Port d’Halifax est le seul port de l’est du Canada capable d’accueillir des navires de classe Ultra et les plus grands porte-conteneurs à faire escale dans n’importe quel port du Canada. Le Développement durable est intégré à toutes les facettes du port et à notre mode de fonctionnement. Visitez le site www.porthalifax.ca

Contact:

Emma Ross, Coordonnatrice des communications et de la programmation, The PIER, [email protected]
Becky Knox, Spécialiste des communications stratégiques, Port Saint John, [email protected]
Lori MacLean, Directrice principale des communications, Port Halifax, [email protected]
Opentop (PIN), [email protected]
homePORT (PIN), [email protected]

B-LINE PARTNERS WITH THE PIER TO PROTECT THE HEALTH AND SAFETY OF TENANTS AND MANAGE THE NEW NORMAL OF HYBRID WORK

March 9, 2022, Halifax, Nova Scotia – B-Line, a state-of-the-art workplace management and contact tracing platform, announced today its collaboration with The PIER (Port Innovation, Engagement, and Research), Canada’s first living lab for transportation, supply chain, and logistics.

According to the Government of Nova Scotia, “Businesses and organizations need to follow the Health Protection Act Order and their sector-specific plans. They also need to follow Occupational Health and Safety COVID-19 Guidelines: Masks and Respirators in Non-healthcare Workplaces (PDF), Occupational Health and Safety COVID-19 Guidelines: Work-isolation (PDF), public health measures and guidance for workplace safety.”

B-Line has experienced significant growth over the last year helping organizations protect the health and safety of employees while helping them transition to a hybrid work model. As a global Centre of Excellence for research and collaboration in port innovation, planning, and strategy, The PIER is the newest organization to implement B-Line’s modern infectious disease prevention and workplace management platform with its staff and visitors.

In addition to helping The PIER help protect their employees’ safety, B-Line helps building managers make data-driven decisions through the use of mobile devices, access controls, and occupancy sensors.

“Having the opportunity to work alongside a Halifax-based start-up like B-Line is beneficial to our members. By using the B-Line phone application, members have easy access into The PIER,” said Andrew Black, Executive Director, The PIER.  “This application also ensures the safety of members as we adapt to the new normal of work. The PIER is a living lab, and having B-Line test, learn, and grow from within this space is exactly what The PIER is designed for.”

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Innovative Solutions Canada (ISC), a federal contracting entity, previously awarded B-Line a fixed-cost, fixed-term contract to further develop and test contact tracing and facilities management modules in anticipation of the post-pandemic return-to-work. As part of the contract, B-Line partnered with Canada’s Center of Excellence in Next Generation Networks (CENGN) to test and evaluate the solution across four domains: functionality, innovation, performance, and cybersecurity.

“The contact tracing and social distance management markets are expected to grow to $30 billion in the next five years,” said Shawn Kahandaliyanage, Director of Customer Solutions Engineering at CENGN. “To see a promising Canadian early-stage entrant like B-Line in this emerging field is exciting for the Canadian innovation community. By focusing on key differentiators of their solution, B-Line has the potential to succeed in this competitive market.”

Having integrated their system in multiple office spaces across North America, the key to B-Line’s success has been their ability to provide employees and organizations with the tools to make accurate data-driven decisions around workplace optimization while ensuring occupant confidence to manage the transition to hybrid work.

Learn more about B-Line features and benefits at bline.io.

About B-Line:

 B-Line is a Canadian tech company based in Halifax, Nova Scotia. B-Line has created an end-to-end facilities management and emergency alert platform that helps asset managers and employers prevent the spread of infectious disease in the workplace through capacity monitoring, contactless entry, and by collecting highly accurate location data that identifies possible chains of transmission as well as predictive analytics to limit the spread of infectious disease.

B-Line enables building owners and organizations to assess the risk of their portfolio and make data-driven decisions to protect building occupants and ensure tenant safety. Tenants are also able to instantly communicate directly with building managers through real-time messaging and in-app surveys to ensure occupant satisfaction and confidence in the safety of their workplace.

Beyond the data needed for infectious disease prevention, B-Line enhances a facility’s operations and helps to reimagine workplaces with spatial utilization data based on occupant’s usage to optimize facilities and reduce ongoing operating costs.

Product Services:

  • Building access control and capacity monitoring
  • Contact tracing and emergency alert platform
  • Predictive analytics and outbreak assessment tool
  • Mobile meeting and room booking
  • Real-time spatial usage and optimization

 

About The PIER:

 The PIER is a global showcase for sector innovation in transportation, supply chain and logistics. Through bringing together a complementary mix of operating partners, innovators, tech companies and researchers, The PIER creates a context where partners collaborate and innovate to tackle persistent industry problems that no one party can solve.

 For additional information, please visit: https://www.thepierhfx.com/

For more information, please contact Aaron Short, B-Line Founder and CEO by email at [email protected], or by phone at 416-305-7858.

THE PIER OFFICIALLY OPENS WELCOMING FOUNDING PARTNERS AND MEMBERS

November 25, 2021, Halifax Nova Scotia – Canada’s first living lab for transportation, supply chain and logistics is now open for business. “The PIER” at the Seaport officially opened its doors today, welcoming Founding Partners, Resident and Ecosystem Members, dignitaries, and other stakeholders. The PIER, short for Port Innovation, Engagement, and Research, is located at 1209 Marginal Road in the historic Halifax Seaport District. This is a monumental event for Halifax and for Canada’s transportation sector as The PIER brings together different stakeholders to develop innovative solutions for supply chain and logistics challenges that no one company can tackle on its own.

The list of Founding Partners and members for this living lab continues to grow with the recent addition of Bell Canada as its newest Founding Partner and Accenture as an Innovation Partner. Bell will deploy its 5G-ready managed wireless private network (WPN) throughout The PIER so that companies working in the collaborative workspace can benefit from robust connectivity and coverage in a secure environment. Through Accenture, The PIER can tap into a global network of thought leaders in freight, transportation, ports, and sustainability.

Other Founding Partners include CN, OMC International, PSA Halifax (a member of PSA International), and Saab Technologies Ltd. Halifax International Airport Authority (HIAA) will be joining The PIER as an Industry Partner.

Resident Members that have been welcomed to The PIER include SEASI, a data and analytics company, Datifex, an Ontario-based company providing real-time interactive 3D web applications, and B-Line, a contact tracing and facilities management start-up based in Halifax.

Additional Ecosystem Members include Halifax Regional Municipality, Ignite Labs, AKUA, Ashurst LLP, Canscan, DLT Labs, eeSea, Enginuity, Glas Ocean, IBI Group, MacKillop Pictou Law Group, Nicom IT, Nuvoola AI, and ROCarbon. These members will benefit from working alongside global partners and other resident members of The PIER to help build a community of innovators within the logistics, transportation, and supply chain industry.

Dalhousie University recently joined The PIER as a Research Partner, bringing in its leading global research in big data, maritime policy, sustainability, and ocean science. Dalhousie’s DeepSense will reside in The PIER. Earlier in 2021, BlueNode announced a partnership with Saab to enhance shipping data for the Port of Halifax. BlueNode is now a Resident Member of The PIER.

The PIER currently has six (6) Founding Partners, one (1) Industry Partner, five (5) Resident Members and 16 Ecosystem Members, with additional partners and members expected to join as this innovative workspace develops.

About The PIER:

 The PIER is global showcase for sector innovation in transportation, supply chain and logistics. Through bringing together a complementary mix of operating partners, innovators, tech companies and researchers, The PIER creates a context where partners collaborate and innovate tackle persistent industry problems that no one party can solve.

“A key strength of The PIER is the diversity of its membership. Having different transportation and supply chain partners all working under the same roof will create the conditions for the free flow of ideas. From that will come innovative solutions with benefits that reach far beyond those traditional sectors,” said Captain Allan Gray, President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority.

 About Bell:

 Bell is Canada’s largest communications company, providing advanced broadband wireless, TV, Internet media and business communication services throughout the country. Founded in Montréal in 1880, Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

 “Bell is proud to be a Founding Partner of The PIER and to collaborate with industry leaders to help shape the future of the transportation, supply chain and logistics industries, putting Canada at the forefront of innovation,” said Glen LeBlanc, Bell’s Chief Financial Officer and Vice Chair Atlantic.

About CN:

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 19,500-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship. https://www.cn.ca

“The PIER will continue the growth, expansion, and innovation that is the product of the long-standing relationship between the Port of Halifax and CN,” said JJ Ruest, President and CEO, CN.

  About Accenture:

 Accenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and security. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries, Accenture offers Strategy and Consulting, Interactive, Technology and Operations services — all powered by the world’s largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers. Visit us at www.accenture.com.

 Saab Technologies:

 Saab is an international software and services company specializing in enterprise software solutions for maritime ports, terminals, and pilotages. This company has been developing and installing comprehensive maritime software systems since 1985.

 “The contract for the Port of Halifax further strengthens our position in the port management market, not only in North America, but worldwide,” said Pavel Skournik, Managing Director at Saab. “The Port has a grand technology innovation plan, and we are proud to have been chosen as their visionary partner. Our cooperation with the Port will significantly boost our product innovation. We are supplying a Port Management Information System (PMIS) to streamline port operations, allowing all members of the port community to further improve collaboration and port call optimization.”

 About PSA:

 PSA Halifax is a container terminal in Halifax, Nova Scotia and is owned and operated by PSA International, a leading port group and trusted partner to cargo stakeholders. With natural deepwater, year-round ice-free access and the capability to handle the largest vessels visiting North America’s east coast, PSA Halifax’s commitment to service reflects a management team with diverse international experience. Building networked coastal and inland rail solutions, PSA Halifax offers global Carriers and Logistics providers a reliable route to market and capability as the Atlantic hub. Visit us at www.psahalifax.com, or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, or Instagram (@psahalifax).

“The PIER is an excellent fit for our organization and our vision for the future,” said Jan Van Mossevelde, Chief Executive Officer, PSA Halifax. “We are committed to continuously upgrading our services and innovating every aspect of our business. The PIER creates a collaborative space that will allow us to work with like-minded companies.”

About OMC International:

OMC International is an Australian maritime engineering company delivering multi award-winning digital port solutions and e-Navigation technologies. With a track record exceeding 170,000 transits globally and 28 years of experience, OMC International is the industry-leaders in providing under keel clearance solutions.

OMC also specialises in ship motion analysis, optimised dredging for cost effective channel design, and mooring system analysis and design, including real-time moored vessel warning systems. https://omcinternational.com

“OMC and DUKC® were born out of the complex challenges being faced by ports three decades ago. The innovations that have followed since have been undertaken alongside our clients, those forward-thinking ports that are searching for opportunities to do things better,” said Peter O’Brien, CEO, OMC International. “At OMC, we’re excited to be partnering with the Port of Halifax and members of The PIER to deliver solutions to meet both existing and emerging challenges being faced by the port and maritime industry.”

About BlueNode:

BlueNode is a data and technology company located in Halifax, Nova Scotia. BlueNode provides shipping and logistics companies with data integration, sanitation, analytics, and reporting services to reduce operational costs and increase business development opportunities.

BlueNode’s BNSuite automates the most important aspects of the maritime shipping data cleansing process.

“Our AI technology will lead to increased efficiency in the management of cargo. Residing in The PIER will help foster collaboration with all of the different partners and stakeholders locally and internationally,” said Louis Beaubien, Co-Founder and CEO, BlueNode.

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Lane Farguson
Manager, Media Relations and Communications
Halifax Port Authority
Ph. (902) 209-4504
[email protected]

BELL JOINS THE PIER AS FOUNDING PARTNER AND EXCLUSIVE TELECOMMUNICATIONS PROVIDER

November 22, 2021, Halifax, Nova Scotia – ‘The PIER’ at the Seaport is proud to announce Bell as a Founding Partner and exclusive telecommunications provider for its living lab that will help shape the future of the transportation, supply chain and logistics industries in Canada.

Bell will deploy its 5G-ready managed wireless private network (WPN) throughout The PIER so that companies working in the collaborative workspace can benefit from robust connectivity and coverage in a secure environment. Bell’s 5G network, the most awarded 5G network in Canada, will enable IoT solutions at the port that will reliably support business-critical functions with real-time data monitoring and reporting to reduce complexity and derive deeper insights.

“We are thrilled to be a Founding Partner of The PIER and the opportunity to work with industry leaders to co-develop scalable and innovative solutions for the supply chain, logistics and transportation industries,” said Claire Gillies, President of Bell Mobility. “Bell’s managed wireless private network will allow for more bandwidth density, connecting more equipment and devices to Canada’s fastest 5G network, ensuring secure, high performance data transmission.”

At The PIER, industry leaders in transportation, supply chain and logistics will come together to co-develop strategies and solutions to the supply chain challenges the port and its customers have encountered. The members and ecosystem partners will work together to build and test scalable solutions, and develop commercial opportunities that will benefit Canadian and global companies and their customers.

“Having Bell on board is significant for The PIER. Bell’s world-class infrastructure will provide the coverage, reliability and expertise needed to deliver the port’s network of the future,” said Captain Allan Gray, President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority. “Together, with the expertise of all our founding partners, we will be able to develop sustainable solutions for our port with benefits reaching well beyond the shipping industry.”

In addition to Bell, Founding Partners for The PIER include CN, a leading North American transportation and logistics company; PSA Halifax, a member of PSA International (PSA), a global port group and trusted partner to cargo stakeholders with over 50 locations in 26 countries around the world; OMC International, an Australian maritime engineering company that has developed award-winning e-Navigation technology to improve transit for large commercial ships; Saab Technologies Ltd., an international software and services company specializing in enterprise software solutions for maritime ports, terminals and pilotages; and the Halifax Port Authority. Dalhousie University, Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university, is a Research Partner for The PIER.

 The PIER at the Seaport opening will take place on November 25, 2021. Additional details will be provided closer to the launch date.

About the Halifax Port Authority:

The Halifax Port Authority (HPA) is a strategic port manager, connecting global markets to create value for customers, partners, visitors, and community. The HPA takes a leadership role in developing business for the Port of Halifax in collaboration with partners and is responsible for managing Port of Halifax assets. Collaborating and working with strong partners and stakeholders, the Port community in Halifax continues to deliver excellence.

About The PIER:

The PIER, short for Port Innovation, Engagement and Research, is a global showcase for sector innovation in transportation, supply chain and logistics located in the historic Halifax Seaport district. Through bringing together a complementary mix of operating partners, innovators, tech companies and researchers, The PIER creates an environment where partners collaborate and innovate to tackle the persistent industry problems that no one party can solve. The PIER will announce all new members and open its doors on November 25, 2021.

About Bell:
Bell is Canada’s largest communications company, providing advanced broadband wireless, TV, Internet, media and business communication services throughout the country. Founded in Montréal in 1880, Bell is wholly owned by BCE Inc. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

Through Bell for Better, we are investing to create a better today and a better tomorrow by supporting the social and economic prosperity of our communities with a commitment to the highest environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards. This includes the Bell Let’s Talk initiative, which promotes Canadian mental health with national awareness and anti-stigma campaigns like Bell Let’s Talk Day and significant Bell funding of community care and access, research and workplace leadership initiatives throughout the country. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca/LetsTalk.

Media inquiries: 

Lane Farguson
Halifax Port Authority
[email protected]
Ph. (902) 209-4504

Katie Hatfield
Bell Canada
[email protected]
@Bell_News

DALHOUSIE UNIVERSITY & THE HALIFAX PORT AUTHORITY ANNOUNCE RESEARCH PARTNERSHIP FOR THE PIER

November 15, 2021, Halifax Nova Scotia – Recognized for its outstanding quality of research and innovation, Dalhousie University will join “The PIER” at the Seaport. With leading global research in big data, maritime policy, and ocean science, among other fields, Dalhousie will help solve the persistent problems of the supply chain, transportation, and logistics industry with other PIER members.

The PIER, short for Port Innovation, Engagement and Research, is a global showcase for sector innovation in transportation, supply chain and logistics located in the historic Halifax Seaport district. Through bringing together a complementary mix of operating partners, innovators, tech companies and researchers, The PIER creates an environment where partners collaborate and innovate to tackle the persistent industry problems that no one party can solve. The PIER will open its doors on November 25, 2021.

The PIER community will benefit from Dalhousie’s cutting-edge research projects which are aligned with big data, artificial intelligence, and logistics, and will also enjoy access to cross-faculty expertise in areas which include marine law, urban planning, and engineering. Through Dalhousie, members of The PIER will access programs that fall under the “Dal Innovates” umbrella. With natural areas of alignment between Dalhousie’s DeepSense and The PIER including ocean innovation, AI, machine learning and sustainability, DeepSense will be residing in The PIER.

“Dalhousie is very pleased to be the research partner for The PIER,” says Alice Aiken, Dalhousie Vice-President Research and Innovation. “Dalhousie will bring world class research talent to help solve the problems of The PIER members. In addition, through our suite of innovation programming and expertise we will work together to help grow the start-up community in the marine transportation sector.”

“A key strength of The PIER is the diversity of its membership. Having different transportation and supply chain partners and stakeholders all working under the same roof will create the conditions for the free flow of ideas, and that will lead to innovative solutions that will have benefits that reach beyond those traditional sectors. By tapping into Dalhousie’s research and innovation capabilities, members of The PIER will have additional support needed to drive meaningful innovation across the logistics and transportation industry,” said Captain Allan Gray, President and CEO of the Halifax Port Authority.

DeepSense, as a member in The PIER, will create direct access to research capabilities for PIER members. As a resident member, Dalhousie will have access to meeting, classroom, and event room facilities. The infrastructure of this shared space will benefit DeepSense by its proximity to other ecosystem members and founding partners in this innovation environment and access to a global network of industry players, regulators, and other collaborators.

 About Dalhousie University

Dalhousie University is Atlantic Canada’s leading research-intensive university, a key driver of the region’s intellectual, social and economic development for over 200 years. Located in the heart of Halifax—in the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq—with an Agricultural Campus in Truro/Bible Hill, Dalhousie is a truly national and international university, with more than half of our 20,000 students coming from outside of the province. Our 6,000 faculty and staff foster a diverse, purpose-driven community, one that spans 13 faculties and conducts more than $194 million in sponsored research annually.

About DeepSense

Headquartered at Dalhousie University, the DeepSense innovation environment enables ocean related companies to harness the potential of data by working with leaders in AI, machine learning and applied ocean research. https://deepsense.ca/

About the Halifax Port Authority

The Halifax Port Authority (HPA) is a strategic port manager, connecting global markets to create value for customers, partners, visitors, and community. The HPA takes a leadership role in developing business for the Port of Halifax in collaboration with partners and is responsible for managing Port of Halifax assets. Collaborating and working with strong partners and stakeholders, the Port community in Halifax continues to deliver excellence.

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Note to editors: The grand opening of “The PIER” at the Seaport will take place on November 25, 2021. Additional details will be provided closer to the launch date.

Lane Farguson
Manager, Media Relations and Communications
Halifax Port Authority
Ph. (902) 426-7375
[email protected]

Andrew Riley
Communications Manager, Office of the VP Research and Innovation
Dalhousie University
[email protected]

FOUNDING PARTNERS ANNOUNCED FOR ‘THE PIER’ AT THE SEAPORT LIVING LAB

                         

March 11, 2021, Halifax Nova Scotia – The transportation industry in Halifax is taking a big step today toward becoming more collaborative and sustainable. ‘The PIER’ at the Seaport is proud to announce the founding partners who will work together, tactically and strategically, to develop solutions to the supply chain challenges the port and its customers encounter and to develop commercial opportunities globally and locally. PIER is short for Port Innovation, Engagement and Research.

The founding partners for ‘The PIER’ include CN, a leading North American transportation and logistics company; PSA Halifax, a member of PSA International (PSA), a global port group and trusted partner to cargo stakeholders with over 50 locations in 26 countries around the world; OMC International, an Australian maritime engineering company that has developed award-winning e-Navigation technology to improve transit for large commercial ships; and the Port of Halifax, a full-service deepwater international gateway and regional economic engine.

“The relationship between CN and the Port of Halifax goes back generations, to the very early days of both our organizations,” said JJ Ruest, President and CEO, CN. “We are proud to be involved in this latest development which is another positive step on this long journey together.”

“’The PIER’ project is an excellent fit for our organization and our vision for the future,” said Enno Koll, Head of Americas for PSA. “We are committed to continuously upgrading our services and innovating every aspect of our business. ‘The PIER’ creates a collaborative space that will allow us to work with like-minded companies.”

“OMC and DUKC® were born out of the complex challenges being faced by ports three decades ago. The innovations that have followed since have been undertaken alongside our clients, those forward-thinking ports that are searching for opportunities to do things better,” said Peter O’Brien, CEO, OMC International. “At OMC, we’re excited to be partnering with the Port of Halifax and members of ‘The PIER’ to deliver solutions to meet both existing and emerging challenges being faced by the port and maritime industry. ‘The PIER’ is a logical next step for us as we continue to grow our presence in Canada and North America. Being able to do so alongside other global companies in a collaborative way is a win-win scenario.”

“Bringing partners together in a living lab environment will create the conditions that allow us to solve the intricate problems facing the transportation sector,” said Captain Allan Gray, President and CEO, Halifax Port Authority. “No one party can tackle these challenges on their own, but together, we can develop sustainable solutions with benefits that reach well beyond the shipping industry.”

With founding partners in place, ‘The PIER’ at the Seaport will operate virtually as the physical space is developed. Please visit www.thepierhfx.com for additional information or to sign up for automatic updates.

About CN:

CN is a world-class transportation leader and trade-enabler. Essential to the economy, to the customers, and to the communities it serves, CN safely transports more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year. As the only railroad connecting Canada’s Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. South through a 19,500-mile rail network, CN and its affiliates have been contributing to community prosperity and sustainable trade since 1919. CN is committed to programs supporting social responsibility and environmental stewardship.

About PSA:

PSA International (PSA) is a leading port group and trusted partner to cargo stakeholders. With flagship operations in Singapore and Antwerp, PSA’s global network encompasses over 50 locations in 26 countries around the world. The Group’s portfolio comprises 60 deepsea, rail and inland terminals, as well as affiliated businesses in distriparks, warehouses and marine services. Drawing on the deep expertise and experience from a diverse global team, PSA actively collaborates with its customers and partners to deliver world-class port services alongside, develop innovative cargo solutions and co-create an Internet of Logistics. As the partner of choice in the global supply chain, PSA is “The World’s Port of Call”.  Visit us at www.globalpsa.com.

About OMC International:

OMC International is an Australian maritime engineering company delivering multi award-winning digital port solutions and e-Navigation technologies. With a track record exceeding 170,000 transits globally and 28 years of experience, OMC International is the industry-leaders in providing under keel clearance solutions.

OMC also specialises in ship motion analysis, optimised dredging for cost effective channel design, and mooring system analysis and design, including real-time moored vessel warning systems. https://omcinternational.com/

About the Port of Halifax:

The Port of Halifax is Canada’s Ultra Atlantic Gateway, connecting to more than 150 countries. The direct economic output of Port of Halifax operations and Nova Scotia exporters is $2.45 billion, generating 13,600 jobs. Offering a natural, deep harbour and big ship infrastructure, Halifax can accommodate large volumes of containerized cargo, breakbulk cargo and project cargo of any size. Collaborating and working with strong partners and stakeholders, the Port community in Halifax continues to deliver excellence.

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Lane Farguson
Manager, Media Relations & Communications
Halifax Port Authority
Ph. (902) 426-7375
[email protected]