THE LAUNCH

By Kimberley Thornhill, B.COMM.’92

Memorial University's Marine Institute officially opened The Launch in Holyrood, N.L., on May 15. As one of the university's portals to the ocean, The Launch will provide the Canadian ocean research community with the capability and capacity to capitalize on the dynamic and often scalable environment required to deliver leading-edge research in applied ocean science. PHOTO: SUBMITTED
Memorial University’s Marine Institute officially opened The Launch in Holyrood, N.L., on May 15. As one of the university’s portals to the ocean, The Launch will provide the Canadian ocean research community with the capability and capacity to capitalize on the dynamic and often scalable environment required to deliver leading-edge research in applied ocean science. PHOTO: SUBMITTED

ON MAY 15, Memorial University’s Marine Institute officially opened The Launch: a hub for cold-ocean innovation, discovery, learning and leadership for the global oceans sector.

Formerly known as the Holyrood Marine Base, The Launch will support at-sea education, training and research in the areas of ocean science and technology, ocean safety, fisheries and the marine environment.

Strategically located in Holyrood, N.L., the facility sits on the cold, clean waters of the Labrador Current, offering access to deep-water, cold-ocean research and development almost year-round.

Director Kelley Santos is excited for the training and research opportunities and collaborations The Launch will bring.

“Expansion of this facility, combined with the tremendous opportunities currently available for the ocean technology sector, will provide a vibrant, innovative centre for advancing technology development, training and research for Memorial University and the province of Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Ms. Santos.

The Launch includes the following features:

• The Dr. Arthur W. May building — a newly completed 3,345-square-metre, multi-purpose building with large, high bay workshops with wharf access

• A 557-square-metre building for ocean observation and safety and survival training

• Industry and academic spaces with laboratories, classrooms, conference, office and collaboration spaces

• Sheltered access to the Atlantic Ocean via marginal wharf and finger pier

• A marine fleet with a variety of work vessels equipped with highly specialized technology, and autonomous and remotely operated vehicles available for academic and research and development purposes

• A Subsea Centre of Excellence — a water lot featuring infrastructure to support the evaluation and development of next-generation ocean technologies, autonomous systems, remote operations, digitalization and ocean vehicle training and research. With access to technology, technical expertise, vessels and collaborative partnerships, The Launch will be a premier oceans innovation centre to further Canada’s Blue Economy Strategy and support opportunities presented by the United Nations’ Decade of Ocean Science.