Feds are using BC technology to monitor abandoned ships across the country

The Canadian government is using technology from Victoria-based company Barnacle Systems to remotely monitor abandoned ships.

BRNKL Rapid Deploy units from Barnacle Systems were purchased by the Canadian Coast Guard for US$513,000 and are deployed in seven different regions across the country.

“I’m so proud of our team and I’m so proud that the products we create can actually help protect our shoreline,” said Brandon Wright, CEO of Barnacle Systems. “To know that there are 2,700 abandoned and dangerous ships on our shores, to know that the Coast Guard is using our technology to assist them in their shore protection and ship salvage efforts is a great honor. “

Exactly 39 of these remote monitoring devices will be installed on dangerous ships across the country in the Arctic, Atlantic, Pacific and Central Lakes regions.

According to Wright, this benefits the Coast Guard because “rather than having to actually visit boats every month or every couple of weeks to check their status, they can actually get real-time updates from the boats quickly, 24/7.”

The BRNKL Rapid Deploy units are designed in Victoria and manufactured in Vancouver. The units monitor the vessel’s pitch and heel using an accelerometer to understand the boat’s data as it begins to sink.

“We also have GPS on board so we can pinpoint the boat’s position,” Wright said. “So when the abandoned boat starts to anchor and swim ashore, users will receive notifications immediately.”

This is just another step in the federal government’s marine conservation plan.

“The Canadian government is taking action to remove abandoned ships from our waters,” said Minister for Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard Joyce Murray. “By investing in new technology, we are enhancing the Canadian Coast Guard’s ability to monitor, manage and address marine risks, resulting in better protection of waterways today and in the future.”

Since 2016, the plan has funded nearly 500 abandoned boat removal and disposal projects across Canada.

Federal GovernmentGreater VictoriaOcean ProtectionTechnology