The Smart Hook System revolutionizes subsea untethered vehicle recovery by enabling safe, efficient operations in harsh ocean conditions. The innovative system operates autonomously, reducing reliance on costly, dynamically positioned vessels and risks associated with vehicle recovery at the surface.

This project is led by Collingwood, ON-based Impossible Metals Canada, in partnership with SEAMOR Marine of Nanaimo, BC, and Enginuity Inc. from Halifax, NS. With a total project value of $4 million, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is investing $1.2 million, with the balance of funding coming from project partners.

Key advancements from this project include autonomous navigation, dynamic engagement mechanisms, and integration with standard vessels, making recovery faster, safer, and more cost-effective. With applications in deep-sea mining, autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV) recovery operations, and crewed submersible recovery, the Smart Hook enhances operational windows and minimizes environmental impact.

By advancing cutting-edge autonomous recovery solutions, this project reinforces Canada’s position as a global leader in AUV and remotely operated vehicle systems and stimulates economic growth in the ocean economy by highlighting innovative technologies developed by Canadian companies.

Through Ambition 2035 and together with Canada’s ocean community, we are bold in our ambition to grow Canada’s ocean economy 5X to $220 billion by 2035. Continued investment in the accelerated development and commercialization of globally relevant ocean solutions made in Canada, including the projects announced today, will help us realize this ambition. Read more about recommendations to help achieve this transformational growth opportunity outlined in “Charting the Course to 5X Growth in Canada’s Ocean Economy.”