By Lisa Kopochinski
3GA Marine Ltd. was formed in 2012 and is currently operated by three visionaries — David Mietla, Daniel McIntyre, and Iain Mill. 3GA has swiftly sailed to the forefront as a beacon of innovation in the realm of naval architecture and marine engineering. The firm pioneered the adoption of 3D laser scanning technology in Canada, a leap that has since become instrumental in refining the process of data collection for vessel refits and stability analysis, thereby elevating the precision and efficiency of these endeavors.
Now, they are steering the helm of innovation in the electrification domain with a focus on electric tugs, water taxis, work/crew boats, and ferries. The ingenuity of 3GA extends beyond mere designs; it’s the tools employed to craft these designs that set them leagues apart in the industry. Be it 3D laser scanning, virtual/mixed reality collaboration and quality tools, or proprietary AI software, 3GA Marine is synonymous with cutting-edge innovation.
Significant Milestones
Battling against industry inertia, the company has marked significant milestones, notably their involvement in the development of a first of its kind 12m electric tugboat currently under construction, and their strides in electrifying British Columbia’s inland ferry fleet. These achievements underline their unwavering commitment to eco-conscious, impactful solutions that align with contemporary eco-centric values. The core ambition of 3GA is to be recognized as the quintessential sustainable vessel design firm, delivering cost-effective and efficient vessels unparalleled in the industry.
Currently, 3GA is partnering with numerous tug operators to transition their fleets toward sustainability, focusing on boosting operational efficiency and significantly reducing energy costs. The company’s innovative hull designs and electric propulsion systems provide ship owners with a large competitive advantage, thanks to the notable fuel cost savings achieved through electric propulsion technology. A reflection of their innovative spirit is the anticipated unveiling of an all-electric water taxi catamaran hull at the end of Q4 2023, along with the showcase of an all-electric tugboat set for delivery near the end of Q1 2024. These advancements, designed to support an all-electric propulsion system, are set to replace conventional vessels of similar size and function. The pioneering in hull design, paired with cutting-edge electric technology, enables operations free of greenhouse gas emissions, cutting fuel costs by over 80 per cent. The traditional era of internal combustion is fading, unable to match the operational savings provided by cost-effective hydro-generated electricity.
With a robust suite of services encompassing design, operations, and naval architectural analysis, 3GA Marine is a formidable player in the conventional, all-electric, and hybrid tug and small vessel market, as well as the cable and hybrid ferries market. They excel in planning, refits, production, and providing indispensable support to shipowners and/or shipyards during refits or new constructions. Their expertise also extends to work boats, energy, and shipping sectors, offering invaluable support to owners and operators of marine assets.
Operating from their bases in Victoria and Burnaby, 3GA Marine Ltd. is powered by a dynamic team of approximately 30 dedicated professionals distributed across both locations.
“Our collective efforts encompass a broad spectrum of services, including new design, analysis, surveying, project support, engineering, and consulting,” says Mietla, president. “Our advancements in electric propulsion and ship design have acted as a catalyst for industry-wide adoption, showcasing the impact of our visionary approaches.”
The hallmark of the company’s journey has been their pioneering transition from traditional internal combustion systems to avant-garde electric propulsion. Their voyage towards electrification resonates with global sustainability aspirations, albeit with its share of hurdles and triumphs.
Driving Innovation for a Greener Tomorrow
Navigating change in a traditionally conservative industry is laden with challenges.
“Overcoming skepticism and resistance from the old guard has proven to be an uphill battle,” says Mill, director of engineering. “However, our persistence and groundbreaking achievements have reshaped perceptions.”
3GA Marine Ltd. has swiftly established itself as a formidable and focused force in engineering and consulting, significantly enhancing vessel design and engineering across a diverse marine spectrum. Their major contributions encompass:
- New Hull and Electric Propulsion System Design, Owner/Shipyard Support, and Through-Life Support: Their expertise radiates through meticulously crafted designs and comprehensive support for ongoing projects.
- Pioneering 3D Scanning: Setting industry benchmarks, 3GA Marine Ltd. was among the trailblazers in the 3D scanning arena. This innovation has revolutionized vessel assessment, enabling pre-fabrication techniques that markedly curtail refit labor and rework, with 3GA witnessing reductions upwards of 40 per cent in shipyards employing pre-engineering and pre-fabrication with 1mm accurate 3D Laser Scanning.
- Revolutionizing Propulsion Systems: Championing the electrification of propulsion systems marked a pivotal milestone for 3GA Marine Ltd.
“We acknowledge the imperative for change within our industry and have been tirelessly innovating to cater to the demand for a more sustainable marine sector,” says McIntyre. “Our commercially viable electric vessels are outclassing their conventional counterparts. The operational savings alone are persuading shipowners to transition to electric, rendering them more competitive, profitable, and environmentally responsible. We are once again pioneering in our local market, striving to change our marine industry into an environmentally responsible entity.”
McIntyre further adds, “By adopting forward-thinking practices, we were able to spearhead this transition from traditional internal combustion systems to cleaner, electric alternatives.”
Among the defining milestones is 3GA Marine Ltd.’s instrumental role in electrifying British Columbia’s inland ferry fleet, a monumental endeavor underscoring their dedication to pragmatic, sustainable solutions yielding positive environmental impact.
Additionally, the firm has navigated relatively uncharted waters with the creation of electric tugboats, a groundbreaking venture that is expanding the horizons of electric propulsion for vessels and challenging conventional norms.
Looking Ahead
With a solid track record of accomplishments, 3GA Marine Ltd. shows no signs of slowing down. As they continue to forge ahead, the team is well-positioned to expand their horizon of innovation even further.
Continuing to set new benchmarks, the company is at the forefront of developing electric tugboats, embodying their commitment to pushing the envelope. This project is set to redefine the potential for larger vessels, serving as a testament to their resolve.
“This includes a vision that encompasses a maritime realm where sustainable practices and advanced technologies are harmonized seamlessly, fostering a greener future for the industry,” says Mietla.
McIntyre concludes, “Our unwavering commitment to push boundaries and broaden our horizons is poised to usher in more revolutionary changes to the maritime industry. As electrification gathers steam, our resolve to redefine our industry remains unyielding.”
