Turning The Tide

06/04/2026

A stronger marine industry doesn't happen by chance.

It happens when companies, organizations, and leaders come together to support excellence, innovation, and the next generation of talent.

Thank you to the sponsors helping us celebrate the very best of Newfoundland and Labrador's marine industry.

The tide is turning. Be part of it: https://turningthetideawards.ca/partners-sponsors/

05/14/2026

As Newfoundland and Labrador’s busiest cruise port, the St. John’s Port Authority continues to strengthen the province’s role in the North Atlantic cruise industry throughout 2025 and into 2026. This year alone, St. John’s is expected to welcome 30,000 passengers.

Beyond the economic impact, the port has long protected and sustained life in Newfoundland and Labrador. It connects communities, supports local business, and helps carry forward our enduring relationship with the ocean.

We are proud to recognize the St. John’s Port Authority as our presenting sponsor and host partner for the 2026 Turning the Tide Marine Industry Awards.

It's continued support helps us celebrate the people, industries, and stories that continue to guide, protect, and sustain Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine future.

05/07/2026

Last week, we brought the marine industry together at the St. John’s Port Authority to announce the 2026 Turning the Tide Marine Industry Award recipients, a moment that reflects the strength, resilience, and future of our ocean economy.

We extend our sincere thanks to the St. John’s Port Authority, our presenting sponsor and host partner, for their continued support of Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine and ocean industries, and for helping make this year’s announcement event such a success.

Congratulations once again to our 2026 award recipients:

Megan Murphy — Next Wave Leadership Award
Ray Andrews — Industry Lifetime Achievement Award
Cougar Helicopters Inc. — Industry Leadership & Excellence Award
Copsys Technologies Inc. — Innovation Leadership Award
16th Century Basque Whaling Station, Red Bay, Labrador — Award of Historical Marine Significance Town of Red Bay

From next-generation leadership to legacy impact, these individuals and organizations represent where our industry is going, and what it’s built on.

Now, we look ahead to celebrating them on September 23 at the Turning the Tide Gala. Get your tickets: https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/ticketing/2026-turning-the-tide-marine-industry-awards-gala

04/30/2026

This year’s recipients represent the very best of Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine industries, demonstrating outstanding innovation, leadership, community impact, and expertise.

Join us in celebrating their achievements now, with the official awards gala set to take place later this year. Stay tuned for more details as we prepare to honour these exceptional leaders in person.

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04/29/2026

Megan Murphy for Next Wave Leadership

Megan Murphy is helping define what the next generation of leadership looks like in Canada’s marine sector.

Through her work with Sea Centric Inc., she is building capacity in research vessel operations expanding fleets, securing major projects, and positioning Newfoundland and Labrador as a hub for marine innovation and research activity.

Her approach goes beyond operations. Megan has prioritized building relationships that open doors, creating pathways for Indigenous participation in the marine industry through hands-on training, partnerships, and workforce development initiatives.

At a time of growth in the blue economy, her leadership is focused on creating infrastructure, opportunity, and access, laying the groundwork for what comes next.

04/29/2026

16th Century Basque Whaling Station; Red Bay Labrador for Award of Historic Marine Significance

Nearly 500 years ago, Red Bay was home to one of the earliest large-scale whaling operations in the world established by Basque mariners in the 1500s.

What began as a seasonal base for hunting and processing whales became a vital part of an international trade, supplying oil to European markets and leaving behind one of the most complete archaeological records of early industrial activity at sea.

Rediscovered in the 20th century and now recognized as both a National Historic Site and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Red Bay stands as a lasting record of early marine enterprise on this coast.

A story that continues to shape our understanding of the industry’s beginnings.

04/29/2026

Michael Maguire and Farzad Hashemi, Copsys Technologies Inc., for Innovation Leadership Award

Copsys Technologies is taking on one of the marine sector’s most persistent challenges, how to better protect the assets that operate in some of the harshest environments.

Since launching in 2020, the company has focused on developing new ways to extend the life of infrastructure, combining protection systems with real-time insight into how materials perform over time.

Their work is already moving beyond the lab, with testing underway in offshore environments and growing interest from global partners. Recognition through NATO’s DIANA accelerator program further positions Copsys among emerging companies working at the intersection of infrastructure, technology, and resilience.

As the industry looks for smarter, more efficient ways to manage risk and reduce long-term costs, Copsys is helping lead that shift.

04/29/2026

Ray Andrews for Industry Lifetime Achievement Award

Over the course of a distinguished career spanning more than five decades, Ray Andrews has helped shape the direction of Newfoundland and Labrador’s marine sector.

His leadership across government and industry has influenced key decisions during pivotal periods, contributing to the development of fisheries policy, resource management, and long-term industry growth.

His work has also extended to broader fisheries governance, supporting initiatives that strengthened sustainable practices and informed the future of the sector.

A legacy defined by thoughtful leadership and enduring impact, recognized through the Turning the Tide award.

04/29/2026

The wait is over. The Turning the Tide 2026 winners are here.

Cougar Helicopters for Industry Leadership and Excellence Award

Cougar Helicopters has played a defining role in supporting Newfoundland and Labrador’s offshore industry, moving people, strengthening operations, and setting a high standard for what leadership looks like in complex environments.

Known for its focus on safety and continuous improvement, Cougar has built a reputation that extends well beyond the province. Through advanced training, investment in technology, and active involvement in global industry forums, the organization continues to influence how offshore aviation evolves.

At its core, this recognition reflects a long-standing commitment to the people and communities connected to this work, ensuring that every flight, every decision, and every innovation is grounded in care, responsibility, and progress.

04/22/2026

Just 7 days to go until the 2026 Turning the Tide Award recipients will be announced!

Stay tuned for the reveal on Wednesday, April 29.