Canadian combat support vessel to grow its own produce

Federal Fleet Services, Ottawa, Ontario, has acquired four AI-driven virtual agronomist systems to produce fresh vegetables aboard the Canadian combat support ship, Asterix. The new technology, provided by Agwa, aims to improve access to fresh produce during extended sea deployments.

The Agwa system functions autonomously, using three key data branches—image analyzer, sensory data, and consumer behavior—to adjust growing conditions in real-time. This ensures an optimal environment for cultivating vegetables. Installation of the system is scheduled for September.

John Schmidt, CEO of Federal Fleet Services, highlighted the value of this addition to the Asterix. "We are continuously striving to provide the best working and living conditions for our combined Federal Fleet and Royal Canadian Navy team onboard,” Schmidt said. “Fresh leafy greens have a shelf life of around seven days, and our deployments offshore can be several weeks, so being able to grow our own onboard, available at any time, is a real game-changer. Who knows, maybe we will grow enough to be able to replenish other ships with fresh produce grown onboard Asterix."

Eli Feiglin, Chief Commercial Officer at Agwa, explained the simplicity of the system. "The system is comparable to a coffee capsule machine with seed pods being inserted, and the AI systems control the rest. All the crew has to do is pick it. The system is very much suited to ships spending long periods at sea like naval vessels so we are proud to be working with Federal Fleet Services on this project."

Alex Vicefield, CEO of Inocea Group, which owns Federal Fleet Services, noted the company’s commitment to investing in practical technologies: "This is another example of where we are investing our own funds in technologies that are useful, pioneering, and contribute to the well-being and safety of the crew and vessel. Other recent examples include the installation of Starlink high-speed unlimited internet and the MARSS NiDAR Multidomain Command and Control System."

In August 2024, the vessel was awarded a three-year service extension by the government of Canada. 

This installation represents a step forward in enhancing sustainability and self-sufficiency for vessel operations, ensuring that fresh produce is available regardless of the duration of deployment.