Ocean Choice/CA:
Proven Results Today – New Possibilities in Crab Processing Tomorrow

OCI operates offshore vessels whose primary products are frozen-at-sea shrimp, Greenland halibut — also known as turbot—redfish, and a variety of flounders and other flatfish.

They operate four primary inshore plants sourcing seafood from fishermen across more than 300 communities throughout Newfoundland.

Those plants process a diverse range of species, including snow crab, cod, sea cucumber and whelk, helping sustain an industry that remains deeply connected to the province’s coastal communities.

As labor availability became an increasing challenge, OCI turned to advanced processing technology to help maintain efficient, consistent crab production.

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The Challenge

Finding and retaining enough workers has become increasingly difficult, particularly in rural processing communities.

Snow crab gutting and splitting are physically demanding processes that traditionally rely on skilled manual labor. OCI needed a solution that could reduce the physical demands of the work, broaden the available talent pool and help maintain the production levels required to keep its plants operating efficiently.

“We had to come up with a solution wherewe could continue to process these crabs in rural communities with the same—or potentially fewer—people.” stated James Doyle, Senior Engineer/Manager of Capital Works at Ocean Choice International

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The Solution

Building on decades of experience with BAADER equipment, OCI introduced advanced crab processing technology featuring AI-enabled vision systems.

The equipment helped automate a demanding part of the process while allowing employees to focus on loading and handling the product. The project was developed through close collaboration, giving OCI the opportunity to explore how the technology could perform in its Newfoundland operations.

“Our experience with the project has been very collaborative and interactive.”

The early results also gave the company a new perspective on the future of crab processing.

“We saw some really good benefits from the equipment, and it opened our ideas as to what the next level of crab processing equipment in Newfoundland could be.”

The Result

By incorporating the technology into its plants, OCI was able to:

• Improve processing yields
• Maintain consistent production levels
• Reduce dependence on physically demanding manual processing
• Make the work accessible to a broader pool of employees
•  Support the long-term viability of processing operations in rural communities

“We were able to improve our yields and maintain the production levels necessary to make the plant viable.”

Customer Testimonial

For OCI, the value of the investment extends beyond the equipment itself. Quality, integrity and dependable service have been central to a relationship built over decades.

“Quality immediately comes to mind—quality of the equipment. The second thing I would say is integrity—the integrity of the people you deal with and the service that they supply –service of the highest standards.”

OCI also places significant importance on responsive support throughout the lifetime of the equipment.

“I think I'd be remiss if I didn't say something about the level of service that has been provided to us by the sales and service manager in Newfoundland – I share that value our company shares that value and we care for it deeply."