Under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), Seaspan Shipyards has contributed more than $5.7 billion to Canada’s GDP through its shipbuilding and repair, refit, and maintenance activities and will contribute an additional $20.7 billion to Canada’s GDP through 2035, according to a recent socio-economic study conducted by Deloitte Canada. The report highlights the significant economic benefits of rebuilding the shipbuilding industry in Canada since the introduction of the NSS.
In addition to the GDP contributions made by Seaspan over the last 12 years, the report indicates that Seaspan’s shipbuilding and ship repair activities have also been a boon for job creation in the maritime industry. More than 7,000 jobs are now being created or sustained annually through Seaspan’s activities. This figure will grow to nearly 11,000 jobs annually by 2035.
Across the country, Seaspan has now awarded $2.4 billion in contracts under our NSS shipbuilding activities alone. More than 700 Canadian companies have been involved in building ships for Canada, with nearly 500 being small and medium-sized businesses, accounting for 63% of NSS-related contract values.
“As Canada’s partner under the NSS, Seaspan is transforming our shipbuilding and marine industries through innovation, partnerships and developing world-class talent. The economic contributions of this work are evident locally, regionally and across the country,” said John McCarthy, CEO, Seaspan Shipyards. “Over the next year alone, we will be adding hundreds of people to our team to help us deliver on our promise of ships built in Canada, by Canadians. As we continue to invest in our people, facilities and drive improvements in how we design, build, and repair ships, Seaspan will remain a significant contributor to the Canadian economy for decades to come and a preferred employer for those looking to work in the maritime industry in British Columbia.”
Under the NSS, Seaspan is currently building the federal non-combat fleet of vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). In addition to the three offshore fisheries science vessels which have already been delivered to the CCG, Seaspan’s book of work includes two joint support ships and one offshore oceanographic science vessel which are currently under construction. It also includes one polar icebreaker, the flagship of the CCG’s fleet, and 16 multi-purpose vessels. The polar icebreaker and the lead ship of the MPVs are both in design and are on schedule. Seaspan also provides repair, refit, and conversion work for a range of government and commercial clients.
Earlier this month, Seaspan also announced an investment in the expansion of its Vancouver ship repair facility, which is intended to expand its government shipbuilding business by adding private and public sector jobs. The drydock expansion will increase Seaspan’s ship repair capacity by approximately 30 % and will create approximately 100 new high-paying jobs in the regional economy. The shipyard currently employs about 200 people and repairs more than 50 ships a year, ranging in size from tugboats to cruise ships.
Under the plan, the Vancouver Shipyard shoreline will be extended by 130 feet (approximately 39.6 meters); two new smaller floating dry docks will be constructed adjacent to the two existing floating dry docks, with lengths of 330 feet (approximately 100.58 meters) and 180 feet (approximately 54.86 meters); and a new floating work pontoon will be added. When fully completed, the Vancouver Ship Repair Yard’s dock service capacity will be increased by approximately 30%. The expansion is expected to start soon and be completed in 2024.