Provincial Program To Invest In New And Modernized Infrastructure And Assets
@seaspan.com
VICTORIA – Seaspan Shipyards is pleased with a new BC Maritime Industries Strategy aimed to produce a competitive, modernized marine sector with reduced carbon emissions and create more jobs.
The Strategy is part of StrongerBC Economic Plan, where as much as $25 million will be invested in new and modernized infrastructure and assets that will support shipyards to meet growing market demand for their services and attract more investment to BC. The funding is being provided by the province to the Association of BC Marine Industries (ABCMI) to deliver the new BC Maritime Industries Infrastructure Modernization and Expansion Grant Program.
BC companies can apply for grant funding on the ABCMI website.
“Under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), Seaspan Shipyards has rebuilt a B.C.-based, large shipbuilding industry, including our shipyard, construction and engineering teams and supply chain with more than 500 BC companies,” says John McCarthy, chief executive officer, Seaspan Shipyards. “Seaspan welcomes the announcement and looks forward to identifying and collaborating on opportunities for domestic ship owners to source B.C.-based technology, products and services and leverage the NSS capabilities.”
The new grant program allows BC companies to apply for capital funding for projects that modernize, scale and increase regional capabilities and capacity for shipbuilding, refit, repair and maintenance to help them be more competitive and grow. The program also supports projects that increase the new build capacity for smaller coastal craft.
“ABCMI is proud to have supported the BC government in the development of the B.C. Maritime Industries Strategy,” says ABCMI Board Chair Dan McGreer. “The strategy will be a catalyst for the growth of the BC marine industry and lead to greater employment in well-paying future-ready jobs. The strategy will support innovation in the marine sector in clean fuels and related technologies, which will help BC achieve its GHG-reduction targets.”
In addition, a new West Coast Maritime Office will support greater collaboration between sector partners, increase capacity to respond to the NSS and other procurement initiatives, and will connect BC companies with growth opportunities.
The office will also partner with First Nations, Métis and Indigenous businesses and organizations to support Indigenous business development and increase opportunities for Indigenous people.
The marine economy, the largest marine economy in Canada, contributes $7.6 billion to BC’s GDP and 43,000 jobs.
Business Examiner Staff
