Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology Bruce Ralston joined about 3,000 people today, as Seaspan Shipyards opened its North Vancouver facility to the public for the first time, for a glimpse of the first large Canadian Coast Guard ship built in Canada since the early 1980s.

Vancouver-based Seaspan Shipyards was chosen by the federal government in 2011 to build non-combat vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy. Seaspan held an open house to give the public a first-hand look at the first vessel built under the National Shipbuilding Strategy and a chance to explore Seaspan’s state-of-the-art facility.

The ship is the first of three 63-metre offshore-fisheries science vessels to be deployed off Canada’s west and east coasts, and to help researchers better understand the health of fish stocks and their ocean environment.

The vessel is now structurally complete. In December, Seaspan expects the ship to be launched to Vancouver Island for final interior construction at the company’s Victoria Shipyards prior to testing and sea trials.

Other vessels to be built by Seaspan under the National Shipbuilding Strategy’s $8-billion non-combat package are a 150-metre polar icebreaker, an 86-metre offshore oceanographic science vessel and two 174-metre joint-support ships.

More than 2,000 people are employed between Seaspan’s North Vancouver and Victoria shipyards, and many others are employed through a supply chain of more than 400 manufacturing partners across the country. Of those, about 300 suppliers are based in B.C., including companies in Vancouver, Surrey, Langley, Richmond, Delta and Annacis Island.

Seaspan Shipyards has invested approximately $170 million to upgrade its facilities in Vancouver and Victoria.

The Government of British Columbia is committed to creating the conditions that support continued growth in private investment and the creation of jobs, where all regions of the province are benefiting in a sustainable, shared economy.

Quotes:

Bruce Ralston, Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology –

“Seaspan Shipyards has resurrected our province’s shipbuilding industry and will employ thousands of British Columbians over the life of the National Shipbuilding Strategy contract. The economic and employment benefits of the work being done at the shipyards will give a boost to the local community ― and the people who live in it ― for many years to come.”

Brian Carter, president and chief executive officer, Seaspan Shipyards –

“Seaspan Shipyards is proud to be leading the way in rebuilding Canada’s domestic shipbuilding and marine industries. The progress made to date on the first Offshore-Fisheries Science Vessel is something for all of us to celebrate and it stands as evidence of our commitment to deliver Canadian-built ships for the coast guard and navy.”

Bowinn Ma, MLA for North Vancouver-Lonsdale –

“Seaspan Shipyards has been a valued employer in North Vancouver for many years, and their presence on the North Shore has been greatly enhanced by the National Shipbuilding Strategy. I look forward to exploring opportunities to have major provincial shipbuilding projects be built by B.C. workers, as well as to many more milestones at Seaspan’s state-of-the-art shipbuilding facility.”

Learn More:

To learn more about Seaspan Shipyards: https://www.seaspan.com/seaspan-shipyards

To learn more about the National Shipbuilding Strategy: https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/amd-dp/mer-sea/sncn-nss/index-eng.html