Provided by the Association of British Columbia Marine Industries
In 2019, the Association of British Columbia Marine Industries (ABCMI) embarked on a mission to assess the state of British Columbia’s industrial marine sector, setting the stage for what would become a transformative journey. Commissioning a comprehensive Economic Impact Analysis and Subsector Assessment Study with KPMG, ABCMI sought to understand the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats facing each of the subsectors it represents. Little did we know that this endeavor would uncover a critical issue that demands our immediate attention: the inadequacy of our marine infrastructure.
Fast forward to March 2022, the final KPMG report delivered a sobering key finding that B.C.’s marine infrastructure falls woefully short in meeting the surging demand for ship refit and repair services. The report highlighted two critical challenges – the scarcity of dry docks capable of handling larger vessels exceeding 1,000 tons and the shortage of pier space for vessel maintenance, particularly in Esquimalt and Vancouver Harbours. Moreover, this infrastructure deficit is compounded by the relentless growth in marine traffic from the Pacific Rim, a trend expected to persist.
The KPMG report did not just identify problems; it provided a clear path forward. Its recommendation for ABCMI was unequivocal: to seize the burgeoning demand for ship refit and repair services, we must prioritize marine infrastructure development and kickstart this journey by creating a compelling business case for expansion.
In 2021, ABCMI entered into a pivotal partnership with the B.C. Government to craft a shipbuilding strategy for the province. This strategy, now known as the B.C. Maritime Industries Strategy, reflects the culmination of efforts by the Industry Working Group, consisting of industry experts who gathered insights from extensive consultations and data sources, including the KPMG report.
The B.C. Maritime Industries Strategy, unveiled on May 17, 2023, consists of four pathways, one of which is dedicated to “Grow Market and Infrastructure Capacity.” Within this pathway, the strategy underscores the high demand for shipyard capacity in B.C. and emphasizes the urgent need to expand maritime infrastructure to support this growth. It highlights the vital role of B.C.’s shipyards in providing ongoing in-service support for the Royal Canadian Navy, the Canadian Coast Guard, and BC Ferries, critical components of our maritime sector’s health. Furthermore, B.C.’s reputation for high-quality refit and repair work, coupled with the integration of new clean technologies, has created an emerging market for such services within the province.
One of the most promising aspects of this strategy is the proximity of B.C.’s largest shipyards to the Port of Vancouver, North America’s third busiest trade route for deep sea vessels and cruise ships. This strategic location positions B.C. to tap into a wealth of opportunities across commercial, cruise, and domestic vessel segments, including tugboats, barges, pilot boats, ferries, and other crafts. However, to fully harness this potential and enhance our competitiveness, expanding drydock capacity is paramount.
In alignment with the B.C. Maritime Industries Strategy, the B.C. Government earmarked $25 million to support projects dedicated to modernizing, scaling, and expanding industrial maritime capabilities and infrastructure. ABCMI has been entrusted with the responsibility to administer and manage this crucial funding program.
All these actions coming together signal a big change for British Columbia’s maritime industry. We’re on the edge of a better future, where smart investments in our infrastructure can boost our marine sector. The $25 million B.C. Maritime Industries Infrastructure Modernization and Expansion Grant shows how serious the government is about making this vision a reality.
As stakeholders in B.C.’s maritime industry, we must recognize the urgency of the situation. The time to act is now. The challenges are clear, but so are the opportunities. By investing in our marine infrastructure, we not only address immediate needs but also secure the future prosperity of our industry. It’s time to chart a course towards a thriving, resilient, and competitive B.C. maritime sector, and together, we can make it happen.
