New Outfitting Pier Bolsters Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy
Seaspan Unveils New Outfitting Pier in Vancouver
Seaspan and Stantec have successfully completed a state-of-the-art outfitting pier at Vancouver Shipyards, a significant development aimed at bolstering Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). Spanning 272 meters by 19 meters, the new facility is currently being utilized for the outfitting of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Joint Support Ship, HMCS Protecteur.
Modern Infrastructure for Enhanced Shipbuilding
The newly constructed pier replaces a timber structure that had been in place since 1966. It is built from steel and concrete, featuring modern utilities and a heavy load capacity designed to meet the demands of contemporary shipbuilding. The pier is engineered to endure extreme storm surges and seismic events, making it resilient in one of Canada’s most earthquake-prone regions.
Julianne Nezgoda, Director of Facilities at Seaspan Shipyards, emphasized the importance of this investment, stating, “The new outfitting pier at Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards reflects our continued investment in the future and longevity of shipbuilding in British Columbia.” She noted that the facility enhances Seaspan’s ability to effectively design, build, and deliver ships, ensuring that the Royal Canadian Navy and Coast Guard are equipped to safeguard Canada’s security and sovereignty.
The outfitting pier is equipped with integrated tower cranes and specialized shipyard equipment, allowing for flexible configurations to support various outfitting operations. Additionally, it includes shore power capabilities to cater to the diverse requirements of different vessels.
Economic Impact and Future Prospects
Seaspan has been a key player in Canada’s shipbuilding sector since being designated as the non-combat shipbuilder for the Government of Canada under the NSS in 2011. The company has already launched five ships and is currently working on constructing a new heavy polar icebreaker for the Canadian Coast Guard. The outfitting pier project commenced in 2020, with environmental reviews and permitting processes, followed by construction that began in 2023.
An economic analysis conducted by Deloitte highlights Seaspan’s substantial contribution to Canada’s economy, estimating that the company has generated over $5.7 billion to the nation’s GDP since 2012 while creating or sustaining more than 7,000 jobs annually. Kip Skabar, Canada Ports and Marine sector leader at Stantec, described the completion of the pier as “a major milestone for shipbuilding in Western Canada,” underscoring the growing need for enhanced waterfront infrastructure across Canada’s coasts.
The new outfitting pier not only signifies a leap forward for Seaspan but also represents a commitment to advancing shipbuilding capabilities in the region, ensuring that Canada remains competitive in the maritime industry.
