Shipbuilding contract boosts oceans science and technology

You could say that Halifax’s ship has come in.

There’s great enthusiasm in the region this evening with the news that Halifax’s Irving Shipbuilding has been awarded a much sought-after shipbuilding contract with the Government of Canada. While two major contracts were awarded, Irving received the largest of the pair, worth $25 billion to build new navy vessels to cover Canada’s defence needs for the next three decades.

The direct and indirect spinoffs from the program are reported to be worth upwards of $800 million a year to the Nova Scotia economy, and it’s more than just shipbuilding and related trades that will reap the benefits. The value proposition of the agreement will see a significant investment in research, technology and SME development – with the Halifax Marine Research Institute (HMRI) playing a crucial role.

The HMRI—the region’s collaborative marine research institute, of which Dalhousie is a founding post-secondary member—worked with partners Innovacorp and Nova Scotia Business Inc. to support the value proposition. The arrangement has the potential to foster oceans R&D over the next decade, building a lasting legacy in oceans science, technology and industry across the Maritimes and nationwide.

“A new set of programs, established through HMRI and our partners, will enhance oceans research and commercialization, attract new business to the region, support new company development, and train and support both students and highly-qualified personnel at a variety of levels,” explains Martha Crago, Dalhousie’s vice-president research.

The Maritime region boasts world-class marine research capacity and a strong and growing ocean technology sector. In Nova Scotia alone, ocean-related activity generates $5 billion in revenue and produces 60,000 jobs – 14 per cent of provincial employment.

Dr. Crago explains that the shipbuilding contracts will enhance innovation, competitiveness and learning in the sector, helping develop new marine technologies and services, expanding opportunities for small business, and bringing more students and skilled workers to work and stay in our region.

The Halifax Marine Research Institute, launched earlier this year during Dalhousie Oceans Week, brokers partnerships among industry, universities, government and private institutions to improve marine science and industry in the region. Its scientific director, Doug Wallace, is also the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Ocean Science and Technology at Dalhousie.