ABCMI Celebrates Ten Years

Ten years ago, the Association for BC Marine Industries (ABCMI) was founded with a simple but powerful goal: to bring together and elevate British Columbia’s industrial marine sector. What began as a vision to unite shipbuilders, suppliers, innovators, and service providers has grown into a dynamic force supporting over 1,000 companies across six vital sub-sectors. Rooted in collaboration, ABCMI was built by industry — for industry — and continues to serve as the backbone of BC’s marine economy.

Our members started in Greater Victoria only to stretch into the broader regions of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada and even the world.

Over the past decade, ABCMI has transformed ideas into impact. From hosting major networking events and securing multi-million dollar funding agreements, to launching innovation showcases and championing workforce development, we’ve built bridges between industry, government, academia, and global markets. Our milestones include trade shows, training programs, webinars, partnerships, and policy influence — all designed to help marine businesses thrive. We've connected members to opportunity, enabled collaboration, and helped position BC as a global leader in marine and ocean innovation.

While we are known for our advocacy, networking events, and knowledge sharing, we are also proud to say that over the course of these past ten years ABCMI managed three Sector Labour Market Projects which resulted in the creation of accessible resources to the broader public, both in the education and career spaces.

• Careers Pathway Website -  With funding provided through the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, we created a website outlining career pathways for diverse groups of people. Representation crucial to sustaining our marine industry workforce. This site not only provides the pathways for people to access marine industry careers, but also debunks many of the myths that are often associated with the marine industry. Check out our industry interviews with leaders who talk about their origins in the marine industry and encouragement for those interested in being a part of BC's marine industry.
• ABCMI Jobs Board - As dedication to our members, we created an extensive jobs board wherein employment opportunities are posted for the public and other industry networks to access. This has allowed our members to be put on the map and to obtain interested applicants through a contextualized industry stream.
• Recruitment Materials for BC's Marine Industry - As an extension of the partnership with the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, we developed marketing materials with specific target demographics to attract and retain women, youth, newcomers and Indigenous people into the marine industry. These materials not only provide pathways for interested people, but break down the barriers that are often faced in legacy industries. 

As we celebrate 10 years, ABCMI is setting its sight on the horizon. The next chapter will deepen our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and growth — in BC and beyond. We will continue to advocate for the sector, strengthen our global presence, and champion the development of a diverse, highly skilled workforce. With the support of our members, partners, and community, we’re ready to meet the challenges ahead and chart new waters for BC’s marine industries.