BC MIIME Grant Program Press Release Intake 3

September 11, 2024

The third and final intake of the B.C. Maritime Industries Infrastructure Modernization and Expansion Grant Program will provide nine British Columbia companies with $2.48 million in funds to modernize and expand their maritime infrastructure. This is part of the program’s total $25 million funding commitment from the Province of British Columbia.

The Association of British Columbia Marine Industries (ABCMI) is delivering the program which is an integral element of the B.C. Maritime Industries Strategy. The inaugural intake that launched in July 2023 provided as much as $14.75 million to 17 companies. The second intake that launched in November 2023 provided an additional $5.82 million to 15 companies.

The program’s $25 million in contributions comes through two capital investment streams. Stream 1 provides 50% of project capital costs up to $500,000 for equipment and facility modernization support for boat and shipyards or new small vessel construction infrastructure. Stream 2 offers 25% of project capital costs up to $5 million for increased lift and wharfage capacity, specifically for boat and ship overhaul, refit, maintenance, and repair infrastructure.

In the third intake, launched in April 2024, the successful companies were selected to further drive the growth and development of the maritime sector. The awarded companies come from B.C.’s economic regions, including 5 in the Lower Mainland/Southwest, 1 in Kootenay, and 3 in the Vancouver Island and Coast region. This brings the total to 41 companies with a combined contribution of $23.05 million. These investments are expected to significantly boost economic growth and create numerous employment opportunities for British Columbians, further establishing a strong foundation for future growth and innovation in British Columbia’s maritime sector. 

Companies receiving funds in the third intake: 

• D.C.D. Pile Driving (1990) Ltd. will receive as much as $500,000 to develop a work platform capable of servicing multiple dry docks simultaneously. This will not only enhance their capacity as a maintenance and repair facility but also open up potential for vessel deconstruction, greatly improving their ability to serve customers more efficiently.
• Bracewell Marine Group Ltd. will receive as much as $287,785 to acquire new 5-axis computer numerical control (CNC) cutting technology, which will drive improved efficiencies and reduced costs for their boat building and marine fabrication business.
• Drop Marine Inc. will receive as much as $474,000 to construct a facility expansion to augment their manufacturing space, enabling them to meet growing demand and reduce reliance on subcontractors and significantly boost their production capabilities, support sales growth, and create numerous skilled jobs.
• Ideal Welders Ltd. will receive as much as $385,000 to modernize their infrastructure by integrating PipeCloud software into their marine department operations for pipe spools fabrication to increase efficiency, reduce lead times, and enhance product quality enabling them to bid for projects as part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
• Monaro Marine Ltd. will receive as much as $9,071 to set up a covered work area in their boat yard to enable them to expand usable space to work on boats. This enhancement will boost operational efficiency and productivity, ultimately leading to the creation of more jobs.
• Philbrooks Boatyard Ltd. will receive as much as $109,124 to upgrade their metal fabrication shop with modern equipment and facility improvements. These upgrades will enable them to better meet client expectations, significantly increase productivity, reduce rework, and enhance quality.
• SAAM Towage Canada Inc. will receive as much as $500,000 to complete a full-scale overhaul maintenance and repairs facility to accommodate new battery-electric vehicle tugboats for the Port of Vancouver. The new facility will reduce maintenance expenses and allow for more resources for new decarbonization technology implementation.
• Strait Marine Ltd. will receive as much as $142,950 to enhance their marine repair facility by constructing a sheltered all-season work bay, installing efficient heating systems, and upgrading ventilation and filtration in their main paint shop. These improvements will expand their capacity for high-demand, specialized work year-round.
• Walker Aluminum Boats Ltd. will receive as much as $69,780 to acquire modern equipment and upgrade electrical infrastructure to scale up production and develop capability to build and market eco-friendly boats across Canada & the rest of North America.

Quotes:

“We are taking action to support our province’s maritime industry, the largest nationwide, to help it continue to diversify and grow in the years to come. B.C. is confident that we will continue to lead the nation in maritime operations, innovation and job creation, and secure the province’s place on the global stage.” Brenda Bailey, Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation

“We are deeply grateful for the BC MIIME Grant, which will enable us to upgrade our equipment and improve our craftsmanship in building high-quality, custom boats. Being selected is a tremendous validation of our efforts and affirms our commitment to excellence and sustainability. With the upgraded equipment, we can adopt more energy-efficient processes, enhancing both the quality of our boats and our contribution to preserving natural waterways for future generations.” Trever Walker, President, Walker Aluminum Boats Ltd.

“The BC MIIME Grant presents a tremendous opportunity for our business and community, enabling us to rapidly expand our facilities and technologies while creating new long-term jobs in marine manufacturing. It also supports the advancement of clean technology in a rural, remote area. This grant not only validates our mission but also strengthens our ability to drive positive change in both our community and industry. We are sincerely grateful for the trust and support we’ve received and look forward to continuing to make meaningful contributions.” Anders Malpass, President, Drop Marine Inc.

Media Contact:

Habin Haridas, Manager, Programs

Association of British Columbia Marine Industries

201–2527 Beacon Ave. Sidney, BC  V8L 1Y1

Email: habin@abcmi.ca

Mobile: +1-250-889-9181

The Association of British Columbia Marine Industries (ABCMI) represents Western Canada's industrial marine sector comprising over 1000 companies. This includes shipbuilding and ship repair, industrial marine services and marine infrastructure, marine professional services, marine products, small craft marine construction and repair, and ocean science and technology. The Association’s core activities include workforce development; skills development; facilitating and enabling innovation and new technologies in the marine space; identifying and enabling business opportunities; business development; supplier development and supply chain training; supporting international business development and increasing export of products and services; and sectoral advocacy.