Coastal Gateway and Union Bay Industries have unveiled a made-in-Canada initiative to expand clean, component-based shipbuilding and repair capacity on British Columbia’s coast. The focus is on providing high environmental security for increasing tanker and shipping traffic by servicing ships in need of repair as soon as they enter Canadian waters—preventing deferred maintenance that can cause environmental risk. This initiative will give Canada the ability to fix and repair vessels that are not in compliance with national shipping codes and standards.

The partnership—backed by local industry, unions, and First Nations—proposes a modern, environmentally certified facility at Union Bay that will create skilled jobs and support the Canadian Navy, Coast Guard, Military, and Air Force. Establishing B.C. as a global leader in sustainable shipbuilding, CoastalGatewayPort.com will also include up to 1,000 units of mixed-use housing for service members and local residents, along with a farmers market, resort, and other community amenities.

Watch the vision in action: Coastal Gateway Port – Good Paying Careers for All Canadians

A New Era for B.C. Shipbuilding and Repair

With more than 900 vessels in B.C. needing repair or replacement over the next decade, Canada currently has limited graving dock space to handle ships in disrepair. In 2024, Canada detained 82 vessels for safety and environmental issues—below the 4% regional average under the Paris MoU. Expanding repair capacity in B.C. will help address such deficiencies faster and reduce environmental risks.

Policy Request

1. Guaranteed Access to Federal Maritime Contracts

   Canadian-owned private shipyards should be eligible for federal shipbuilding, repair, maintenance, and recycling contracts, including projects under DND and the Coast Guard.

2. Canadian Ownership and Workforce Requirements

   Eligibility for contracts should require Canadian ownership and that the majority of labour be performed by Canadian citizens or permanent residents, supporting local employment and skill development.

3. Federalized Port Status for Private Facilities

   Private ports and shipyards should have the option to federalize, enabling a single-window regulatory framework that streamlines permitting, environmental approvals, and infrastructure development while maintaining rigorous federal standards.

4. Incentives for Modernization and Innovation

   Provide targeted bank lending programs backed by the Government of Canada or capital grants to Canadian-owned shipyards for facility upgrades, shipbuilding and repair, green technologies, and automation, increasing competitiveness and productivity.

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Source: BUSINESS WIRE