BC Ferries has issued a notice that it intends to split drydocking and repair services for its fleet between three B.C. shipyards, including two based in North Vancouver, over the next five years.
The plan is for most of the work to be split between Seaspan ULC – which owns Vancouver Shipyards and Vancouver Drydock in North Vancouver as well as Victoria Shipyards – and Victoria’s Point Hope Shipyards.
The two companies would each get 46 per cent of the work, estimated at $14.5 million per year for the next five years.
North Vancouver’s Allied Shipyards, which has two floating drydocks, would receive eight per cent of the work.
Contracts would be for five years, with the option to extend for up to 10 years. The aim is for contracts to begin in the second quarter of this year.
Under the plan put forward by BC Ferries, Seaspan and Point Hope shipyards will work on minor, intermediate and large vessels. Allied will work on minor and intermediate-sized vessels.
Work includes drydocking and repairs, modifications, and refits for the BC Ferries’ 38 vessels.
BC Ferries spokesman Reet Sidhu said the plan for long-term repair contracts will make repairs more efficient and improve long-range planning for both BC Ferries and the shipyards.
The plan comes after Seaspan recently got approval from the Vancouver Fraser Port Authority to expand its North Vancouver drydock facilities.
