News Release

BAS-CARAQUET (GNB) – The provincial government, the New Brunswick Naval Centre, and the Océan company announced today the conclusion of an agreement aimed at reviving the shipbuilding and repair sector in Bas-Caraquet, an initiative that will generate major economic spinoffs and could create up to 77 jobs.

“Reviving shipbuilding in northern New Brunswick is important for job creation and supporting our provincial economy,” said Premier David Alward. “The arrival of Océan opens the door for shipbuilding and repair work to resume in northeast New Brunswick.”

The  tripartite agreement stipulates that Océan, a company offering a wide variety of marine services, will establish its operations at the Naval Center of New Brunswick through a long-term lease. The company will pair its know-how and expertise with that of the New Brunswick Naval Centre in Bas-Caraquet. The creation of 57 to 77 jobs over a five-year period is planned under the agreement. Océan is a major Quebec company operating in the marine sector. It has about 750 employees, 14 business locations, and is one of the largest providers of maritime solutions in Canada.

“Business prospects, combined with the availability of a recently-renovated shipyard, and the support of the government will revive the shipbuilding and repair industry and is a great opportunity for Océan,” said Jacques Tanguay, the company’s senior vice-president and CEO.

In the coming months, Océan will begin the first phase of the construction of a floating dry dock with a capacity of nearly 7,000 tons. The dry dock will be constructed in three sections to reach a total length of 105 metres (350 ft.). This large-scale equipment, which complements Océan’s current inventory, will bolster the range of services the company offers to customers. The dry dock will also meet the needs of Océan for the repair of its largest vessels.

 “Jobs and the economy are our government’s top priorities in all regions of New Brunswick, including here on the Acadian Peninsula,” said Natural Resources Minister Paul Robichaud, who is also the minister responsible for the Regional Development Corporation. “Today’s announcement will provide opportunities for our most valuable resource, putting our people to work.” 

The provincial government will consider an investment of up to $13 million for the project to improve infrastructure at the N.B. Naval Centre.

“Today we are witnessing a very important step in the revitalization of shipbuilding in Bas-Caraquet,” said Michel R. Beaudry, president of the New Brunswick Naval Centre. “Our strategic budget plan put forward 20 months ago is becoming a reality on schedule. I am proud to be working with the Naval Center’s steering committee. It is an extraordinary team that has the economy and job creation at the center of all decisions we have made. The committee works exclusively for the good of the community and the success of the project. We are therefore pleased to welcome Océan to our facilities on a long-term basis.”