Ship-building Harbor at Night

Shipbuilding Mega Projects Create Increased Carrier Trade

DAILY NEWS Oct 3, 2013 2:45 PM – 0 comments
Atlantic mega projects attract growth, opportunity: Halifax Gateway Council

2013-10-03

MISSISSAUGA, Ont.–The Halifax Gateway Council hosted a meeting in Mississauga today to discuss the $115 billion worth of mega projects to take place in the Atlantic Canada region.
“Elizabeth Beale, presenting on behalf of the Atlantic Provinces Economic Council, noted that Canada’s National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy, a $25 billion contract running from 2015-2035, already has some key suppliers on board, including GE Canada, Lockheed Martin, and Man diesel which will manufacture engines for the first phase of project.”

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She said there was also $2 billion in exploration commitments by Shell and BP, but that the shipbuilding contract would have the most impact directly and indirectly for the Port of Halifax and for carriers into and out of the port. Growth is already seen in transportation and logistics, because of local projects in northern Quebec and Greenland.
Beale said the Canada-Europe free trade deal, nearing completion, also has the potential to establish a number of trade agreements.

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Issues around skilled labour remain a concern and a cost factor , and Beale said the Canada-Europe free trade deal should establish a number of trade agreements.

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The Halifax economy benefits from a steady growth in economic diversity, according to Fred Morley, executive vice president, Greater Halifax Partnership, and transportation and logistics figure strongly in that continuing growth. “Halifax ranks 3rd in international business cost competitiveness and has a healthy construction sector,” he said.
“We function as a key intermodal site and we operate a number of offices internationally. We have the ability to select carriers that are going to ever increasing vessel sizes,” said George Malec, vice president, business development, with the Halifax Port Authority.
“It’s not just about the infrastructure-we’re also very clearly articulating the port as a service provider and partner with our “Halifax Gets it there.com project”,” he said of the competitiveness tool.

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Stephen Hilchey,Business development executive, with Nova Scotia Business Inc. said the logistics sector is a priority sector for the province. “….government programs that could be available to companies choosing to set up in Nova Scotia,” he said.

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Halifax Port Authority

Transportation, Trucking and Logistics