B.C. Marine Shipbuilders Ltd.
- Shipyards
B.C. Marine Shipbuilders Ltd., also known as Burrard Yarrows Corporation, was a notable shipbuilding company located in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. The company played a significant role in Canada's maritime industry, particularly during mid-to-late 20th century.
Historical Overview
Founding and Growth:
- Established: The origins of the company trace back to the early 1900s with founding entities such as Wallace Shipyards.
- Mergers and Evolution: It evolved over time through mergers and rebranding, becoming Burrard Dry Dock and eventually Burrard Yarrows Corporation. As Burrard Yarrows Corp, it continued to operate under the B.C. Marine Shipbuilders Ltd. umbrella.
World War II Contributions:
- During World War II, the shipyards were crucial for constructing various military vessels for the Allies, significantly contributing to the war effort. This period saw a boost in production capabilities and workforce, with a particular emphasis on building wartime supply and patrol ships.
Post-War Era:
- After the war, the company transitioned to peacetime activities, including the construction and repair of commercial and fishing vessels, tugs, and barges, continuing to support both local and international maritime sectors.
Facilities and Capabilities
- Shipyards: Located strategically in North Vancouver, the shipyards were equipped with modern facilities capable of handling large-scale shipbuilding and repair operations. This included dry docks, assembly lines, and outfitting shops.
- Workforce: The company employed a skilled workforce of engineers, shipwrights, welders, and various other trades, reflecting a rich tradition of maritime craftsmanship and innovation.
Notable Achievements
- Variety of vessels: Successfully constructed a variety of vessels, including cargo ships, tugs, ferries, and naval vessels.
- Technological Advances: Implemented advanced shipbuilding techniques and technology to improve efficiency and quality, contributing to the broader industry standards.
Decline and Legacy
- The latter part of the 20th century saw significant changes in the global shipbuilding industry, including increased competition and market shifts which eventually led to the decline of many traditional shipyards.
- Closure: B.C. Marine Shipbuilders Ltd., like many of its contemporaries, faced economic challenges leading to its eventual wind-down and closure.
- Legacy: Despite its closure, the company's legacy endures through its contributions to Canadian maritime history and the enduring ships built at its yards which continue to ply waters around the world.
Importance
B.C. Marine Shipbuilders Ltd.'s significance lies in its role in bolstering Canada's shipbuilding capabilities and contributing to both wartime and peacetime maritime industries, leaving an indelible mark on the nation's industrial heritage.
Ships
NIMPKISH
Passenger/Ro-Ro Carrier | Flag: Canada | Port: VICTORIA, BC
Maritime News
First US-Built Wind Turbine Installation Vessel Starts Sea Trials
The United States' first Jones Act-compliant offshore wind turbine installation vessel (WTIV), Charybdis, has started sea trials ahead of delivery to Dominion Energy planned for later in 2025.The Seatrium AmFELS shipyard in Bronsville, Texas, has been in charge of the construction of the WTIV vessel, the first of its kind to be build in the United States.The vessel, commissioned by Dominion Energy, also recently completed the jacking trial and main crane load testing, Seatrium informed, adding the Charybdis is 96% completed.The vessel complies with U.S. Jones Act regulations, which means it is allowed to operate in U.S. waters for domestic offshore wind projects.
Louis Dreyfus Picks Chinese Shipyard to Build Three New SOVs for Vattenfall
French ship owner Louis Dreyfus Armateurs (LDA) has selected SALT as the naval architect and Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries Company (ZPMC) as the shipyard for the construction of three new service operation vessels (SOVs) ordered by Vattenfall.SALT, an offshore vessel designer and long-time partner of LDA, has been entrusted with the development of the new SOVs.ZPMC has been chosen as the shipyard for the construction of the new SOVs.The new SOVs will integrate high-end European components, including the gangway system, the DP system and key propulsion line systems, ensuring tier I performance and reliability.
Greek Shipyards Revitalized
The rhythmic clang of hammers and the bright flashes of welding torches filled the air at Skaramangas Shipyard near Athens last month, as workers busily repaired the bow of a large tanker. Nearby, other vessels awaited their turn in the dry dock—an unmistakable sign of renewed activity at the once-idle shipyard.Just a year ago, Skaramangas stood empty, a stark reminder of Greece’s prolonged debt crisis from 2009 to 2018. Following decades of inconsistent government ownership and uncertainty, the shipyard had languished. But today, it is experiencing a revival.“Now there is life here again,” said Theodoros Evagelou, a worker sandblasting and painting ships.
Evergreen Places $3.2B Order for 11 LNG Dual-Fuel Container Ships
Taiwanese container shipping firm Evergreen Marine Corporation has ordered 11 new LNG dual-fuel container ships from South Korean and Chinese shipyards, whose combined worth is up to $3.2 billion.On February 12, Evergreen disclosed two orders for 11 container ships, each with a 24,000 TEU capacity.The company placed an order to South Korea’s Hanwha Ocean for six vessels, and to CSSC Guangzhou Shipyard International (GSI) in China for the remaining five vessels.Evergreen will pay between $265 million and $295 million per unit, totaling up to approximately $1.77 billion for six vessels to be built at Hanwha Ocean and around $1.47 billion for five containerships at GSI.
MEGA MACHINES: Manson Prepares to Add “The Bionic Man” of Dredge Vessels
Manson Construction has long been a pillar of the U.S. maritime industry, rooted in a tradition of U.S.-built, U.S.-owned, and U.S.-operated vessels. The company was founded in 1905 by Peter Manson, when he dug up a jar of gold coins [because he didn’t trust the banks] and purchased a winch, a winch that was then put on a barge and that became Manson's first pile driver. With barge-mounted pile driver, Manson Construction embarked on its journey into marine construction and eventually dredging, a journey which continues today as it has become a dominant player today in the U.S. maritime market, playing a crucial role in building and maintaining the nation’s maritime infrastructure.