Burrard Yarrows Corp.

  • Shipyards

Burrard Yarrows Corporation, often referred to as Burrard Dry Dock, was a prominent Canadian shipbuilding company based in North Vancouver, British Columbia. The company played a significant role in both the maritime industry and the development of the Canadian shipbuilding sector during the 20th century.


Key Historical Points:



  1. Foundation and Early Years:



    • Burrard Dry Dock was founded in 1906 and became one of the major shipbuilding facilities on Canada’s West Coast.

    • The company’s primary focus was on building and repairing a variety of vessels, including commercial ships, ferries, and naval ships.



  2. World War II Contribution:



    • During World War II, Burrard Dry Dock was instrumental in constructing vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy and the Allied forces.

    • The shipyard produced notable wartime vessels such as corvettes, frigates, and cargo ships which were crucial to the war effort.



  3. Post-War Period:



    • After World War II, Burrard Dry Dock continued to build a range of ships including tankers, ferries, and supply vessels.

    • The company expanded its facilities and capabilities to handle larger and more complex shipbuilding projects.



  4. Merger and Reorganization:



    • In the early 1970s, Burrard Dry Dock was merged with Victoria Machinery Depot (VMD) and Yarrows Ltd. (another prominent shipyard in Victoria, BC) to form Burrard Yarrows Corporation.

    • This merger aimed to streamline operations and enhance the company’s competitive position in the shipbuilding industry.



  5. Decline and Closure:



    • The late 20th century saw a decline in demand for new shipbuilding in Canada, coupled with increasing competition from international shipbuilders.

    • Burrard Yarrows Corporation eventually ceased shipbuilding operations, and the shipyard facilities were closed.



  6. Legacy and Impact:



    • Burrard Yarrows Corporation left a lasting legacy in the Canadian maritime industry, notably through its contributions during wartime and its role in the development of Canadian shipbuilding expertise.

    • The location of the old shipyard in North Vancouver has since been redeveloped for other uses, marking the end of an era for the site but also a transition into a new phase of community development.




Notable Contributions:



  • Shipbuilding Excellence: The company was known for its high-quality shipbuilding standards and contributed significantly to technological advancements in the industry.

  • Economic Impact: As a major employer in the region, Burrard Yarrows Corporation played a key role in the local economy, providing jobs and fostering economic growth.


Though Burrard Yarrows Corporation no longer exists, its contributions to maritime history and Canadian industry are well-remembered and continue to be studied by maritime historians and enthusiasts.


Ships

QUEEN OF OAK BAY

Passenger/Ro-Ro Carrier | Flag: Canada | Port: VICTORIA, BC

QUEEN OF SURREY

Passenger/Ro-Ro Carrier | Flag: Canada | Port: VICTORIA, BC

TERRY FOX

Supply Vessel Anchor Handling | Flag: Canada | Port: OTTAWA, ON

Maritime News

Vard, Inkfish Sign Shipbuilding Contract for New Research Vessel

Vard, Inkfish Sign Shipbuilding Contract for New Research Vessel

2 days ago
Vard, the Norwegian subsidiary of the Group and one of the world's leading builders of specialized vessels, has signed a new contract with the US research organization Inkfish for the design and construction of an advanced research vessel. The deal is valued at over USD$233 million (€200 million).The custom-built research vessel, designated Project RV6000, is specifically designed for scientific exploration. It will join Inkfish's expanding fleet, alongside the RV Hydra and RV Dagon, to support global marine research. In close collaboration with host countries, the data collected will contribute to open-source repositories.
Six Crew Saved, 15 Remain Missing After Eternity C Cargo Ship Sinks in Red Sea

Six Crew Saved, 15 Remain Missing After Eternity C Cargo Ship Sinks in Red Sea

2 days ago
Rescuers pulled six crew members alive from the Red Sea after Houthi militants attacked and sank a second ship this week, while the fate of another 15 was unknown after the Iran-aligned group said they held some of the seafarers.The Houthis claimed responsibility for the assault that maritime officials say killed four of the 25 people aboard the Eternity C before the rest abandoned the cargo ship. Eternity C went down Wednesday morning after attacks on two previous days, sources at security companies involved in a rescue operation said.The six rescued seafarers spent more than 24 hours in the water, those firms said.
Four Dead, 15 Missing After Houthi Attack on the Eternity C

Four Dead, 15 Missing After Houthi Attack on the Eternity C

2 days ago
Rescuers pulled six crew members alive from the Red Sea on Wednesday and 15 were still missing from the second of two ships sunk in recent days in attacks claimed by Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi militia after months of calm.Four of the 25 people aboard the Eternity C cargo ship were killed before the rest of the crew abandoned the vessel, which sank on Wednesday morning after being attacked on Monday and Tuesday, sources at security companies involved in a rescue operation said.The six seafarers who were rescued had spent more than 24 hours in the water, they said.The Houthis said on Wednesday they had sunk the Eternity C.
IMO Secretary-General Urges “constructive dialogue” Following Red Sea Attacks

IMO Secretary-General Urges “constructive dialogue” Following Red Sea Attacks

3 days ago
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has called for intensified diplomatic efforts following a renewed wave of attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea.IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has called for intensified diplomatic efforts following a renewed wave of attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea. Addressing the IMO Council in London, Dominguez expressed dismay over recent assaults on the Magic Seas and Eternity C, both targeted on 6 and 7 July. At least three fatalities and several injuries have been reported aboard the Eternity C, while all 22 crew members of the Magic Seas were safely rescued.
Red Sea: Four Dead, Two Wounded in Latest Houthi Attack on Greek Bulk Carrier

Red Sea: Four Dead, Two Wounded in Latest Houthi Attack on Greek Bulk Carrier

3 days ago
Four seafarers on the Liberian-flagged, Greek-operated bulk carrier Eternity C were killed in a drone and speedboat attack off Yemen, an official with knowledge of the issue said on Tuesday, the second incident in a day after months of calm.The Red Sea, which passes Yemen's coast, has long been a critical waterway for the world's oil and commodities but traffic has dropped since the Iran-aligned Houthi militia began targeting ships in November 2023 in what they said was solidarity with Palestinians against Israel in the Gaza war.