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Marine and Maritime Industries in B.C.

Making Waves in Marine

As a Pacific gateway with more than 25,000 kilometers of coastline, British Columbia (B.C.) has a rich history in the marine sector with 130 years of shipbuilding, refit, repair, maintenance and supply-chain activities.

Today, B.C. is at the forefront of marine technology, from establishing one of the world’s first and largest undersea digital observatories to developing deep water submersibles and remotely operated vehicles. More than 1,000 marine companies are headquartered in B.C.

Employee Working on Marine Technology

Coastal Advantages

1,000

Over 1,000 Marine industry companies are headquartered in B.C.

Government of B.C. (2021)
$6.8B

The Marine sector generated $6.8B total economic output 

Government of B.C. (2021)
22,000

22,000 people are employed in the industrial marine sector in B.C.

Government of B.C. (2021)

Doing business in B.C.’s marine industry is a smart way to access world-class marine services, resources, efficient logistics and transportation, and a wealth of top-tier talent.

We offer:

  • A promising future – Under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Federal Government’s non-combat vessel contracts with B.C. Shipyards are creating jobs, investment, services, and supply chain opportunities within B.C.
  • Marine clusters in British Columbia – Industrial marine clusters in British Columbia are based primarily in the southern coastal areas around the cities of Vancouver and Victoria, with over 1,000 companies headquartered in and around the two cities.
  • Governmental support – The Government of B.C. has committed substantially to industrial marine research, development, and capacity building through competitive taxes. Tax credits such as the B.C. Shipbuilding and Ship Repair Industry Tax Credit Program, international trade missions, international trade agreements, and a BC Shipbuilding Advisory Committee provide strategic support to guide government and industry.
  • Maritime economy – British Columbia’s diverse marine sector is home to more than 1,000 companies that make up the industrial marine sector that includes 130 years of shipbuilding, refit, repair, maintenance, and supply-chain activities.
  • Making waves – B.C. has some of the best wave energy potential in the world. The province of B.C. is working with industry experts to advance the development of wave energy projects in B.C.

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