Federal support flows to shipbuilding through TPC

Technology Partnerships Canada has made its first two investments in the Canadian shipbuilding sector in response to lobbying by the Shipbuilding Association of Canada (SAC). Canadian Shipbuilding & Engineering Ltd (CSEL) , St Catharines On and St John’s Dockyard Ltd (NEWDOCK), St John’s NF, received $4.9 million and $4 million respectively for projects designed to boost the competitiveness of Canadian firms. CSEL will use the funding to develop a multi-purpose vessel design aimed at the growing replacement market for the aging Great Lakes Fleet. NEWDOCK will use the TPC assistance to launch a $12-million R&D project to enhance its expertise in the design of subsea structures for the oil and gas industry. Industry Canada and the SAC have been working together to determine the best means to assist the beleaguered industry. A Policy Framework for the Canadian Shipbuilding and Industrial Marine Industry was released in 2001....