A ship repair company in St. John’s is contemplating a significant upgrade project estimated at $300 million to accommodate larger vessels. Sean Leet, the managing director of Newdock, stated that the redevelopment initiative revolves around replacing the graving dock in St. John’s harbor, installing a new ship lift system, and modernizing the company’s facilities.
Leet explained that the current graving dock has limitations in accommodating the increasing size and width of modern ships. The company aims to make a final decision on the investment plan by spring if approved, the project is expected to span over two years.
The necessity for a new ship lift system stems from the evolving nature of the company’s clientele. With ships growing in size, the existing system is no longer adequate, causing missed opportunities for work. Leet highlighted an example of a ship in the Horizon Maritime fleet that had to seek dry-docking services in Denmark due to size constraints.
Expanding the ship lift system would enable Newdock to cater to larger vessels, including Canadian Coast Guard ships, and potentially secure more defense-related projects. Leet emphasized that the proposed expansion aligns with the company’s commitment to enhancing services for its customers, including the federal government.
The venture coincides with initiatives to bolster Canada’s sovereignty and Arctic presence, reflecting a broader focus on increasing vessel construction in Newfoundland and Labrador. Leet acknowledged that external factors, such as Canada’s defense spending commitments, have influenced the company’s expansion considerations.
Despite prior contemplations of modernization under previous ownership in 2020, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted Newdock’s plans. The envisioned ship lift system, capable of handling 28,000 tons and multiple vessels simultaneously, would significantly enhance the company’s operational capacity compared to the current system, which can only manage 4,000 tons.
The modernization project is projected to create job opportunities, necessitating the recruitment of 220 workers in the trades, along with additional staff and management positions, effectively doubling the current workforce. Leet anticipates that once operational, the new ship lift system will be the largest in the Western Hemisphere.
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