June 22, 2023 – Kitimat/Campbell River/WWK Territory – Concrete has been poured for the construction of a floating facility that will be the home base for the greenest tugboat fleet in the world. HaiSea Marine, majority owned by the Haisla First Nation in partnership Seaspan ULC, has contracted Pacific Marine Construction to build its floating tugboat maintenance facility which will be the base of operations and maintenance for HaiSea’s fleet in Kitimat, BC.
The facility will host HaiSea’s fleet of LNG powered escort and fully electric harbour tugs required for LNG Canada’s new export facility. These tugboats will also provide transportation of material and personnel, marine emergency response, firefighting, and oil pollution response.
“We are proud to work with Pacific Marine Construction, a B.C. based company that operates on the territory of the Wei Wai Kum First Nation in Campbell River and is committed to hiring from local and indigenous communities,” said Crystal Smith, Chief Councillor of the Haisla Nation. “HaiSea also recognizes the importance of sharing the project benefits with various Nations and enabling their participation in the region.”
“We are honoured to build a facility that will embody the values of both Haisla Nation and Seaspan and reflect their true partnership,” said Cory Handyside, President of Pacific Marine Construction. “It will also showcase an innovative design as a floating facility which is required due to the extreme tidal range experienced in the Kitimat region.”
The floating facility will be divided into two main areas including a large workshop area combined with common spaces and a gym facility which also will accommodate eight shore-based personnel to use the spaces during normal working hours. “Everything at HaiSea is being built with inclusivity in mind – from the wellness facility to the single enclosed bathrooms and changing rooms – it is centred around a common goal of creating a safe, healthy and inclusive environment for everyone working at HaiSea,” said Jordan Pechie, Senior Vice President of Seaspan Marine Transportation.
HaiSea is inviting members of the Haisla, Gitga’at and Gitxaala communities to take part in a naming contest for the floating facility. Each of HaiSea’s five tugboats were named by the nations and carry connection and meaning to their people and territories – the name of the floating facility will be just as important to the HaiSea team and its partners. While the initial contract for HaiSea is to provide the escort tug services for a period 12 years, HaiSea Marine is building this facility with a long-term vision to serve the tugboats and the Kitimat community for generations to come.
About HaiSea Marine
HaiSea Marine is a joint venture partnership between the Haisla Nation and Seaspan ULC. Both partners have considerable experience and knowledge of operating in Northern British Columbia, making HaiSea a natural choice for providing responsible and dependable marine services in the region.
About Pacific Marine Construction
Pacific Marine Construction is a full-service marine contractor based out of Campbell River, B.C. With a multi-faceted team of designers, engineers, technicians and dock builders, the company
provides turnkey marine construction solutions for homeowners, government, and tourism
organizations in need of marine products and services.
MEDIA CONTACT
Jessica Gares, Manager of External Communications, Seaspan ULC
Media@seaspan.com
236-989-7328