The company was founded in 1898 by a group of local investors who saw an opportunity to capitalize on the growing demand for shipbuilding in Canada.
The shipyard's early success was largely due to its strategic location on the Saint John Harbour, which provided easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and a steady supply of raw materials.
The company's first major contract was awarded in 1901, and it went on to become one of the largest and most respected shipyards in the country.
With its experienced workforce and state-of-the-art facilities, Saint John Shipbuilding was well-equipped to handle even the most complex projects.
History of Saint John Shipbuilding
Saint John Shipbuilding has a rich history that spans over a century. In 1918, it was announced that the St. John Drydock & Shipbuilding Co. would be established as a subsidiary of the Canada Dredging Co., Ltd. of Midland, Ontario.
The new shipyard with its massive drydock opened in 1923 at a location on the eastern shore of Courtney Bay. The drydock was one of the largest in the world, measuring 1,150 feet in length and 125 feet in width.
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The shipyard was used to construct various vessels, including the ferry MV Kipawo, which was launched on December 5, 1924. It went into service in 1926 after fit-up.
In the 1950s, the shipyard was sold to the industrialist K.C. Irving. The company was renamed Saint John Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., Ltd. after a corporate restructuring.
Here is a list of notable vessels constructed at the shipyard:
- MV Kipawo (launched in 1924)
- Oil tankers for Irving Oil
- Freighters and other cargo vessels for Kent Lines
- A passenger-vehicle ferry for Canadian Pacific Railway (built in 1969)
- A passenger-vehicle ferry for CN Marine (built in the early 1980s)
The shipyard was eventually sold, and by the 1980s, it had become the flagship of a collection of eastern Canadian shipyards operated by Irving Shipbuilding.
Recent Developments
St. Johns Ship Building has successfully delivered the Atlantic Endurance, the second of two Chartwell Ambitious-Class Crew Transfer Vessels (CTVs) ordered by Atlantic Wind Transfers.
This delivery marks a continued partnership between the two companies and further demonstrates St. Johns' growing role in supporting the U.S. offshore wind industry.
The Atlantic Endurance is the second of five CTVs delivered by St. Johns Ship Building within an eighteen-month period, following the recent handover of the Atlantic Resolute.
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The shipyard has reinforced its position as a key builder of advanced aluminum vessels for offshore wind support under the Jones Act.
St. Johns Ship Building has constructed and delivered both Incat and Chartwell-designed vessels, showcasing its versatility and expertise in building high-performance CTVs.
The delivery of the Atlantic Endurance marks another important milestone for St. Johns Ship Building as it continues to deliver high-performance CTVs that meet the demands of the offshore wind market.
The shipyard is rapidly establishing itself as a center of excellence for the construction and repair of aluminum and steel vessels, with a growing portfolio that includes offshore wind support vessels and a diverse range of other commercial craft.
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Industry Impact
Saint John Shipbuilding has a significant impact on the local economy, with the company employing over 1,500 people directly and generating billions of dollars in economic activity each year.
The company's operations also have a ripple effect on the surrounding community, with many local businesses benefiting from the shipbuilding industry.
Saint John Shipbuilding's largest customer is the Canadian Navy, which has ordered several vessels from the company over the years.
The company's ability to meet the Canadian Navy's needs has helped to secure its position as a major player in the shipbuilding industry.
The construction of the HMCS Protecteur and HMCS Preserver, two of the Canadian Navy's supply ships, was a major milestone for the company.
These vessels were built at the company's shipyard and have since become an integral part of the Canadian Navy's fleet.
The company's expertise in building complex vessels like the HMCS Protecteur and HMCS Preserver has also made it a sought-after partner for other naval projects.
Saint John Shipbuilding's commitment to innovation and quality has helped to establish it as a leader in the shipbuilding industry.
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