Dry docks owner still wants role in massive project

Heddle Shipyards has enlisted some heavyweight help in its quest for a role in a massive plan to resupply Canada’s coast guard and navy with new ships.

The operator of the Port Weller dry docks was disqualified recently in its bid to be named a third partner in the multibillion-dollar national shipbuilding strategy.

Now it hopes to convince Ottawa there is room for a fourth builder, and has partnered with Dutch shipbuilding giant Damen Shipyards.

Even with Quebec-based Chantier Davie expected to be named the third partner — no other company has met bidding specifications — Heddle expects there will still be more work than three firms can handle.

“If we can play a role in getting the ships that need to be built for the coast guard, for the navy, faster and get them into service faster, that’s a win not only for us but all of Canada,” said Heddle sales manager Ted Kirkpatrick on Tuesday.

At this point, Ottawa doesn’t appear to believe it needs a fourth partner.

“I think we need to convince them of that,” said Heddle president Shaun Padulo. “I don’t think Ottawa knew it needed a third partner up until very recently, so I think a lot of the issues they dealt with with two yards will persist.”

On Tuesday, officials from Damen inspected Port Weller and will visit Heddle’s yards in Hamilton and Thunder Bay later in the week.

“They’re doing an assessment of all our facilities to help us develop our strategy and assess where our capabilities are at,” said Padulo.

Heddle was disqualified from Ottawa’s search for a third shipbuilding partner mainly because it hadn’t built a 1,000tonne ship in recent years.

It had hoped its partnership with Damen would override that part of the application process.

Heddle has already invested in upgrading Port Weller, which it bought in 2017 after the yard had been closed.

“I’d say we’re 50 per cent of the way there” toward what the yard should offer, said Padulo. “We’ve got solid bones, solid infrastructure.

“We still need to build up the team at Port Weller.”

Jurriaan Daams, area manager for Damen, agreed Port Weller offers a solid base to build from.

“Very bluntly spoken, equipment you can buy if you have the money and willingness to invest. But if you don’t have the yard and the willingness to start doing a certain project, it will never come.”

The site — on the Welland Canal, with docks and room to build and repair — are there, “so I think the rest is just waiting for the right opportunity to make it into something.”

Daams said the transfer of knowledge, along with on-site support, would make up most of Damen’s role in future build or repair work there.

Being an official partner in the shipbuilding strategy would ensure steady work for Heddle. Otherwise, it would have to bid on individual projects.

“It’s good for Damen, because then we become a yard in Canada that can build their designs,” said Padulo. “And it’s good for us because we’re getting advice and exposure and setup from one of the best shipbuilders in the world.”

On Monday, St. Catharines city council called on Ottawa to initiate a “truly national shipbuilding strategy” by considering Heddle as a fourth, Ontariobased shipyard in its plan.

Padulo said the company’s aim is to build a consistent, year-round roster of work projects to avoid a feast-or-famine employment cycle.