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Maritime sector

Last updated on March 20, 2024

Photo credit: Vancouver Fraser Port Authority

B.C.’s maritime sector defines our province’s history and will continue to shape our future. Our deep connection to coastal ecosystems has led us to understand that communities, businesses and individuals across our province will benefit from a prosperous maritime industry.

On this page: 

Sector overview

B.C.᾽s maritime sector is the largest in Canada, generating approximately $4.0 billion in total output, and sustaining jobs for 34,250 people. The sector plays a critical role in the provincial economy by connecting coastal communities and hosting essential infrastructure, including shipyards, ports and other maritime facilities. 

The sector provides jobs for British Columbians in a diverse set of areas including: ​

  • Ship and boat building 
  • Vessel refit and repair 
  • Research and technology 
  • Marine products 
  • Marine professional services  
  • Ocean science and technology 

​B.C.'s maritime advantage

B.C.’s geographic location and historic investment in maritime industries have created a competitive advantage. B.C.’s maritime sector benefits from:

  • Principled environmental and ethical leadership through CleanBC and the provincial Environmental, Social and Governance Centre of Excellence
  • Canada’s two largest ports and busiest trade routes
  • World-class research institutions
  • Globally recognized maritime capabilities
  • The Royal Canadian Navy’s Maritime Forces Pacific and large vessel construction under the National Shipbuilding Strategy
  • Internationally recognized network of post-secondary and technical training institutions
  • Cross-sector leadership and support for advanced manufacturing and clean technology
  • Respected naval architects, marine engineers and service providers

B.C. Maritime Industries Strategy

The Maritime Industries Strategy aims to:

  • Build a strong and prosperous maritime sector 
  • Advance Indigenous reconciliation
  • Incorporate sustainable practices for environmental stewardship

It will establish B.C. as a leader in innovative and high-value industrial maritime activity. The strategy reflects our social, environmental and economic values. It identifies immediate provincial actions:

  • Create a West Coast Maritime Office with industry partners and key stakeholders in support of provincial maritime growth 
  • Modernize and upgrade maritime infrastructure through a $25 million B.C. Maritime Industries Infrastructure Modernization and Expansion Grant Program 
  • Invest in people through the StrongerBC: Future Ready Action Plan (PDF, 3.0MB) to increase maritime talent, reduce labour shortages and create more jobs for British Columbians, including Indigenous peoples
  • Leverage the power of B.C.'s clean technology innovation ecosystem to find clean and innovative ways to power vessels and operations to gain a competitive advantage.  

The strategy also aligns the maritime industry with other key provincial initiatives:

Download the B.C. Maritime Industries Strategy (PDF, 6.1MB) to learn more. 

Maritime sector resources

Get help

Contact WCMO@gov.bc.ca with questions about: 

  • B.C.’s Maritime Industry Strategy 
  • Supports available for your maritime business 
B.C. Maritime Industries Strategy

The B.C. Maritime Industries Strategy focuses on building a strong and prosperous maritime sector in B.C. 

Download the B.C. Maritime Industries Strategy (PDF, 6.1MB)