Shelburne Ship Repair receiving $8.8-million loan from province

Media, provincial and local politicians and Irving officials were on hand on Tuesday afternoon for a big announcement on Shelburne Ship Repair.

Improvements to the marine railway and wharf will allow the company to resume building and repairing ships.

The province, through the Industrial Expansion Fund, is providing an $8.8-million loan to upgrade the Second World War vintage infrastructure. The restoration will employ 15 to 25 workers now and up to 45 employees during peak periods. "We are investing in the restoration of an important operation, which will strengthen the economy and sustain employment for local residents in the long term," said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau, on behalf of Economic and Rural Development Minister Percy Paris. "We recognize that Shelburne Ship Repair is an important employer for this rural community and for the shipbuilding industry in Nova Scotia."

Work will begin this month and is expected to take a year. "We appreciate the support of the province in renewing the future of Shelburne Ship Repair," said president of Irving Shipbuilding Inc., Steve Durrell. "This is an exciting time for the industry and the skilled men and women of Shelburne Ship Repair have a vital role to play. Investing in these improvements will enable this shipyard to take advantage of new opportunities." "A viable shipyard is significant to the economy of Shelburne County communities," said Sherman Embree, warden of the municipality of Shelburne. "This will mean long-term jobs in a vibrant marine sector and industrial park for years to come."

With the Industrial Expansion Fund, the government of Nova Scotia is able to provide access to capital, help protect jobs and support businesses to be more competitive and sustainable. It provides financial support, such as loans and guarantees, when many traditional sources are reluctant to do so.

Look for more coverage on this story in Tuesday’s Shelburne Coast Guard issue.