IGNITE Atlantic, in collaboration with AF Theriault Shipyard, the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association, and New Zealand’s EV Maritime and MAST Academy, hosted the Securing Nova Scotia’s Future in Electric Vessels event. This event showcased growing partnerships between Nova Scotia and New Zealand in boatbuilding and workforce development, with a significant emphasis on the future of electric vessels and decarbonization efforts.
Leading the Charge: Ferry Electrification and Decarbonization
One of the event’s key focuses was ferry electrification, highlighting projects currently underway in New Zealand and exploring how similar initiatives could be replicated in Canada. The partnership between Nova Scotia’s AF Theriault Shipyard and New Zealand-based EV Maritime is leading this charge, aiming to develop and produce electric vessels that will significantly reduce carbon emissions in the marine transportation sector. The collaboration marks an important step forward in the global push to reduce maritime emissions and underscores Nova Scotia’s commitment to embracing sustainable innovation in the boatbuilding industry.
Industry Leaders Share Strategic Insights
Several influential figures delivered insightful presentations, including Gilles Theriault, President of AF Theriault Shipyard, who outlined the strategic vision behind the partnership and the shipyard’s commitment to supporting Canada’s transition to cleaner maritime transportation. Jan Fullerton from the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association emphasized the importance of innovation in shipbuilding and the potential economic and environmental benefits for the region.
Leslie Southwick, Executive Director of MAST Academy, discussed the critical role of workforce development in supporting this transition. She shared insights on how both Nova Scotia and New Zealand can strengthen their collaboration in training a new generation of skilled professionals to support the growing demand for electric vessel construction and maintenance. This partnership will be key to ensuring the continued success and sustainability of the boatbuilding industries in both regions.
Mike Eaglen, CEO of EV Maritime, provided a detailed overview of New Zealand’s success in ferry electrification and outlined the technical and logistical challenges of decarbonizing the ferry fleet. He expressed optimism about the shared vision between New Zealand and Nova Scotia, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in tackling the global climate crisis.
International Cooperation in Tackling Climate Change
The event was also graced by a special guest, Her Excellency Cecile Hillyer, New Zealand’s High Commissioner to Canada, who offered her support and underscored the importance of this burgeoning partnership. Her Excellency highlighted the shared values of innovation, sustainability, and collaboration that make this relationship between New Zealand and Nova Scotia so vital.
The event highlighted the exciting opportunities for collaboration between Nova Scotia and New Zealand in driving the future of maritime innovation. By working together, these two regions are poised to lead the way in decarbonizing the global marine industry and securing a sustainable future for maritime transportation. To learn more about our vessel electrification programming and how we’re leading the way in maritime innovation, click here.
