Navigating the Waters of British Columbia's Marine Industries

Excerpt from Radio Sidney's Show Peninsula Affairs

Exploring the Association of BC Marine Industries

In the vast and dynamic marine industries sector, the Association of BC Marine Industries (ABCMI) emerges as a pivotal entity. Peninsula Affairs had the opportunity to chat with Alex Ruben, the Executive Director of ABCMI. Here's a closer look at ABCMI, its strategies, and how it steers the sector toward growth and innovation.

What is ABCMI?

The Association of British Columbia Marine Industries, or ABCMI, is an independent, not-for-profit society representing businesses' interests within British Columbia's industrial marine sector. The group acts independently from governmental and private sector influences, providing a platform to voice collective concerns and sustain business growth across six defined subsectors: shipbuilding, small craft marine, marine products, marine infrastructure and industrial services, marine professional services, and ocean sciences and technology.

Breaking Down the Sub Sectors

ABCMI focuses on six distinct sub sectors that encompass the breadth of marine industries in BC:

1. Shipbuilding, Refit, and Repair: Known for its heavy industry and shipyards, with notable names like C-SPAN’s Vancouver Yards.
2. Small Craft Marine: Catering more to the builders and repair of small craft, distinct from the sale-oriented BC Boating Association.
3. Marine Products: As the supply chain for the first two sectors, providing necessary products and services.
4. Marine Infrastructure and Industrial Services: This catch-all category includes renewable energy projects, underwater surveys, and dredging, among other things.
5. Marine Professional Services: This category includes naval architects, engineers, lawyers, and consultants who operate within the marine space.
6. Ocean Sciences and Technology: This fast-growing sector focuses on technologies such as autonomous underwater vehicles and remote sensing systems.

Bridging Past and Present

Originating from a voluntary forum that aimed to address employment strategies in 2006, ABCMI solidified its presence in 2015 as a membership-based society following governmental advice. While it avoids contentious areas like fisheries and aquaculture, it works tirelessly within its defined boundaries to foster growth and innovation.

Government Engagement and Strategic Growth

In 2021, ABCMI partnered with the BC government to develop a BC Marine Industry Strategy. This marked a crucial step away from what they termed "maritime blindness" and toward recognizing maritime commerce as vital to BC's economy. The strategy broadened from merely focusing on shipbuilding to embracing a broader maritime view.

Key to this strategy is a $25 million grant program aimed at modernizing small shipyards and marine infrastructure, facilitating the expansion and increased competitiveness of BC maritime businesses. These efforts align with national shipbuilding objectives, ensuring that projects like the Coast Guard's vessel constructions remain balanced across Canada's provinces.

Local Impact and Future Potential

For those within the Sidney and broader Saanich Peninsula, an ongoing initiative exists to create synergy among local marine industries. The possibility of converting the ferry terminal into a testing and innovation hub stands as an opportunity for startups and established companies alike. With the potential involvement of organizations like COAST (Centre for Ocean Applied Sustainable Technologies), Sidney is set up to become a central node in marine innovation activities.



Conclusion

ABCMI's trajectories indicate a promising future for British Columbia's marine sectors. With ongoing engagements and strategic alignments, the association diligently fosters competitiveness and innovation. For businesses considering membership or looking for industry developments, subscribing to ABCMI's newsletter provides valuable insights and opportunities.

For more information and to stay connected with industry updates, visit abcmi.ca. Whether you seek collaboration or want to stay informed, engaging with ABCMI could be the anchor your business needs in the dynamic seas of the marine industry.