News Release

BAS-CARAQUET (CNB) – The addition of a new 600-ton mobile marine lift and infrastructure improvements to increase the capacity at the Bas-Caraquet Marine Centre will help revitalize the marine industry, namely shipbuilding and repair, on the Acadian Peninsula. Premier Shawn Graham made the announcement today.

"Our commitment in the travel lift and infrastructure project will put people to work and better position the Bas-Caraquet Marine Centre to provide the capacity for construction and repair of marine vessels," said Graham. "Investing in the Bas-Caraquet Marine Centre is part of our government's plan, An Action Plan for Self-Sufficiency in Northern New Brunswick."

The premier was joined by Wellness, Culture and Sport Minister Hédard Albert; Agnès Doiron, mayor of Bas-Caraquet; Antoine Landry, mayor of Caraquet; and Jacques Dugas, president, Centre de construction, réparation et fabrication navale du Nouveau-Brunswick inc.

Graham announced that the provincial government is prepared to invest up to $10.7 million in the project if an ongoing environmental impact assessment is concluded favourably.

"I am delighted with the provincial government's support for this project aimed at reviving the shipbuilding industry in Bas-Caraquet," said Dugas. "The purchase and installation of a 600-ton marine lift will make it possible to drydock and launch vessels of up to 75 m (250 ft.) for repair, construction or inspection. Above all, it will enable the province to participate in new market niches in shipbuilding and repair. This sound investment by the provincial government will have significant economic benefits for the entire Acadian Peninsula and New Brunswick."

The project includes purchasing and installing of a mobile marine lift as well as constructing a new U-shaped launching wharf to accommodate the lift.

LINK:

●    Regional Development Corporation: www.gnb.ca/rdc