Industry Insight

When Byron Bolton first started out in the marine industry little could he have known that he would end up as the largest heavy-gauge aluminum boat manufacturer in North America. With four companies making up the Bolton Marine Group — KingFisher Boats, Renaissance Marine Group Inc. (which includes Duckworth, Weldcraft and Northwest Boats), Armstrong Marine USA Inc., and the most recent acquisition of Daigle Marine — Bolton is able to share insights on the aluminum boat building market for recreational boating, commercial use, law enforcement and military applications on both sides of the border.

Dr. Kate Moran, President & CEO, Ocean Networks Canada (ONC), has spent her entire career focused on the oceans. To call her an expert on issues like climate change or the impact of a carbon-based economy on the world’s seas would be an understatement. While recognizing that there is no silver bullet in moving from fossil fuels toward alternative energies and negative emission technologies, Dr. Moran is an optimist.

Being careful not to give the impression that it’s an “open bar” on Ship-source Oil Pollution Fund (SOPF or the Fund) access, Anne Legars would like Canadians — especially those in the maritime industry and coastal communities — to know that the Fund is there for them when they need it.

Sander Bikkers, President, SAAM SMIT Towage Canada Inc.2019 is promising to be a watershed year for SAAM SMIT Towage Canada Inc. With two new vessels —the most powerful tugs on Canada’s West Coast — now in operation in Vancouver Harbour, another (with equally impressive power) on the way for Prince Rupert and a new President leading the charge, SST Canada is in a good position to be a leader in meeting the demands for docking and escort activities on B.C.’s coast

Whether through new products or the application of technology to improve efficiencies and add greater value for clients, Mikkelsen sees DNV GL as a modern classification society — at the forefront of innovation but rooted in experience and knowledge dating back over 150 years.

Industry insight with Robert Lewis-Manning, President, Chamber of Shipping…It was certainly a unique and politically-charged year and 2019 is likely to bring us a whole new set of challenges…

Industry insight with Bart Reynolds, President, Seaspan Marine…As President of Seaspan Marine and the person accountable for the success of that company’s tug and barge business, Bart Reynolds has been applying lessons learned from diverse sectors in the marine transportation industry…

Industry insight with Mike Whalley, President, Babcock Canada…Whalley was able to provide insights that showcase not only the importance and highly capable nature of Canada’s submarines, but also highlight the extensive skills and knowledge required to keep the vessels in service.

Industry insight with Mark Collins, President and CEO, BC Ferries…With many vessels nearing their end of life, the ferry company is set for a wholesale change that will see fewer, more standardized classes of vessels and advanced technologies…