Strategic collaboration combines Seaspan’s industry reach with BDC’s capital and advisory services to support Canadian companies in defence, marine, advanced technology and dual-use sectors
Oct. 19, 2026 — Vancouver — More Canadian small and medium-sized businesses will have a clearer path into one of the country’s largest defence supply chains under a strategic memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed today by Seaspan Shipyards (Seaspan) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC).
Announced at Seaspan’s Defence & Marine Industry Day, co-hosted with the Association of British Columbia Defence and Marine Industries (ABCDMI), the non-binding MOU builds on a supply chain pilot the two organizations launched in June. Seaspan intends to identify gaps and opportunities within its supplier network while BDC intends to bring the capital, advisory support and connections to help Canadian companies close them.
Through the MOU, both organizations intend to support small, medium-sized and growth-stage companies, helping them scale to meet the demands of national initiatives such as the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
The collaboration comes as Canada works to build greater sovereign capability and industrial resilience. By connecting shipbuilding demand with businesses ready to scale, Seaspan and BDC aim to open new opportunities for Canadian suppliers and help anchor more defence and marine innovation in Canada.
Quotes
“This joint initiative is about making a promise to the next generation of Canadian innovators: if you’re willing to do the hard work of building something real, we will stand behind you. Canada’s strength and sovereign capability comes from the people in our shipyards, the engineers in our labs and the entrepreneurs who are willing to bet on themselves. This is the Canada worth investing in.”
- James Clarke, Chief Financial Officer, Seaspan Shipyards
“Canadian businesses have the capabilities and ambition to help build the ships of the future. Through this initiative with Seaspan and BDC’s $6 billion Defence Platform, we are helping them access the capital, customers and opportunities they need to scale. The model we are building together can serve as a blueprint for connecting industry needs with Canadian entrepreneurs, strengthening our supply chains and advancing Canada’s economic sovereignty.”
- Isabelle Hudon, President and Chief Executive Officer, BDC
Seaspan by the numbers
- 5,700+ Employees across shipbuilding operations in British Columbia.
- 900+ Canadian suppliers participating in Seaspan’s supply chain.
- $3.8 billion+ Awarded to Canadian companies through National Shipbuilding Strategy contracts.
About Seaspan
Seaspan is a leader in Canada’s ship design, engineering, building and ship repair industry. With modern facilities and a dedicated workforce of more than 5,700 people in North Vancouver and Victoria, the company has proven itself to be a trusted and strategic partner on a range of complex projects for both government and the private sector.
About BDC, Canada’s bank for small- and medium-sized business owners
BDC focuses on small- and medium-sized business owners, providing them financing, investment, and advice. As Canada’s development bank, we also support entrepreneurs who don’t fit the traditional mold working with a network of partners and help develop underserved markets to unlock economic potential. Our mission is to build strong, resilient businesses that drive Canada’s economic growth. BDC is a perennial Canada’s Top 100 Employer and B Corp certified. Learn more at bdc.ca or connect with us on social media.
Media contacts