March 13, 2024 – North Vancouver, BC – HaiSea Marine, majority owned by Haisla Nation in partnership with Seaspan ULC, is celebrating the official naming and blessing of its new floating operations facility – which will be the home base for the world’s greenest tugboat fleet.
The new floating facility was recently named and blessed by the Haisla Nation and is now ready to be transported up the Douglas Channel to Kitimat, where it will be based to support HaiSea’s operations.
“Zewén” is the Haisla word for Coho and is now also the name of HaiSea’s operations and maintenance facility. The location where the Zewén will be secured in Kitimat inspired the name from Haisla Nation Hereditary Chief, Basil Grant. His family has been fishing for Coho in that exact spot for generations. Now the site will carry a new legacy as the home base for HaiSea’s fleet that will support LNG carriers calling at LNG Canada’s new export facility.
Zewén is a floating operations and maintenance building and was purpose-built and designed to withstand the extreme tidal range in the Kitimat region. It was also designed to be welcoming and inclusive of all genders with a focus on comfort, privacy, and overall well-being. It features a large workshop, common areas, a gym, and will also accommodate up to eight shore-based personnel to use during working hours.
The Zewén facility was built by Pacific Marine Construction on Wei Wai Kum territory in Campbell River, BC. To celebrate its naming and unveiling, HaiSea was joined by representatives from Haisla Nation, Wei Wai Kum Nation, and LNG Canada inside the Zewén.
QUOTES
“When HaiSea was still in the idea and planning phase, we challenged Seaspan to create something different; an environmentally friendly tugboat fleet to ply our waters; job opportunities for Haisla Nation members and our local First Nations neighbours; and lastly, we wanted diversity and inclusion to be part of HaiSea’s culture. As we celebrate the naming of the Zewén facility, it is clear that our shared vision of diversity, inclusion, and environmental innovation is coming to fruition.”
- Chief Crystal Smith, Elected Chief Councillor, Haisla Nation
“As a modern marine start-up, we were able to develop HaiSea from the ground-up in true partnership with the Haisla Nation, and with feedback from our mariners. We had the remarkable opportunity to build our culture and our assets, like the Zewén, to support an inclusive and diverse team. Zewén features single enclosed bathrooms and changing rooms, which in 2024 is the baseline expectation but it’s revolutionary for a centuries-old industry that was not built for everyone. The unveiling and naming of Zewén is a celebration of how we are doing things differently and is a testament to our efforts in designing welcoming and inclusive workspaces at sea and on shore.”
- Jordan Pechie, Senior Vice President, Seaspan Marine Transportation
The Zewén is an impressive structure and is certainly fitting for an initiative as cutting-edge and dynamic as HaiSea Marine. In addition to serving as a warm and comfortable base for mariners, it will symbolize progress and opportunities for the Haisla Nation. As an organization that prioritizes the safety of its people, partners and neighbours, as well as protecting the marine environment, LNG Canada is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside the HaiSea joint venture.
- Jason Klein, CEO, LNG Canada
“It has been an honour to be part of this project and complete the construction of the Zewén facility for Haisea Marine. There was a lot of learning, innovation, and teamwork that led to the project’s success, and we are very proud to have been part of it.”
- Cory Handyside, President, Pacific Marine Construction
“This facility was built on our lands and it was meaningful to be invited by the Haisla Nation to participate in the ceremony to bless and unveil the Zewén. I applaud the success of the Haisla Nation and how they not only embrace the major industry and projects on their territory but are a true partner in those projects. It’s inspiring to all First Nations People in this province and across Canada.”
- Chief Chris Roberts, Elected Chief, Wei Wai Kum Nation
ABOUT HAISEA MARINE
HaiSea Marine is a joint venture majority owned by the Haisla Nation in partnership with Seaspan ULC. Both partners have considerable experience and knowledge of operating in Northern British Columbia, making HaiSea Marine a natural choice for providing responsible and dependable marine services in the Kitimat region.
MEDIA CONTACTS
Jessica Gares
media@seaspan.com
236-989-7328