March 19, 2025 – North Vancouver, BC – Seaspan Shipyards (Seaspan) is pleased to announce a $5 million investment in Novarc Technologies Inc. (“Novarc”), a North Vancouver-based full-stack AI robotics company specializing in the design and manufacturing of automated welding solutions. This funding will fuel product development and commercialization of AI-driven solutions which promise to increase industrial productivity and set new standards in quality and efficiency in manufacturing.
Seaspan has been a strategic partner and early adopter of Novarc’s welding automation technology since 2017, when it invested $500,000 during Novarc’s Seed Round offering. Since then, Novarc’s Spool Welding Robot (SWR) has been installed at both Vancouver Drydock and Victoria Shipyards, where it helps to drive worker productivity and weld quality during large, complex ship repair and maintenance projects.
This recent investment is part of a Series B funding round totaling $50 million and led by existing investors Export Development Canada (EDC), advanced manufacturing private investment firm Graham Partners, BC-based strategic investment fund inBC, along with Seaspan. This latest funding announcement brings Seaspan’s total investment to date to $5.5 million.
This investment is part of Seaspan’s Value Proposition commitment under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). Innovative and forward-thinking solutions such as robotic welding are playing an active role in growing Canada’s industrial capabilities, particularly in the marine industry. Novarc is an excellent example of the National Shipbuilding Strategy at work – developing domestic expertise, workforce, and a pan-Canadian supply chain.
“Since bringing in our first Novarc SWR at Victoria Shipyards, we have seen significant productivity and quality improvements in our pipe shop. The robotic welding technology has been embraced by our workforce and they are excited to work with cutting-edge tools. Through our continuing partnership with the Novarc team, we have further developed our welding procedures and look forward to being a part of advancing innovation in this space.”
- Tony Winter, Vice President & General Manager at Victoria Shipyards.
“This investment also allows us to expand our efforts in robotics and AI to help manufacturers facing tight budgets and pressure to deliver projects faster, exacerbated by a demand for infrastructure and a shortage of highly-skilled welders. Our technology responds to these concerns with an automation solution that brings vision and cognition to articulated robots, cobots and mechanized welders, which promises to transform welding automation. Today marks a great accomplishment.”
- Soroush Karimzadeh, CEO of Novarc Technologies
“Our National Shipbuilding Strategy is driving economic growth and creating new opportunities for Canada’s marine industry. Partnerships like the one between Seaspan Shipyards and Novarc Technologies are advancing innovation while enhancing productivity in Canada’s shipbuilding industry.”
- The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
About Seaspan Shipyards
Seaspan, a division of Seaspan ULC, is a leader in Canada’s ship design, engineering, building and ship repair industry. With modern facilities and a dedicated workforce of approximately 4,300 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 NOVARC Technologies Inc.
As a proven pioneer in the field of welding automation, Novarc Technologies is a full-stack AI robotics company specializing in the design and manufacturing of automated welding solutions for challenging welding applications. Novarc’s Spool Welding Robot (SWR) is recognized by customers globally for its impact in the fabrication industry. For more information, visit www.novarc.ai.
Media Contacts
Seaspan
[email protected]
236-989-7328
NOVARC
Debra Hadden
[email protected]
604 240-3196