Building BC Ferries locally versus internationally involves a complex interplay of economic and logistical considerations. While building locally can boost domestic industries and create jobs, it also comes at a higher cost compared to international options. Those higher costs would potentially be passed on to taxpayers and passengers.
Modern manufacturing production involves the use of many raw metals such as aluminum, nickel, palladium and vanadium. Price hikes and shortages here in Canada disrupt several industrial applications. The market trends include changes in global value chains towards decarbonization and digitalization. The expansion of and the acceleration toward eco-friendly and smart ships are noticeable aspects in the recent marine equipment sector.
Although the policy of the federal government strategies, intellectual property rights and technology transfers in the marine equipment industry are modern, the industry itself is slow to change.
With the increasing need for investment to secure technology and materials required for building ships, complicated by maintaining sufficient skilled staffing levels, B.C. may only dream.
William Perry
Victoria
