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Lunenburg Shipyards Pivot to Specialized Repairs and High-Tech Vessels

The sector’s revival rests on meeting demand for classic yacht restorations alongside prototype electric uncrewed vessels.

Shipwrights work at the Big Boat Shed where traditional wooden boats are built on the historic waterfront of Lunenburg, N.S., on Monday, July 7, 2025. Located on the Smith and Rhuland boatyard which opened in 1900, the workshop was the main boatbuilding facility where more than 270 boats were built — including the Bluenose II. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darren Calabrese

Overview

  • Boatyards are drawing significant revenue from vintage yacht refits, with individual projects yielding between $80,000 and $2 million for local trades.
  • ABCO Industries is scaling up production of uncrewed aluminum service craft and all-electric vessels for hydrographic surveys.
  • Lunenburg Shipyard plans to partner with other firms to build a modern indoor facility that supports year-round operations and profitability.
  • Rising material costs, persistent labour shortages, new tariffs and stricter regulations continue to pressure margins and capacity.
  • Sustained growth depends on developing affordable worker housing and securing community support for expanded shipbuilding activity.