Irving Shipbuilding Inc.

EllisDon delivered construction management services for the Irving Shipbuilding National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy Facility Modernization project in Halifax, Nova Scotia. The program involved the transformation of an active shipyard into a modern facility capable of supporting naval vessel construction for the Canadian Armed Forces.

The project included the construction of a new shipyard complex exceeding 400,000 square feet, incorporating an Ultra Hall and Unit Assembly Hall with integrated paint and steel fabrication facilities. These structures support large‑scale industrial manufacturing operations and required coordination with adjacent marine and off‑site infrastructure.

Marine and port works formed a key component of the project. The site was reconfigured with new piers and marine loading areas, including construction of bulkheads, dredging operations, and land reclamation. Pier infrastructure included a 220-metre-long bulkhead system and significant dredging and placement of rock fill to support expanded waterfront operations. 

Construction was carried out within an operating shipyard, requiring detailed phasing to maintain ongoing vessel production. Demolition and new construction activities were sequenced to preserve existing building systems and operational continuity while enabling progressive redevelopment of the site. 

The project also required coordination of complex site logistics, including material handling, staging, and access within a constrained waterfront environment. Solutions included off‑site storage, timed deliveries, and the use of marine transport to support construction activities while minimizing disruption to ongoing operations.

EllisDon managed schedule, budget, and scope throughout the project, coordinating a large trade workforce and multiple subcontractors to meet defined production milestones. The completed facility supports integrated industrial processes and marine operations within a redeveloped shipyard environment.