More information is trickling in on what the provincial government sees as a brand new sustained industry – the $200-million drydock at Bull Arm.

The premier hopes to see Newfoundland and Labrador become a key component of Canada’s defense strategy.

The expansion of facilities at Bull Arm, a project enabled by funding through the Bay du Nord project, means that other marine-related projects will continue even after Bay du Nord says Premier Tony Wakeham.

Noting that Greenland recently became a global hot spot, he says Canada’s new strategy must include upgrades to the Atlantic fleet.

“With Halifax already over capacity, this drydock will unlock our province as a new hub for national defense investments,” says Premier Wakeham.

Energy Minister Lloyd Parrott says the facility means that Bull Arm will be able to service naval and Coast Guard ships.

“This floating drydock will have an 18,000-tonne lift capacity. The highest lift capacity in the province right now is 4,000 tonnes and it will be the largest floating drydock in eastern Canada. It can also go to any community in the province,” says Parrott.