Posted on October 27, 2026
By Robertha McDonald
Mammoet Canada Eastern Ltd., Port of Argentia Inc. and Argentia Capital Inc. (ACI) have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a floating dry dock and marine repair facility in Newfoundland and Labrador, targeting growing demand for vessel maintenance, offshore services and marine industrial capacity in Atlantic Canada.
The proposed development would combine Mammoet’s heavy lifting and marine engineering capabilities with modular floating dock technology from its subsidiary, Tugdock Submersible Platforms Ltd., and existing infrastructure at the Port of Argentia.
The agreement establishes a framework for further development rather than a final investment commitment. The partners plan to seek an experienced marine industrial operator through a formal Expression of Interest process in the coming months.
Modular floating dock technology at centre of project
The proposed facility would use Tugdock’s Submersible Platform (TSP), a modular floating system designed to support vessel docking, marine maintenance and industrial operations.
Unlike conventional fixed dry docks, the TSP uses a scalable configuration that can be adapted to different vessel sizes and operating requirements.
The technology could allow the partners to establish additional docking capacity without relying entirely on the construction of permanent dock structures.
For shipowners, access to suitable repair facilities can influence maintenance schedules, vessel positioning and operational downtime. Flexible docking infrastructure could provide another option for operators seeking maintenance services in Atlantic Canada.
The project would combine the floating platform system with existing port infrastructure, including the former Cenovus Graving Dock site.
“By combining our technical expertise and Tugdock’s adaptable platform with the Port’s strategic infrastructure, we see significant potential to develop a competitive marine repair and servicing operation,” said Jeremy Asher, Managing Director at Mammoet.
The companies have not disclosed the proposed facility’s investment value, lifting capacity, vessel size limits or expected commissioning date.
Argentia infrastructure supports year round operations
Located in Newfoundland and Labrador, the Port of Argentia offers a deep water, ice free harbour, industrial land and existing marine infrastructure.
Its separation from residential areas also provides conditions suitable for marine industrial activities operating around the clock.
These characteristics are relevant to ship repair operations, where vessel movements, heavy lifting, fabrication and maintenance work can require extended operating periods.
The port also has access to a regional workforce experienced in marine construction, offshore energy and heavy industrial projects.
Mammoet already maintains an operational relationship with Argentia through activities at the Cenovus Graving Dock site and participation in offshore wind marshalling projects.
According to Scott Penney, CEO of Port of Argentia, that relationship provides an established basis for evaluating additional marine services.
“We have developed a strong working relationship with Mammoet through its operations at the Port, including its presence at the Cenovus Graving Dock site and its role in the Port’s offshore wind marshalling projects,” Penney said.
The proposed facility would build on those existing activities while introducing a broader range of vessel servicing capabilities.
Commercial shipping, defence and offshore energy targeted
The partners envisage a facility serving several marine market segments rather than depending on a single customer or industrial sector.
Potential customers include commercial shipping operators, the Canadian Coast Guard, the Royal Canadian Navy, offshore oil and gas companies and developers involved in offshore wind projects.
Each sector has different maintenance requirements, ranging from routine vessel servicing to more specialised marine engineering work.
For commercial operators, regional repair capacity could reduce the need to reposition vessels to more distant facilities, depending on vessel dimensions, service requirements and available dock capacity.
Government and defence vessels could also represent potential customers, although no service contracts or procurement commitments have been announced.
The offshore energy sector presents another potential market. Marine construction vessels, support craft and other specialised equipment require maintenance facilities capable of handling demanding operational schedules.
The partners have not specified which vessel categories would be accommodated initially or whether the proposed facility would include dedicated fabrication and repair workshops.
Partners seek marine industrial operator
Argentia Capital views the project as part of a broader effort to strengthen the port’s industrial role in Canadian maritime activities.
Carl Sheppard, CEO of Argentia Capital, said the port should be considered a strategic industrial location supporting trade, defence, critical minerals and long term economic development.
“The former Cenovus Graving Dock site is a valuable marine industrial asset,” Sheppard said.
He added that the agreement provides an opportunity to examine additional marine industrial activities with partners bringing established technology and operational expertise.
The next development stage will focus on identifying a marine industrial operator capable of managing the proposed facility and developing its customer base.
The partners intend to launch a formal Expression of Interest process in the coming months, seeking a globally recognised operator with the technical experience and commercial capacity required for the project.
The selection process will be an important step in defining the facility’s operating model, service offering and potential market commitments.
