Davie in Canada is still working and has not had to reduce capacity during the Covid-19 pandemic . When it comes to maintaining worker/client safety, Alex Vicefield, Chairman of Davie Shipbuilding told DryDock; “All the measures one would expect, such as checking temperatures and enquiring about any potential symptoms each morning, providing guidance to staff, wearing PPE and keeping safe distances.”

They have also not seen any cancellations due to the virus, and have not needed to turn any jobs away. The yard has also not seen any owners looking to take advantage of any available slots due to cancellations, so far.

Maintaining supply

The yard has been able to maintain supplies, but as Vicefield explains; “We have had some disruption with travel from suppliers (field service engineers).

The yard has not needed to offer any incentives to stimulate business, “we are always competitive,” exclaims Vicefield.

“We are still refitting three polar icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard, and during the summer, the first Royal Canadian Navy frigate will arrive for their mid-life refit. We have a further two ferries and six newbuild icebreakers, which will start construction in the coming years.”

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