Where
Water Meets
Mettle

Heddle Shipyards operates the largest number of shipyards and dry docks in Canada. We have been in continuous operation since 1987 and we are expanding.

Mettle (met·tle) is defined in the dictionary as “the ability to meet a challenge or persevere under demanding circumstances; determination or resolve.” What we do is not easy, but we employ a crew of hard-working men and women that have the mettle to do what needs to be done to solve our clients’ challenges.

Heddle Shipyards is WHERE WATER MEETS METTLE.

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Health and Safety

Safety is Heddle Shipyards’ most important project every day.

Our corporate values reflect the importance of our employees’ safety and their wellbeing: Everyone goes home to their families at the end of their shift – EVERYONE GOES HOME. Period.

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Over the years, Heddle Shipyards has proven that they are always there to do the job when needed—and do it right as well.

– Sylvain Trembley, Desgagnes, Vessel Superintendant

About Us

Heddle Shipyards employs hard working Canadians who have the knowledge, experience and mettle to service our clients. Our goal is to become known as the most reliable provider of ship repair services in Canada and a meaningful partner in the shipbuilding industry.

Heddle Shipyards has operated shipyards in Canada for over 30 years. Our success is based on our commitment to safety, hard work and innovative thinking. With facilities across the Great Lakes and East Coast, Heddle Shipyards is on course to be recognized as the most reliable provider of ship repair services in Canada. We strive to exceed industry standards for quality, health and safety and build meaningful and consistent relationships with our customers, suppliers, partners and employees.

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Alicia N. is the Director of Project Management at Heddle Shipyards. Alicia has an extensive background in the marine industry, including roles in engineering and project management. At Heddle, Alicia is responsible for coordinating project management and facilitating communication between the tendering and operations groups at Heddle. 

“What I enjoy most about being part of the Heddle team is working collaboratively with ambitious people towards valued goals, and also having the opportunity to implement new ideas to adapt to industry demands.”

Alicia N.
Heddle Shipyards

Ryan C. is a millwright at Heddle Shipyards’ Hamilton facility. Ryan has been with Heddle for 7 years, and during that time has earned his stripes by working on many projects, including the MV Jiimaan and the CCGS Limnos.

“I love that it is always changing and challenging, and I have great people to work with.”

Ryan C.
Heddle Shipyards

Patricia R. is the Vice President of People & Culture at Heddle Shipyards. Patricia has an extensive background in human resources, specializing in highly industrial facilities across North America. At Heddle, Patricia is responsible for leading the human resources team, overseeing our Quality, Health, Safety, Environmental and Security programs and works to build an engaging corporate culture in all the communities where we operate.

“The people are what makes working here fulfilling, I am privileged enough to help create a rewarding employee experience, to develop people and assist in bringing together a dynamic team.”

Patricia R.
Heddle Shipyards

Ted K. is the Sales Manager at Heddle Shipyards and is responsible for business development and customer relations.  Ted sailed in the Canadian commercial fleet as a navigation officer and brings his firsthand experience of the shipping industry.

“I love working at Heddle because every day I meet new people and experience new things. The marine repair industry is an exciting and dynamic one.”

Ted K.
Heddle Shipyards

Services

Heddle Shipyards utilizes a combination of highly skilled people and unique equipment/assets to provide Vessel Lifecycle Services, specialized Heavy Industrial Fabrication Services and Project Support Services.

Founded in 1987, Heddle Shipyards is a leading ship repair and heavy industrial fabrication service provider. Headquartered in Hamilton, Ontario, the company operates three major shipyards on the Canadian side of Great Lakes and several facilities on the East Coast of Canada. 

We currently employ between 100 and 250 skilled tradespeople depending on the season. We are growing and continuing to hire at all levels.

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Latest News

Georgian College Students and Members of the Marine Club Visit Heddle Shipyards

It is no secret that both the shipping and ship repair industry in Canada face an uphill battle when it comes to attracting skilled men and women to our industry

The Port Weller Dry Docks has a Bright Future

Take a drive down Lakeshore Road towards Lock One on the Welland Canal, and you will be greeted by sight not seen since in many years

25 years of services

Heddle Shipyards has come a long way in the thirty plus years that we have been in business

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Careers

Heddle Shipyards strives to be a preferred employer in each of the communities where we have operations.

We are building a workplace culture on the foundation of employee engagement and satisfaction. We understand that employees want to be valued, respected and heard.

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Locations

Sydport

Heddle Shipyards
320 Marine Drive,
Edwardsville, Nova Scotia

Canada, B2A 4S6
Tel: 709-747-9116
Fax: 709-747-7618

Mount Pearl

Heddle Shipyards
30 Dundee Avenue,
Mount Pearl, Newfoundland and Labrador
Canada, A1N 4R7
Tel: 709-747-9116
Fax: 709-747-7618

Thunder Bay Shipyard

Heddle Shipyards
401 Shipyard Road,
Thunder Bay, Ontario
Canada, P7A 7T8
Tel: 905-528-2635
Fax: 905-522-5230

Port Weller Dry Docks Shipyard

Heddle Shipyards
340 Lakeshore Rd,
St. Catharines, Ontario
Canada, L2M 0A2
Tel: 905-528-2635
Fax: 905-522-5230

Hamilton Shipyard

Heddle Shipyards
208 Hillyard Street
Hamilton, Ontario
Canada, L8L 6B6
Tel: 905-528-2635
Fax: 905-522-5230

May 4th, 2020

HEDDLE SHIPYARDS – COVID 19 UPDATE

As the global situation concerning COVID 19 continues to develop, the health and safety of our employees, suppliers, customers and their families remains our top priority. To date, no Heddle employee has tested positive for COVID 19. We will continue to keep our people informed on any developments through postings and information sessions. Also, we will provide regular updates on our social media accounts because townhall sessions are no longer possible. We will continue to react to this changing situation taking guidance and direction from Provincial and Federal health and government officials.

Heddle Shipyards has been deemed an essential service. We are an important service provider to the marine industry which is a vital lifeline to the Canadian economy. To date, no Federal or Provincial recommendation to cease business operations has been issued and Heddle Shipyards intends to remain operational until such a recommendation is made. Our business and the re-delivery of our customers vessels remains critical to ensuring the health of trade and commerce in Ontario and Canada. Our business also supports the livelihoods of our people and so we are doing everything that we can to stay open without compromising safety. We will evaluate this decision daily as the situation evolves.

Heddle Shipyards has implemented a number of policies and procedures to protect our people, suppliers and customers. These initiatives include:

  1. The creation of a COVID-19 Response Team
  2. Enforcing Screening measures (i.e. questionnaires, infrared temperature scanning and
    interviews) for anyone entering one of our shipyards.
  3. Hiring dedicated personnel to disinfect high traffic areas in the shipyards continuously.
  4. Educating and enforcing physical distancing.
  5. Educating and encouraging increased personnel hygiene
  6. Communicating our new policies and procedures to all employees

Heddle Shipyards is continually monitoring the situation and is responding to new information on an hourly basis. We will continue to adapt to new directives from public health officials and escalate preventative measures as the circumstances change.

Shaun Padulo
President Heddle Shipyards