Mammoet and Port of Argentia Advance Floating Dry Dock Project in Canada
Mammoet Canada Eastern Ltd., Port of Argentia Inc., and Argentia Capital Inc. (ACI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance plans for a floating dry dock and marine repair facility at Port of Argentia in Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. The proposed development aims to expand the region’s marine industrial capacity and introduce scalable technology for ship repair, vessel servicing, and offshore industry support.
The agreement brings together Mammoet’s expertise in heavy lifting, engineered transport, and marine operations, its subsidiary Tugdock Submersible Platforms Ltd.’s floating platform technology, and Port of Argentia’s established marine infrastructure. If developed, the facility could provide a flexible alternative to conventional dry-docking arrangements, serving commercial shipping, naval and coast guard operations, offshore oil and gas, and the offshore wind industry.
At the centre of the proposal is Tugdock’s Submersible Platform (TSP), a modular floating dry dock system designed to accommodate a range of vessels and industrial applications. Its scalable design is intended to adapt to changing market requirements and support a variety of marine servicing needs.
Jeremy Asher, Managing Director at Mammoet, said the partnership offers an opportunity to build on the company’s established presence at Argentia while introducing advanced, scalable marine technology to the Canadian market. He highlighted the potential to combine Mammoet’s technical capabilities and Tugdock’s platform with the port’s infrastructure to develop a competitive marine repair and servicing operation.
Port of Argentia offers several infrastructure advantages for the proposed development, including a deep-water, ice-free harbour, existing graving dock infrastructure, and an extensive industrial land base. Its separation from residential areas also provides conditions suited to industrial operations requiring continuous activity. The region’s skilled workforce, with experience in marine operations, industrial services, and heavy construction, could further support the project.
Scott Penney, CEO of Port of Argentia, said the port had established a strong working relationship with Mammoet through its operations at the facility, including its presence at the Cenovus Graving Dock site and its role in the port’s offshore wind marshaling projects. He said the proposed partnership aligns with opportunities emerging across Canada’s marine industry and could expand Argentia’s marine industrial capabilities.
The proposed facility is intended to serve a broad customer base, including commercial vessel operators, the Canadian Coast Guard, the Royal Canadian Navy, offshore oil and gas operators, and the offshore wind sector. Serving these different markets could broaden the facility’s potential applications across commercial shipping, defence-related maritime operations, and offshore energy.
Carl Sheppard, CEO of Argentia Capital Inc., described Port of Argentia as a potential strategic national industrial and marine hub supporting Canada’s long-term trade, economic security, critical minerals, defence, and industrial development objectives.
Sheppard also identified the former Cenovus Graving Dock site as a valuable marine industrial asset. He said the MOU provides an opportunity to work with partners bringing established technology and expertise to explore additional industrial uses for the site.
Strategic Outlook for Canada’s Ship Repair and Offshore Energy Sectors
The proposed project would combine existing port infrastructure with modular floating dry dock technology to explore new capacity for ship repair, marine maintenance, and offshore industrial services. Its intended multi-client model could allow the facility to serve several maritime sectors rather than depend on a single category of vessel or industrial customer.
For Newfoundland and Labrador, the development could create opportunities for local businesses, skilled trades, and marine service providers while strengthening the province’s marine supply chain. Its longer-term commercial prospects will depend on the outcome of the development process and the selection of an operator capable of running the proposed facility.
Under the MOU, the partners intend to advance plans for a scalable facility and initiate a formal Expression of Interest (EOI) process in the coming months. The process will seek a globally recognised marine industrial operator with the expertise and capacity to operate the proposed facility and support the expansion of marine services at Port of Argentia.
