Potential Creation Of 700 High-skilled Jobs

USPA NEWS - A game-changing opportunity is emerging for Atlantic Canada, as South Korea's Hanwha Ocean is poised to play a pivotal role in shaping Canada's future submarine program, unlocking new possibilities for growth and innovation.

In early 2026, the global shipbuilding giant formally submitted a Letter of Interest to repurpose the former Imperial Oil refinery site in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, into a cutting-edge submarine maintenance and assembly facility.

The project's scope transcends submarine development and servicing, as it encompasses the revitalization of a historic waterfront and the fortification of Canada's naval capabilities for decades to come. The proposed location is steeped in history, having once been the site of Fort Clarence, a vital military battery that protected Halifax Harbour centuries ago.

If approved, the project is poised to deliver substantial economic benefits to Nova Scotia and Canada at large, including the potential creation of 700 high-skilled jobs in Dartmouth's Woodside area, support for approximately 15,000 jobs across Canada annually, increased demand for Canadian-made steel, technology, and manufacturing, advanced training opportunities leveraging virtual reality and simulation technology, and long-term support for Canada's naval readiness and defense infrastructure.

Premier Tim Houston has engaged in talks with Hanwha officials about the project, as Nova Scotia examines how this potential investment could integrate into the province's future plans. For Dartmouth, where the refinery ceased operations in 2013, the proposal offers a chance to revive its legacy as a major industrial and maritime center.