The Honourable Tony Wakeham, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador along with Jeff Dwyer, MHA for Placentia West-Bellevue and Parliamentary Secretary to Energy and Mines toured the Bull Arm Fabrication Site this morning and met with local stakeholders as the Provincial Government takes another step toward transforming the site into a major marine industrial hub.
The Oil and Gas Corporation of Newfoundland and Labrador (OilCo), on behalf of Bull Arm Fabrication Inc. (BAF), has issued today a request for proposals (RFP) seeking qualified proponents to undertake a Pre-Front End Engineering and Design (Pre-FEED) study for a floating dry dock at the Bull Arm Fabrication Site in Trinity Bay.
The RFP will evaluate the floating dry dock specifications, design concepts, costs, construction strategies, site requirements, project timelines and key risks. It will also identify the infrastructure, equipment and workforce requirements needed to support the floating dry-dock construction and long-term operations at Bull Arm.
The RFP invites proponents to submit strategic proposals for a long-term vision for the Bull Arm Fabrication Site that brings mutual value for the province and proponents. Strategic proposals will help bring long-term industrial capacity, strengthen and advance the trades workforce, expand regional supply chain opportunities, and maximize industrial benefits for Newfoundland and Labrador.
The RFP is available at merx.com (Reference No. 926000006). Interested companies are invited to submit their proposals by February 26, 2027.
OilCo previously received significant industry interest in response to its June 2026 request for expressions of interest for study work for the floating dry dock. Nineteen submissions were received from companies based in four countries, demonstrating broad international interest in the opportunity. Notably, over half of the submissions came from companies with offices or operations in Newfoundland and Labrador, highlighting strong local engagement and capacity.
The addition of a floating dry dock at the Bull Arm Site will create significant new capacity for ship repair and maintenance, marine construction, offshore support services, defence-related projects and decommissioning activities. The project represents a strategic investment in the province’s industrial future, strengthening Newfoundland and Labrador’s position as a leading hub for marine, offshore and emerging defence-sector opportunities in Canada and North America.
Owned by the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and operated by OilCo, the Bull Arm Fabrication Site in Trinity Bay is one of Atlantic Canada’s premier industrial facilities. Spanning more than 25 square kilometres and featuring extensive fabrication, marine and deepwater infrastructure, the site has played a significant role in supporting major industrial developments throughout the province.
OilCo is Newfoundland and Labrador’s oil and gas corporation, responsible for managing offshore assets and supporting strategic energy and industrial development. OilCo also operates the Bull Arm Site, supporting industrial growth and development opportunities.
Quotes
“Bull Arm is one of Newfoundland and Labrador’s most strategic industrial assets. This study moves us closer to creating a world-class marine services hub that will attract new investment, create long-term jobs and open the door to opportunities for ship repair, defence, offshore energy and marine construction. Our government is focused on building on the province’s competitive advantages to grow the economy and create lasting benefits for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.”
Honourable Tony Wakeham
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Newfoundland and Labrador has the workforce, infrastructure and strategic location needed to compete in the growing global marine industry. This study will provide the information required to assess how a floating dry dock can diversify Bull Arm’s business, attract investment, and strengthen our position as a marine and industrial leader in Atlantic Canada.”
Honourable Lloyd Parrott
Minister of Energy and Mines
“I have been a strong advocate for getting the Bull Arm site back up and running and reaching its full potential. This is an exciting step forward, not only for our district, but for the future of Newfoundland and Labrador. I look forward to seeing the opportunities this site can create for our trades workers, local businesses and future generations.”
Jeff Dwyer, MHA for Placentia West-Bellevue
“The Bull Arm Fabrication Site has a long history of supporting major industrial projects, and this study will help determine how those capabilities can be expanded to serve new markets. By examining the technical, commercial and operational requirements for a floating dry dock, we will be able to better understand the opportunities available and the steps required to advance this strategic project.”
Jim Keating
CEO, OilCo
“On behalf of our member unions, we are deeply invested in the success of this initiative and its potential to create thousands of highly technical, long-term careers for generations of skilled tradespeople. Our membership stands ready to deliver world-class performance through industry-leading productivity, uncompromising quality, and the highest standards of safety. We look forward to working with our project partners to ensure they have access to the most highly skilled, versatile, and professionally trained workforce in the country. Together, we will establish a benchmark for excellence that is recognized around the world.”
Bob Fiander
Executive Director, Trades NL
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