An aerial view of the shipyard at Harbour Grace Ocean Enterprises. Keith Gosse/The Telegram - Keith GosseHARBOUR GRACE, N.L. — Wayne Reid used to work in a steel mill in Ontario.
Lannon, who is the general manager of operations, came with a diverse business background. He was general manager of Air Nova for 16 years, has been a partner in Atlantis Aviation since 2002 and served as chair of the Newfoundland and Labrador Film Development Corp.Although he hadn’t planned to invest in a shipyard, Lannon said he couldn’t resist.
Several longliners are high and dry for refit, needing new fiberglass and paint, or the installation of underwater fins to improve stability. Steel and fiberglass are the main components for these 24-metre-class fishing boats, explained Lannon. “Most of the people that come to us for fishing vessels are family enterprises. We've got the parents coming in in their 50s and 60s and they've got their 20-somethings with them … and they want a well-built, safe vessel with the best of technology for the next generation," said Reid.
When Reid came to work at this yard in 2002, the order books were filled mainly with ship repairs, and some construction projects.They saw a future in steel.“We’ve already accomplished hybrid and fuel-efficient designs,” said Reid. “I think the next state for us is to produce a completely electric vessel.”