Vancouver-based Seaspan Shipyards has signed a $1.5 million contract with Alberta's Confined Space Robotics (CSR) to co-develop a semi-autonomous industrial robotic system for ship and submarine projects, aiming to automate blasting and painting operations.

Announced on February 12, this investment targets improving safety, efficiency, and quality in critical stages of shipbuilding and maintenance. The industrial robotic system will be equipped with specialized tools such as needle scalers, laser ablation systems, grinders, blasting equipment, and painting apparatus.

Custom software will manage path planning and operational control, enabling the system to function in confined and high-risk spaces, which typically involve hazards like toxic fumes, particulates, and risks of repetitive strain injuries. Blasting and painting operations are applied not only to new ship construction but also to complex submarine projects, vessel repair, and refurbishment.

By delegating repetitive surface preparation and coating tasks to the industrial robotic system, the company aims to reduce worker exposure to hazardous environments and long-term strain injuries while enhancing operational consistency. CSR will leverage Canadian expertise and components to develop a range of collaborative industrial robotic products.

These devices will be mounted on manually operated mobile platforms and integrated with control software. Ahmed Kawar, CSR's Director of Engineering and Projects, stated: "This collaboration focuses on advancing industrial robotics in shipbuilding while improving workplace safety, allowing skilled personnel to concentrate on higher-value tasks."

Dave Hargreaves, Seaspan's Senior Vice President of Strategy, Business Development, and Communications, noted: "This contract is part of the company's commitment to delivering on its value proposition under Canada's National Shipbuilding Strategy. The strategy aims to build a sustainable and efficient shipbuilding ecosystem. The partnership will expand Seaspan's supply chain into Alberta and support safety and sustainability goals."

Seaspan, which employs approximately 5,000 people at its facilities in North Vancouver and Victoria, is currently building vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy and Coast Guard. It has delivered four ships, with three more underway as part of a long-term plan for up to 23 vessels.