Ocean Economy
Why Halifax?
Located on North America’s east coast, Halifax is Canada’s ocean city, offering ocean innovators and companies from around the world access to a deep and diverse ecosystem of customers, partners, and suppliers.
Canada’s largest centre for ocean research, with 600 scientists, engineers, and technicians.
Over 500 ocean sector companies in the province—including the most ocean tech startups in Canada.
Ocean-related industries generate approximately $6.0 billion, or 13.5%, of Nova Scotia’s GDP.
Ocean-technology industry accounts for about 1/3 of total R&D among Nova Scotia businesses.
"Halifax has a world-class ocean innovation ecosystem that is growing at a pace that is globally unique."
-Melanie Nadeau, Chief Executive Officer, Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE)
The Halifax Advantage
$70 billion naval defence contract
with Irving Shipbuilding.
More than $500 million
in strategic ocean investments in the province of Nova Scotia.
Easily travel and do business
across Europe, North America, and the Caribbean in the same day.
8 post-secondary institutions
enrolling 35,000 students annually and graduating top talent.
Want to learn more?
Interesting in learning more about Halifax's blue economy? Contact Al today and find your perfect fit in Halifax.
Download the Sector Snapshot
Learn more about Halifax's blue economy and the key advantages of doing business here. Explore key players in Halifax's ocean innovation ecosystem and get in-depth industry information. Learn why Halifax the right location for your business.
Incentives
Whether starting, relocating or expanding a business, you will benefit from a number of incentives at both the federal and provincial level to help you invest in Halifax. We’ll be glad to assist you in identifying the ones that best suit your needs.
Nova Scotia Innovation Equity Tax Credit
The Innovation Equity Tax Credit provides a non-refundable personal income tax credit to individuals taking an equity stake in a small-to-medium sized Nova Scotian business. For eligible investments, investors will earn a 35% credit, or a 45% credit for investments in the Oceans Technology and Life Sciences sectors.
Learn More about Nova Scotia Innovation Equity Tax Credit >
Notable Players
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Irving Shipbuilding
The most modern shipbuilder and in-service ship support provider in North America. Irving Shipbuilding is building Canada's next generation of combat vessels under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy – 30 years of business.
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Lockheed Martin
An American global aerospace, defense, security and advanced technologies company and servicing national and international clients from Halifax. One of six partner companies that have been awarded the Canadian Surface Combatant design contract by Irving Shipbuilding.
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Maritimes & Northeast Pipeline
A natural gas transmission pipeline that runs from the Sable Offshore Energy Project gas plant in Goldboro, Nova Scotia, Canada to Dracut, Massachusetts, United States.
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The Centre for Ocean Venture and Entrepreneurship (COVE)
The Centre for Ocean Venture and Entrepreneurship (COVE) is a collaborative facility for applied innovation in the ocean sector where ocean technology enterprises can commercialize and grow.
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Dalhousie University
Dalhousie University is a world leader in ocean research, a member of the U15 – Canada’s 15 most prestigious research-intensive universities, and home to the Ocean Frontier Institute (OFI), Ocean Tracking Network (OTN), and Marine Environmental Observation, Prediction and Response Network (MEOPAR).
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Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO)
Bedford Institute of Oceanography (BIO) is Canada’s largest centre for ocean research with 600 staff from the federal departments of Fisheries and Oceans, Environment and Climate Change, Natural Resources, and National Defence.
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The PIER
The Pier is a global centre of excellence for research and collaboration in port logistics, management and development. It is the first supply chain and logistics living lab of its kind in Canada.
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Halifax Port Authority
The world’s largest shipping lines call on the Port of Halifax, connecting the port to more than 150 countries. The beautiful Halifax Seaport is a premier destination, attracting more than 1.3 million visitors each year.
