Nova Scotia, Canada — a natural home for servicing our future submarines

As Canada prepares to procure a new fleet of submarines, it begs the question, “Where will they be serviced and sustained over their multi-decade lifecycle?”

From my perspective at Invest Nova Scotia, the answer is right here on Canada’s east coast - Nova Scotia.

Home to Canada’s East Coast navy, we have a rich history in naval operations and defense innovation. Our capital city, Halifax, is the base for the Royal Canadian Navy’s Atlantic fleet and home to CFB Halifax, the largest Canadian Forces Base in terms of posted personnel. This proximity to operational command offers efficiency and continuity in submarine maintenance and logistics.

But more than just our history and current strength in defence operations, it’s our forward-looking capabilities that truly make Nova Scotia a natural choice for submarine sustainment.  

One of the most concentrated and experienced marine sectors in North America

With more than 300 ocean-related companies, including specialized defence contractors, shipbuilders, and marine technology firms, Nova Scotia offers a deep pool of expertise across relevant disciplines.

From technicians trained in advanced composites to engineers working on next-generation naval systems, our talent pipeline - bolstered by a strong skilled trades workforce - is supported by institutions like Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia Community College, and the Centre for Ocean Ventures and Entrepreneurship (COVE).  

Establishing long-term submarine sustainment capacity here also strengthens Canada’s ability to maintain and operate its fleet independently—supporting national sovereignty and reducing reliance on foreign capabilities for critical defence assets.  

NATO’s DIANA’s regional office and accelerator is here

NATO chose us for DIANA’s regional office and accelerator because of our unmatched strategic and innovation assets. With direct access to the North Atlantic and Arctic—key regions for Canada’s future submarine operations—plus ice-free deepwater ports, secure defence infrastructure, and established shipyards like Halifax Shipyard, Nova Scotia is built for both operational readiness and long-term sustainment. Add to that a thriving ocean tech and research ecosystem, and it's clear why we’re helping lead this global initiative to accelerate dual-use technologies and industry growth.

A key player in the National Shipbuilding Strategy

Investing in Nova Scotia as a hub for submarine servicing supports Canada's broader goals of:

• Strengthening domestic industrial capabilities
• Enhancing maritime security
• Creating high-quality, high-tech and service focused jobs across the country

We have already proven ourselves as a key player in the National Shipbuilding Strategy. Servicing Canada's next-generation submarines is a natural extension of that success.

Here to service the future of submarines in Canada

Nova Scotia is ideally positioned to be a core partner in sustaining Canada’s underwater fleet. We look forward to collaborating with federal partners, defence primes, and international OEMs to build a long-term servicing solution that supports Canadian sovereignty and innovation.

Let’s continue to innovate and build the future of naval defence - right here in Nova Scotia.

Expand your search horizons to Nova Scotia, Canada. I am attending CANSEC in Ottawa, Canada, May 28-29. Let’s connect.