On 12 February 2026 in North Vancouver, B.C., Seaspan Shipyards awarded a contract to Confined Space Robotics (CSR) to develop and integrate semiautonomous robotic systems intended to strengthen blast and paint operations within Seaspan’s ship and submarine programs.
Blast and paint work is used in new shipbuilding as well as complex submarine projects, ship repair, and overhaul. The project targets improved efficiency, higher safety performance, and better quality outcomes across Seaspan’s operations.
Under the contract, CSR will use Canadian expertise and components to develop several products for collaborative robot systems. The tools planned for integration include needle scalers, laser ablation systems, grinders, grit-blasters, and spray-coating tools. The robotic systems will be mounted on mobility platforms for manual manoeuvring and will include custom-developed software to manage path planning and user operations.
Seaspan stated that the use of robotic systems is designed to reduce workplace injury by assigning highly repetitive tasks in difficult and hazardous environments to the robotic platforms. This approach reduces worker exposure to toxic fumes and particles during the removal and application of surface coatings, supports reduced long-term strain, and is intended to improve the overall work environment.
The project also targets improved quality and process consistency while reducing environmental impact. Seaspan said this will be achieved through intelligent path-planning systems that optimize material usage and reduce environmental footprint, aligning with the company’s environmental goals and sustainable shipbuilding practices.
The $1.5 million investment is part of Seaspan’s Value Proposition commitment under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). Seaspan has delivered four vessels under the NSS, with three others currently under construction. In total, Seaspan will design, build, and deliver up to 23 ships for the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard.
Through the NSS, Seaspan has invested more than $35 million to support education, learning, research, and skills development in the marine industry, with a focus on reducing barriers for underrepresented groups and creating opportunities for youth through internships and apprenticeships.
