A family legacy continues in the shipyards
For three generations, the Hughes family has been working at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards. Shipbuilding is in their blood, and as Alan Hughes embarks on his final year before retirement, he says he’s proud of the work he – and his entire family – have done.
Currently working as a shipwright and senior chargehand, Alan leads a team who assemble components of the ships in the pre-fabrication shop. These pieces are then sent to other shops to be assembled into full vessels.
Alan Hughes
Seaspan Shipyards, Vancouver, British Columbia
My Job
is shipwright and senior chargehand
My Passion
is building a strong family legacy in Canada’s shipbuilding industry
In those other shops is Alan’s son, Colin. He’s been a welder with Seaspan for over six years and has worked on a variety of ships, assembling them at various stages.
“I worked on these ships, alongside my dad, from start to finish,” Colin says. “There’s something really satisfying about seeing a vessel come together piece by piece.”
And who knows, maybe my grandson will follow in mine and Colin’s footsteps and become the fourth generation at the Vancouver Shipyards.
Colin Hughes
Seaspan Shipyards, Vancouver, British Columbia
My Job
is welding in a shipyard
My Passion
is ensuring Canada and its oceans are secure
Together, Alan and Colin have been helping to assemble some of the non-combat ships currently being built by Seaspan, including the offshore fisheries science vessels. These 63-metre research vessels have been designed with the latest technology, and allow the Canadian Coast Guard to gain a deeper understanding of the health of ocean environments.
“Protecting our oceans is very important,” Colin says.
“These particular boats will also head up north, to ensure other vessels aren’t encroaching on our waters,” Alan adds. “It’s part of Canada’s defensive strategy.”
Alan says he’s optimistic about the future of shipbuilding at the Vancouver Shipyards. Thanks to the Government of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, Seaspan has been selected to build vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Navy.
“It’s completely regenerated the industry,” Alan says of this new relationship, which will ensure at least 25 years of work. “It’s been a godsend to the people of British Columbia, and there are a lot of happy families working.”
He adds that his passion has been to pass on the knowledge he has gained to the next generation.
“And who knows, maybe my grandson will follow in mine and Colin’s footsteps and become the fourth generation at the Vancouver Shipyards.”