Why contractors are turning to Pomerleau for B.C.’s toughest marine builds

Contractors across British Columbia’s marine sector are facing a growing list of pressures: tighter schedules, tougher environmental conditions, seismic unpredictability, and rising client expectations around collaboration and risk management. In this environment, choosing the right partner can make or break a project.

That’s where Pomerleau is stepping in.

Leveraging a decade of operations in B.C. and an established national presence, Pomerleau is now making a deliberate push to become the go-to marine and deep foundation partner for contractors, engineers, and project owners across the province. Their approach is simple and strategic: bring the financial muscle, innovation, and engineering depth of a top national builder—while delivering with local responsiveness and BC-specific expertise.

“We aren’t just transplanting a national model; we’re integrating deep BC knowledge. Our goal is to bring a national safety net and resource base, but execute every project with the intimate understanding of BC’s unique regulatory, environmental, and seismic demands,” said Alexandre Beauvilain, Pomerleau’s Senior Director – Marine Infrastructure and Deep Foundations, Western Canada.

For Pomerleau’s partners, that means predictable delivery, reduced uncertainty, and access to unparalleled expertise and specialized talent.

Proven Marine Results—Delivered in BC Waters

In marine construction, credentials matter. Contractors want partners who have done the work, solved the challenges, and delivered the results. Pomerleau’s BC portfolio demonstrates exactly that.

They are now recognized as the leading marine and deep foundation contractor in British Columbia, with core strengths across:

Wharf and terminal construction

Deep foundations and marine bulkheads

Reclamation and coastal works

And their recent projects show this expertise in action:

Fraser River Tunnel Drydock Works: A $250-million drydock and tunnel-element program for the Highway 99 Tunnel Project—one of the most technically challenging marine infrastructure undertakings in the province. As part of the Cross Fraser Partnership, Pomerleau is helping fabricate and immerse massive concrete tunnel elements with demanding precision and sequencing.

Woodfibre LNG Marine Works: Pile installation from a floating work platform in Howe Sound—an environment with sensitive ecology and strict marine-mammal requirements. Pomerleau’s team navigates the conditions through advanced sequencing and real-time monitoring.

Duke Point Terminal Expansion: A major design-build project extending the wharf from 180 to 320 metres to boost shipping capacity while ensuring smooth operational continuity.

Belleville Terminal Redevelopment: Building a modern, secure pre-clearance terminal in Victoria’s Inner Harbour, reshaping one of BC’s busiest passenger gateways.

For developers looking for a partner with real BC marine experience—not just national credentials—this portfolio speaks for itself.

Innovation That Makes Marine Work More Predictable

Marine construction in BC isn’t just about brute capacity; it’s about intelligent execution. Pomerleau invests heavily in practical, construction-focused innovation that reduces risk and increases clarity for contractors in the field.

Their toolkit includes:

Modular fabrication partners to reduce on-water work and accelerate timelines

Digital twin modeling to validate sequences and coordinate complex operations

3D BIM and 4D simulation for clash detection and planners’ alignment

Advanced sequencing to mitigate tidal, seismic, and storm-related risks

Climate-resilient and seismic-ready designs built for long-term coastal change

On projects like Duke Point and Woodfibre LNG, these tools help anticipate challenges long before crews hit the water—creating smoother workflows and more efficient site execution.

For developers, this translates to fewer surprises, clearer coordination, and more predictable build cycles. “Ultimately, we use innovation to protect our contractor partners’ bottom line and schedule. Less rework, clearer logistics, and faster time-to-delivery are the real outcomes of our digital approach,” explains Beauvilain.

Collaboration: Built for BC, With BC’s Supply Chain

Contractors want partners who listen, collaborate, and respect local knowledge. Pomerleau’s BC strategy—“Built for BC, with BC”—is built on exactly that principle.

Their model focuses on:

Meaningful Indigenous partnerships – At Belleville Terminal, they are working closely with the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations to create meaningful engagement, economic opportunities, and shared project ownership.

Local hiring and supplier integration – Pomerleau leverages its national scale to support local crews, subcontractors, and suppliers while creating long-term benefits for BC’s coastal communities.

Transparent client and contractor collaboration – From pre-construction through delivery, Pomerleau’s approach emphasizes clarity, early involvement, and shared decision-making—key factors for contractors navigating complex marine scopes.

Operational continuity – Their marine methodologies are designed to keep active port and terminal operations running safely and without interruption—an essential requirement for many BC projects.

A Partner for the Long Term

“We’ve built marine and port infrastructure across Canada, and our long-standing presence in B.C. speaks to the depth of our expertise,” says Beauvilain. “This experience has shaped a deep expertise that we’re proud to bring to every new opportunity… we are ready to take on new challenges with trusted partners.”

For developers, the takeaway is straightforward: Pomerleau combines national resources with a growing local presence, supported by a track record of complex marine work in BC. Their mix of financial capacity, engineering experience, and collaborative delivery makes them a notable player to watch as the province moves into a period of significant coastal development.

Check out this link to learn more about Pomerleau’s marine work capabilities.