Did Allied Shipbuilders always reside at this bustling location on the north shore of Vancouver Harbour? No. Allied Shipbuilders Ltd. began its journey in 1948, founded by Arthur McLaren. Interestingly, it rose from the ashes of a predecessor, West Coast Shipbuilders Ltd. West Coast Shipbuilders had played a crucial role during World War II, building numerous cargo ships in False Creek. After the war, demand dwindled, and the company closed its doors. Arthur McLaren, however, saw an opportunity. He established Allied Builders Ltd., initially focusing on steel tugboats, a niche market at the time.
Allied Shipbuilders Ltd. grew steadily. In 1961, it expanded into ship repairs by acquiring Burrard Shipyard & Marine Ways in Coal Harbour. This strategic move diversified the company’s services and strengthened its position in the maritime industry. Allied Shipbuilders Ltd. operated out of two locations for a period, False Creek and Coal Harbour. In 1967, it consolidated operations, moving to its current location near the Ironworkers Memorial Second Narrows Crossing. The Coal Harbour yard eventually closed in 1979, making way for the city’s expanding skyline. Allied Shipbuilders Ltd. has witnessed significant changes in Vancouver’s waterfront over the decades.
Allied Shipbuilders Ltd. has built a diverse array of vessels throughout its history. From fish boats and tugs to log barges and ferries, its portfolio showcased its versatility and craftsmanship. Remarkably, the company even constructed sections of the Spirit Class ferries for BC Ferries, the Spirit of British Columbia and the Spirit of Vancouver Island. Allied Shipbuilders Ltd. also built a harbor-patrol vessel, the Takaya, for the Vancouver Port Authority, joining its sister ship, the Kla-Wichen.
For 63 years, Allied Shipbuilders Ltd. remained under the ownership of the McLaren family. In 2012, a transition took place. Chuck Ko, a long-time employee and vice-president of operations, purchased the company. This marked a new chapter in Allied Shipbuilders Ltd.’s history. Ko, a professional engineer, had been with the firm for 30 years, rising through the ranks from design draftsman to president.
Allied Shipbuilders Ltd. stands as a testament to resilience and adaptability in the ever-changing maritime world. Its history is intertwined with Vancouver’s own story of growth and transformation. From its humble beginnings in the shadow of a wartime shipbuilding giant to its current position as a major player in the industry, Allied Shipbuilders Ltd. continues to shape the maritime landscape of the Pacific Coast.