ABB Opens New Office in Halifax

The new Halifax office is dedicated to providing engineering and project management services for ABB’s participation in Emera’s Maritime Link Project, which will for the first time allow clean, renewable electricity generated in Newfoundland and Labrador to be transmitted to Nova Scotia.

ABB is a global leader in power and automation technologies. Its activities in Atlantic Canada consist mainly of providing power, automation and turbocharging solutions to customers in a number of industry sectors, such as utilities, oil and gas, pulp and paper, marine, power, and food and beverages. It currently has a diversified team of professionals in the region supporting customers in the areas of engineering, sales and services.

ABB’s portion of the Maritime Link Project includes the construction of a high-voltage direct current (HVDC) solution for the new electrical transmission system. The firm is currently focusing on preparing the sites for the installation of the converter station equipment in Woodbine, NS, and Bottom Brook, NL. The converter station equipment installation is scheduled to start in mid-2016. In addition to the two converter stations, ABB’s project scope includes work at two 230 kV alternating current (AC) substations in Newfoundland (Bottom Brook and Granite Canal), one 345 kV AC substation in Nova Scotia (Woodbine), and two cable transition stations (Point Aconi, NS and Cape Ray, NL).

“The ABB team is proud to be a part the Maritime Link Project, which will help provide benefits for the Atlantic region for many generations to come,” says Pilon. “We will be fully supporting Emera’s commitment to provide economic benefits to the people of Newfoundland and Labrador and Nova Scotia. During the construction phase of the Maritime Link Project, for example, we will be working with unions and our subcontractors to maximize employment opportunities within traditionally underrepresented groups, such as women, Aboriginal Peoples, individuals with disabilities and visible minorities.”

ABB has awarded contracts to supplier companies from Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador related to its portion of work on the Maritime Link Project through an open and fair procurement process.  ABB has launched a Maritime Link Project microsite, http://new.abb.com/ca/maritime-link, to provide information regarding ABB’s procurement, subcontracting and employment opportunities for the project.

For 2016 and 2017, ABB and its subcontractors will be looking for workers specialized in civil foundations, building construction, building systems, high-voltage electrical systems, mechanical installation of equipment, health and safety, and other project services.

ABB in Canada is present in 60 locations across Canada, with its headquarters in Montreal, PQ.