Back to news

July 22, 2019 | Local, Naval

Victoria Shipyards signs contract to maintain Canada's West Coast-based Halifax-class Frigates

VICTORIA, July 16, 2019 /CNW/ - Seaspan's Victoria Shipyards has signed a contract to perform Docking Maintenance work on the Royal Canadian Navy's (RCN) fleet of Halifax-class frigates. This work has been executed by Victoria Shipyards for the last decade under the Frigate Life Extension (FELEX) modernization program.

The maintenance support for Canada's frigates will see Seaspan provide docking work periods for Canada's five Halifax-class frigates stationed on the West Coast. The Government of Canada also announced similar work would be conducted by two other Canadian shipyards for Canada's seven East Coast-based Halifax-class frigates. The initial phase of the contract awarded for Seaspan's work is valued at $500 million and, with contractual extensions, will provide long-term stability for Seaspan's workforce over the next several decades.

Work will be conducted at Seaspan's Victoria Shipyards which operates out of the federally-owned Esquimalt Graving Dock. Today's announcement builds on the company's exemplary record as a partner to the Government of Canada on past Halifax-class modernization efforts.

With a well-earned reputation for on-time, high quality delivery of large modernization and conversion projects, Seaspan's Victoria Shipyards is a trusted partner to the Government of Canada and a range of commercial customers. This includes engagement as a subcontractor to Lockheed Martin Canada to perform upgrades to New Zealand's ANZAC-class frigates, the first time that a foreign warship will undergo a modernization in Canada since the Second World War. As a subcontractor to Babcock Canada the shipyard provides ongoing in-service support for Canada's fleet of Victoria-class submarines. The company also continues to make its mark in the commercial sector as one of the few North American shipyards executing work on international cruise vessels and performing the first major vessel LNG duel fuel conversion on two ships.

QUOTES
"This vital, long-term work demonstrates the government's continued commitment to supporting the women and men of the Royal Canadian Navy by providing them with the equipment they need to protect Canadian interests at home and abroad. Together with our shipbuilding partners, we are fulfilling federal fleet requirements, advancing Canadian technological innovation and creating jobs across this great country."

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility

"Seaspan's Victoria Shipyards has developed a reputation for exceptional reliability in its work as a service provider for both government and commercial clients on complex projects. The award of this contract is the latest vote of confidence from the Government of Canada in Seaspan's role as its long-term west coast partner for shipbuilding and ship repair. This contract will allow our team to build on past experience as we continue to perform vital maintenance work on Canada's fleet of frigates."

Mark Lamarre
Chief Executive Officer, Seaspan Shipyards

"Victoria Shipyards executed the first docking packages on the Halifax Class as they were built and stationed in Victoria, and we are proud and humbled to be awarded a contract that will allow us the opportunity to work these vessels to their end of life. The production-driven team approach we and our DND and FMF partners are committed to will allow Canada's fleet to continue sailing proudly and safely at sea. This contract will continue to generate high wage employment to the men and women working in our trades who remain a core focus of our business. Well done to our Victoria Shipyard team!"

Joe O'Rourke
Vice President & General Manager, Seaspan Victoria Shipyards

QUICK FACTS

  • Maintenance on Canada's Halifax-class frigates is expected to support employment for hundreds of Canadian workers
  • The frigates require a wide range of engineering change work, equipment installations, docking work and corrective maintenance activities to ensure they remain operationally available and relevant through to their end of life
  • With its past work on the Frigate Life Extension Program (FELEX) for Canada's Halifax-class frigates, Victoria Shipyards generated more than 4.5M labour hours
  • To date, Victoria Shipyards has provided docking work periods (DWP):
    • 19 DWP for frigates
    • 3 DWP for destroyers
    • 3 DWP for Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels

https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/victoria-shipyards-signs-contract-to-maintain-canada-s-west-coast-based-halifax-class-frigates-805037403.html

On the same subject

  • Magellan Awarded CDN $140 Million Contract Extension with Airbus

    November 7, 2018 | Local, Aerospace

    Magellan Awarded CDN $140 Million Contract Extension with Airbus

    Toronto, Ontario – 5 November 2018 -- Magellan Aerospace Corporation (“Magellan”) announced today, that they have secured a six year agreement with Airbus for a contract extension for the manufacture of A350 XWB centre wing box and keel beam detail parts. It is estimated that revenue generated from this work package will exceed CDN $140 million dollars over the term of the contract. The package consists of a number of large structural, machined components, and will be manufactured by Magellan in the United Kingdom and supplied to the Airbus assembly facility in Nantes, France. Mr Haydn Martin, Magellan's Vice President, New Business Development said, “This contract extension has been achieved through a combination of demonstrated operational excellence and market competitive pricing. As a strategic partner to the Airbus Group, Magellan continues to align our technology investments and manufacturing best practices to meet their current and future requirements. About Magellan Aerospace Corporation Magellan Aerospace Corporation is a global aerospace company that provides complex assemblies and systems solutions to aircraft and engine manufacturers, and defense and space agencies worldwide. Magellan designs and manufactures aeroengine and aerostructure assemblies and components for aerospace markets, advanced proprietary products for military and space markets, and provides engine and component repair and overhaul services worldwide. Magellan is a public company whose shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: MAL), with operating units throughout North America, Europe, and India. Forward Looking Statements Some of the statements in this press release may be forward-looking statements or statements of future expectations based on currently available information. When used herein, words such as "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "should", "intend", "believe", and similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on estimates and assumptions made by the Corporation in light of its experience and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that the Corporation believes are appropriate in the circumstances. Many factors could cause the Corporation's actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements, including those described in the "Risk Factors" section of the Corporation's Annual Information Form (copies of which filings may be obtained at www.sedar.com). These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Corporation's forward-looking statements. The Corporation has no intention and undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. For information: Laura Podaima Director, Corporate Communications Magellan Aerospace Ph. 204 788 2831 laura.podaima@magellan.aero http://magellan.aero/investors/press-releases/

  • These three companies submitted bids for Canada’s fighter competition

    August 3, 2020 | Local, Aerospace

    These three companies submitted bids for Canada’s fighter competition

    By: Valerie Insinna WASHINGTON — The bids are in for Canada's fighter competition, and three companies will go head-to-head for the chance to build 88 new jets. The Canadian government on Friday confirmed that the field is down to two American entrants — Lockheed Martin's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and Boeing's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet — as well as Swedish aerospace manufacturer Saab's Gripen E. All companies submitted proposals before the July 31 deadline. The contest is scheduled to be decided in 2022, with the first aircraft delivery projected in 2025. Up to CA$19 billion (U.S. $14 billion) is up for grabs. “Our government committed to purchasing a full fleet of 88 aircraft to be able to meet our NORAD [North American Aerospace Defense Command] and NATO obligations simultaneously,” Canadian Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan said in a statement. “Efficient and modern fighter jets are an integral part of any air force and we continue to work diligently to make sure that we provide the members of the Royal Canadian Air Force the tools they need to protect Canada, both at home and abroad.” Canada could downselect to two bidders in spring 2021 after an initial evaluation of proposals, though it could keep all three companies as options until the final selection of a single bidder in 2022, the Canadian government said in statement. The competing companies must submit proposals that offer economic benefits to Canadian defense contractors and other businesses, as industrial incentives and offsets make up 20 percent of the criteria under evaluation. The proposals will also be evaluated on each aircraft's capability and cost, which will be weighed at 60 percent and 20 percent respectively. The new fighter will replace the Royal Canadian Air Force's fleet of aging CF-18s. For its proposal, Saab will partner with Canadian defense firms IMP Aerospace & Defence, CAE, and Peraton Canada, and will offer a competitive package of industrial and technological benefits, the company announced. “Saab's Gripen fighter is designed to operate in harsh environments and defeat the most advanced global threats. The system meets all of Canada's specific defence requirements, offering exceptional performance and advanced technical capabilities,” said Jonas Hjelm, who heads Saab's aeronautics business. As a partner nation of the F-35 program, Canada has contributed funding for the development of the Joint Strike Fighter and is involved in the production of the jet. In Lockheed's statement confirming the bid, the firm said the F-35 program would support an estimated 150,000 jobs in Canada over its life span. “The 5th Generation F-35 would transform the Royal Canadian Air Force fleet and deliver the capabilities necessary to safeguard Canadian skies,” said Greg Ulmer, Lockheed's F-35 program executive vice president. “The F-35′s unique mix of stealth and sensor technology will enable the Royal Canadian Air Force to modernize their contribution to NORAD operations, ensure Arctic sovereignty and meet increasingly sophisticated global threats.” Boeing's argument for its Super Hornet Block III was simple: The Royal Canadian Air Force already operates F/A-18s, and buying the latest version of the Super Hornet is a proven, affordable option that will allow the service to reuse existing infrastructure and reduce sustainment costs. “We have a partnership with Canada that spans more than 100 years. We don't take that lightly. The response we submitted today builds upon that great legacy and allows us to continue to bring the best of Boeing to Canada and the best of Canada to Boeing,” said Jim Barnes, Boeing's director of Canada fighter sales. “Our proven, two-engine design can operate in the harshest environments and provide support no matter where the mission takes its pilots. That, coupled with Boeing's 100% guaranteed industrial plan, will also deliver long term, well-paying jobs.” https://www.defensenews.com/global/the-americas/2020/07/31/these-three-companies-submitted-bids-for-canadas-fighter-competition/

  • Royal Canadian Navy to start process of replacing aging submarine fleet - National | Globalnews.ca

    July 15, 2021 | Local, Naval

    Royal Canadian Navy to start process of replacing aging submarine fleet - National | Globalnews.ca

    A dedicated team is being created to start the process, which is sure to be the beginning of a controversial debate around the need for the vessels in the Canadian Navy.

All news