Government of Canada ensures continued testing capability to support the Royal Canadian Navy
News release
December 1, 2021 – Ottawa, O.N. – Department of National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces
Our Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) must be well equipped and prepared for operations at home and abroad in order to support the safety and security of Canadians. The Government of Canada is supporting this requirement by investing in the Naval Experimentation and Testing - Engineering and Charter Services (NEXT-ECS).
Today, Defence Minister Anita Anand announced a contract with LeeWay Marine of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. With an initial value of $8.9M (including taxes) for three years, this charter service will allow the Department of National Defence to test and trial new technologies, practices, and operations at sea – while allowing RCN vessels to continue operations.
This contract will help the RCN keep pace with technological evolutions and ensure that the best possible support can be provided to our warships, and to RCN members at sea.
Through this contract, the Government of Canada is supporting the ability to find novel and modern advantages for the Canadian Armed Forces, maintaining and creating approximately thirty Canadian jobs, and advancing Canadian innovation by investing in domestically-produced technologies.
LeeWay Marine is expected to begin testing by March 2022.
Quotes
“Our Royal Canadian Navy is crucial to Canada’s security. Our government is committed to investing in our Navy so that it remains strong, operationally capable, and effective in the years to come. We will continue to invest in cutting-edge experimentation and testing so that our Navy is well-prepared to take on important missions at home and abroad.”
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of National Defence
“The Government of Canada is committed to providing members of the Royal Canadian Navy with the equipment they need to ensure their future operational effectiveness. This contract will allow for testing and evaluating novel technologies, practices and operations, in support of fleet modernization while generating economic and social benefits in Nova Scotia.”
The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Public Services and Procurement
Quick facts
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The Naval Experimentation and Testing - Engineering and Charter Services (NEXT-ECS) will be a charter service fleet that will have a unique role of conducting robust testing and evaluation.
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The NEXT-ECS fleet will carry out evaluations of novel technologies, practices and operations to keep pace with technological evolutions, while allowing the current warships and crews to focus on their operational missions.
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This project, as outlined in Strong, Secure, Engaged, is part of our support and sustainment of the Royal Canadian Navy’s Fleet, and will use two chartered platforms that will enhance the flexibility to test, evaluate, and compare beneficial engineering changes.
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This contract is compliant with the Government of Canada’s Sustainment Initiative. By testing green technologies, NEXT-ECS will support efforts and initiatives in line with the Greening Government strategy.
Contacts
Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-904-3333
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca
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