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Protecteur class

Royal Canadian Navy

The Protecteur class will replace the Royal Canadian Navy’s former Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment vessels and eventually be commissioned under the same names Protecteur and Preserver. The new ships will provide core replenishment, limited sealift capabilities, and support to operations ashore.

At a glance

  • Departure
    Displacement

    21,597 tonnes

  • Length

    173.7 metres

  • Beam

    24 metres

  • Top speed

    20 knots (37 km/h)

  • Range

    10,000 nautical miles

  • Complement
    (crew capacity)

    239

A new era of capability and excellence

Critical for mission success

Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment vessels are a critical component of blue water navies and are strategic national assets. Replenishment ships increase the range of other ships or a Naval Task Group by letting them stay at sea for longer periods of time before going to port for supplies.

The Protecteur class’ survivability and self-defence capabilities will allow them to carry out their functions in high-threat environments, including as an integrated part of any Canadian, NATO, Allied, or coalition task groups. They will even be able to embark a Joint Staff, and be employed as a Command ship within a Task Group.

Amenities

  • Medical & dental facilities

  • Shipboard Wi-Fi

  • Gym and fitness facilities

  • Library

  • Computer lab

  • Classroom

Class features

Weapons systems

The class will have four remotely controlled .50 calibre machine guns with stabilization and electro-optical fire control and have the ability to automatically track targets.

It will also have two Close-in Weapons Systems that are able to shoot down missiles and small boats if they get too close to the ship.

Replenishment at sea and cargo fuel

The ship will be outfitted with two dual purpose replenishment at sea stations with the ability to transfer fuel, water and food.

The Protecteur class can store 6,875 tonnes of marine diesel and 1,037 tonnes of aviation fuel letting it keep a Naval Task Force on mission for more than 30 days.

Bow thrusters

Enhances maneurverability during seamanship evolutions, reducing the need for tug support during berthing and slipping.

Air operations capability and sustainability

The class will have a hangar capable of supporting two CH-148 Cyclone helicopters and be able to provide second-line maintenance for naval task groups.

Stowage capacity and sea to shore connector

The ship can carry wide arrays of supplies and equipment including ammunition, food, water, spare parts, light vehicles and equipment for humanitarian assistance or disaster relief. There is also enough space to carry sixty 20 foot sea containers on its deck.

It also has a sea to shore connector, which is a self-propelled modular system for transferring supplies from shore to the ship where there aren’t adequate port facilities.

Medical and dental care suites

Medical facilities give personnel the ability to perform triage, resuscitation and treatment of shock on ship. There will even be enhanced capability for primary surgery, surgical and medical intensive care, nurse beds and primary dental care.

Ships in class

  • Protecteur (520)
  • Preserver (521)