For immediate release
GATINEAU, Quebec, October 29, 2012 – Today, the Government of Canada is holding an industry consultation to discuss in-service support for the Arctic offshore patrol ships (AOPS) and the joint support ships (JSS). These two classes of vessels will serve the Royal Canadian Navy. The AOPS are to be built by Irving Shipbuilding Inc., and the JSS by Vancouver Shipyards Co. Ltd., under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS).
“Industry engagement is a key element of the success of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy,” said the Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Minister for Status of Women. “Working closely with industry helps ensure the best value for Canadian taxpayers and contributes to a fair, open and transparent process.”
“Our Government’s investment in the shipbuilders of Canada secures our ability to protect Canadian interests, ensures thousands of jobs are created and continues a proud tradition of shipbuilding excellence in this great nation,” said the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of National Defence. “This first engagement with Canadian industry is one step towards decades of work for thousands of Canadians and a more robust, modern military.”
“These historic investments in the renewal of Canada’s surface fleet will ensure the Royal Canadian Navy has the equipment it needs to protect the sovereignty and security of Canadian waters,” said the Honourable Bernard Valcourt, Associate Minister of National Defence. “Canadians from coast to coast to coast can rest assured that the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard will be well equipped to take on the maritime challenges of the 21st century.”
In accordance with the 2010 NSPS announcement, the procurement of refit, overhaul and in service support for the fleets will be openly competed by industry, including all Canadian shipyards.
Posted on MERX from October 17 to 25, the Letter of Interest invited interested companies to discussions to determine the best procurement strategy for Canada to obtain long term and sustainable in-service support for the AOPS and JSS.
The AOPS will be used by the Royal Canadian Navy to conduct armed seaborne surveillance in Canada’s economic exclusion zone, including in the Arctic, while the JSS are planned to replace the Navy’s current auxiliary oiler replenishment vessels.
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