The National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS) Secretariat today announced that Vancouver Shipyards will commence construction on the Joint Support Ships, followed by the Polar Icebreaker, under the NSPS non-combat package. It is expected that construction will begin in late 2016.
The decision was based on a comprehensive analysis that included the readiness of each ship’s design, schedule optimization, project costs, and risks related to the timing of ship delivery. The analysis considered operational impacts such as gaps in program capability, and possible ship life extension or refit costs for existing vessels.
The NSPS Secretariat also sought input from Vancouver Shipyards, as well as First Marine International and KPMG as expert third parties, to ensure the best advice was considered in the analysis.
The decision ensures that Canadian shipbuilding capacity is sustainable and does not create the boom and bust cycles that characterized previous shipbuilding projects. Through the NSPS, the Government of Canada has committed to building these ships in Canada, and in doing so, it is re-establishing an industry that is going to bring jobs and prosperity to many communities across the country.
As a result of this decision, the Canadian Coast Guard is taking the necessary measures to keep the CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent in service until the Polar Icebreaker is delivered.
Update on other NSPS activities
The NSPS is now in the fourth phase of a five-phase initiative, with the designs of the initial set of ships being finalized and the shipyards undertaking the work required to be able to build Canada’s ships efficiently. The Government of Canada is following through on its commitment to build ships in Canada.
The NSPS will mean long-term jobs and economic growth for the country, stability for the industry, and vital equipment for the men and women in the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard.
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CanadaGov, October 14, 2013