The following is text of a news release from Seaspan Shipyards:
(NORTH VANCOUVER, British Columbia) — On Friday, joined by representatives from industry and government, Seaspan Shipyards celebrated the start of construction on the first joint support ship (JSS) for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).
The steel-cutting ceremony held at Vancouver Shipyards is a significant milestone for Seaspan, the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) and Canada’s shipbuilding industry. In addition, start of construction ensures that Seaspan will see the continued growth of Vancouver Shipyards’ work force while mitigating any downturn in production.
“Today’s start of construction ceremony is important not only for our company and customer, but also for Canada’s shipbuilding industry and the thousands of hard-working women and men it employs,” said Brian Carter, president and CEO of Seaspan Shipyards. “Cutting steel on the first joint support ship for the Royal Canadian Navy is yet another demonstration of how shipbuilding is back in Canada and our company is proud to be leading the way.”
With the start of construction on JSS, Seaspan will ensure that continuous production is realized on its work as Canada’s non-combat shipbuilder. At its peak, work on JSS will contribute toward sustaining an estimated 1,000 jobs for tradespeople and approximately 300 office staff at Vancouver Shipyards. In addition, Seaspan’s work on JSS will leverage its broader Canadian supply chain and support the continued growth of Canada’s shipbuilding and marine industries.
“Alion Canada is proud of our role in the design development and integration to support Seaspan's work building Canada's next generation of non-combat vessels under the National Shipbuilding Strategy,” said Bruce Samuelsen, chief operating officer of Alion Science and Technology. “The opportunities associated with the joint support ships will ensure that Canada's domestic ship design, engineering, and shipbuilding industries continue to grow and provide long-term, well-paid jobs.”
At over 567 feet in length and with a design displacement of nearly 20,000 tonnes, JSS will be among the largest ships built on Canada’s West Coast once complete. JSS will support the RCN’s work at home and abroad for both defense and humanitarian missions. These ships will deliver fuel and other vital supplies to vessels at sea, offer modern medical and dental facilities, and provide support for helicopter operations and equipment repair.
Canada’s shipbuilding industry has been rebuilt thanks to the NSS and it is delivering on the promise of ships built in Canada by Canadians. To date, Seaspan has $600 million in committed contracts and engaged approximately 500 Canadian firms thanks to its NSS-related work alone.
