The following is the text of a news release from Chantier Davie Canada:
(LEVIS, Quebec) — Davie announced today the award of a new contract by the government of Canada for the life extension of the CCGS Earl Grey.
CCGS Earl Grey is a versatile medium-range ship used by the Canadian Coast Guard to perform different missions, including icebreaking off Prince Edward Island.
The life extension program for a period of nine months will take place in the secondary dry dock Lorne at Davie. The program will consist primarily of replacement and modernization of engines, machinery, equipment and electronic systems.
Alan Bowen, CEO of Davie, commented: "This contract is the third rehabilitation program of a ship in the Canadian Coast Guard in the last 12 months, and the first use of the dry dock Lorne, our smaller dry dock, since the frigate construction program for the Royal Canadian Navy. We look forward to developing new programs in collaboration with the government of Canada, thus contributing to the development of our work force and maintaining the crucial role of Davie in the local economy, while simultaneously providing affordable and timely service to the federal fleet."
The Honourable Gail Shea, Canada's minister of Fisheries and Oceans, said: "Our government is committed to providing the men and women of the Canadian Coast Guard with the tools and equipment they need to perform their important tasks, while creating jobs and opportunities for Canadians. Our unprecedented investments to renew the fleet of the Canadian Coast Guard ensure the safety of our Canadian sailors."