The following is the text of a news release from Seaspan:
(VANCOUVER, British Columbia) — The Honourable Judy M. Foote, minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada, announced today the signing of two new contracts valued at more than $65.4 million with Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards as part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) non-combat package. The long lead item contracts will help pave the way for future construction of the Canadian Coast Guard’s offshore oceanographic science vessel (OOSV) and the Royal Canadian Navy’s joint support ships (JSS) at Vancouver Shipyards by enabling Seaspan to initiate early discussions with potential suppliers and purchase necessary material and equipment.
“Today is an exciting day for Seaspan and marks a major milestone for the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) as we continue to rewrite shipbuilding history in Canada,” said Brian Carter, president, Seaspan Shipyards. “This announcement is a strong reminder of the progress being made under the NSS. Its impact will continue to increase opportunities for Canadian companies and provide jobs for Canadians that flow from our delivery of vessels to the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy.”
With the new OOSV and JSS contracts now in place, specialized parts such as propulsion systems, scientific equipment, generators and steel can be ordered prior to start of construction, helping to ensure the best value and timely delivery of these vessels.
To date, Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards has awarded $380 million in contracts to suppliers in Canada, with more than 160 Canadian companies having already benefited from these investments. It is estimated that Seaspan’s NSS work will create more than 2300 direct, indirect and induced jobs annually, produce almost $290 million per year in GDP for Canada’s economy, and mean thousands of people will get the opportunity for an exciting new career in shipbuilding.
