W.R. Davis Engineering Limited, an Ottawa-based company, has been awarded a substantial contract valued at over $30 million by Irving Shipbuilding. This contract signifies the company’s role in supporting the construction of the Royal Canadian Navy’s future fleet of Canadian Surface Combatants, now recognized as the River-class destroyers.
As part of this significant agreement, W.R. Davis Engineering will design and implement the complete engine intake and exhaust systems, along with the infrared suppression devices for the exhaust on the first three River-class destroyers. These systems are crucial as they ensure that air is properly drawn into and expelled from the ship’s engines. The infrared suppression devices will enhance the ships’ defense by cooling engine exhaust gases and exposed hot metal, thus minimizing their infrared signature and making it harder for heat-seeking missiles to detect and target the vessels.
This contract is not only a technological achievement but also a boon for local employment. It is expected to create numerous jobs in the Ottawa region, as the company plans to hire both experienced technicians and train new welders specifically for this project.
W.R. Davis Engineering, founded in 1975 by Rolly Davis and now managed by his son, Tom Davis, has remained a family-operated business. Three of Rolly’s four children hold senior positions, reflecting the company’s strong family roots.
“As a family-operated business, the W.R. Davis team is extremely proud to contribute to the River-class destroyer project and help provide the brave personnel of the Royal Canadian Navy with the most advanced capabilities to support their missions,” says Courtney Wagner, Vice President, W.R. Davis. “Davis has been providing this technology to navies around the world for over 35 years. Now, our Ottawa facility has the rare opportunity to support the important revitalization work of the Canadian fleet with our state-of-art technology.”
The River-class destroyers project falls under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), which aims to construct 15 of these advanced vessels. Construction on the first module began in June 2024. These new ships are set to replace the aging Halifax-class frigates, ensuring the Royal Canadian Navy maintains a formidable and modern combat capability. This initiative marks the largest and most intricate shipbuilding endeavor in Canadian history.
“This Irving Shipbuilding project will provide steady work for our marine fabrication group for the next 20 years,” says Wagner. “It’s an exciting time to be part of Canada’s defence sector.”
The NSS has already funneled over $3.2 billion into Ontario through various contracts and investments, showcasing the strategy’s profound impact on regional economies and Canadian innovation. W.R. Davis Engineering’s contract is a testament to these benefits, highlighting how local businesses are integral to national projects.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome W.R. Davis onto the River-class destroyer program,” says Lee Fromson, Vice President, Supply Chain and Quality, Irving Shipbuilding. “One of Irving Shipbuilding’s priority objectives is to add Canadian suppliers and content to the River-class program, consequently, the selection of a family-run Ottawa based business for such an important piece of work is great to see. We now look forward to working closely with W.R. Davis moving forward.”
In a recent announcement at Irving’s Halifax Shipyard, Minister of National Defence Bill Blair and Vice-Admiral Topshee unveiled that the new fleet would be named River-class destroyers. The first three ships in this series will carry the names His Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Fraser, Saint-Laurent, and Mackenzie, marking a new era for the Royal Canadian Navy.
This partnership between W.R. Davis Engineering and Irving Shipbuilding underscores the importance of local expertise and innovation in achieving national defense goals. As the River-class destroyers take shape, the contributions of companies like W.R. Davis Engineering are proving vital to the success of Canada’s ambitious shipbuilding strategy.
