The first of Canada’s Victoria-class submarines has completed a major refit.
In early December, Babcock Canada delivered HMCS Chicoutimi back to the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) following a deep maintenance period, known as an Extended Docking Work Period. The EDWP is an overhaul of some 200 submarine systems that will be performed on all four Victoria-class boats at regular intervals as part of the the navy’s Victoria In-Service Support Contract (VISSC).
The VISSC, a new approach to in-service support for the RCN, was awarded to Babcock Canada in 2008 and is valued at over $1.5 billion for 15 years. Work on the submarines is being conducted in partnership with Seaspan’s Victoria Shipyards.
HMCS Corner Brook, the next in line, is currently undergoing an Extended Limited Maintenance Period before beginning its deep maintenance period later this year.
“This is a significant achievement for Babcock and a testament to the strong partnership and trust we have built with the RCN,” said Mark Dixon, president of Babcock Canada. “We are very proud to be a trusted In-Service Support provider to the RCN and look forward to supporting the needs of the Navy well into the future.”
Added Malcolm Barker, VP and general manager of Victoria Shipyards: “The integrated EDWP team (Babcock Canada, DND, PWGSC and Victoria Shipyards) worked tirelessly to deliver HMCS Chicoutimi back to the fleet fully functional.”
For more on the VISSC and its significance to future RCN in-service support, please see https://vanguardcanada.com//submarines-chart-a-new-course-for-in-service-support/
