Irving Shipbuilding has reached key production milestones, including full-rate production of the future River-class destroyers for Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN), the upcoming delivery of the final Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship (AOPS) for the RCN, and the keel laying of the eighth AOPS—second for the Canadian Coast Guard.
The event, held at Halifax Shipyard, honoured the skilled workforce whose ongoing efficiency is driving national shipbuilding progress.
The celebration included Honourable Kody Blois, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister; Members of Parliament; Vice-Admiral Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy; representatives from Unifor; and Canada/Industry partners from Department of National Defence, and Public Services and Procurement Canada.
Under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), Irving is building six AOPS for the RCN, two for the Coast Guard, and 15 River-class destroyers—Canada’s next-generation combat ships equipped with advanced technology.
“Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, we’re building Canada’s fleet of the future while revitalizing our marine industry, creating skilled jobs and fostering innovation,” Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement stated in a press release. “The Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships and River-class destroyers are generating economic growth in Atlantic Canada and across the country. These highly versatile vessels will ensure that the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard have the operational readiness to carry out their important work.”
The NSS has revived the national shipbuilding sector, strengthened supply chains, created jobs, and is helping ensure Canada can meet domestic and international security commitments. “Again, this year we’re delivering on every one of our commitments to sustain the legacy ships of Canada’s navy while building the next generation fleets,” Dirk Lesko, President, Irving Shipbuilding Inc. stated in a press release. “It takes all of us working in partnership to realize the objectives of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. Everyone here today shares in this success and in the momentum, we’re building.”