Irving Shipbuilding awarded Newfoundland-based engineering firm Score a $89 million contract to support construction of Canada’s future River-class destroyer (RCD) fleet.
The Royal Canadian Navy’s newest fleet of RCD ships will become the core of Canada’s naval combat forces replacing the current Halifax-class frigates.
Construction was ramped up to full production in April with these vessels featuring cutting-edge technology designed to support and protect sailors as they carry out their missions.
As the largest and most intricate shipbuilding initiative in Canada, the RCD program is expected to rejuvenate the navy’s operational strength while simultaneously revitalizing the domestic shipbuilding sector. In March 2025, Irving Shipbuilding secured a contract from the Government of Canada to construct the first three destroyers for the Royal Canadian Navy.
The contract with Score includes supplying all the valves for the first three RCD ships, a critical component in the vessels’ piping systems. These valves will be essential for transporting hydraulic oil, high-pressure air, water, and other fluids, playing a key role in ensuring each ship’s operational performance.
Founded in 1982 in Peterhead, Scotland, Score has grown into a global leader in advanced engineering technology services. The company specializes in valve and emissions management, gas turbines, surface technologies, energy, defence, and aerospace. In Canada, Score operates two facilities – one in Edmonton, Alberta, and a larger site in Paradise, Newfoundland.
The contract with Irving Shipbuilding has already created 10 new jobs, with the potential for additional positions as the project progresses.
Score was chosen for this project due to its prior participation in the Global Combat Shipbuilding Program. The company has contributed to the construction of Type 26 and Hunter Class frigates, built in the UK and Australia, respectively. Canada’s RCD ships are designed based on the same model as these vessels.
“Score is proud to join this significant project revitalizing Canada’s marine capability alongside Irving Shipbuilding,” says Andrew Stephen, Business Unit Director of Score’s Canadian operations. “Through our contribution to the Global Combat Shipbuilding Program, the Score team will bring invaluable experience and lessons to the River-class destroyer project to support an efficient construction process while stretching a domestic supply chain.”