OSI Maritime Systems on Tuesday signed a contract with Lockheed Martin Canada to provide and support the installation of the Integrated Navigation and Bridge Systems for the Royal Canadian Navy’s new Harry deWolf-class of Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS).

The implementation phase contract comes after the prime contractor, Irving Shipbuilding, and the government recently concluded a 21-month design phase. OSI will deliver six systems to Lockheed Martin, a Tier 1 supplier to Irving Shipbuilding; first system delivery is expected in late 2016 and final delivery in late 2018.

“The AOPS program is an exciting opportunity for our company,” said Ken Kirkpatrick, president and CEO of OSI Maritime Systems. “All of the work for this important project will be completed in Canada at OSI’s Burnaby facilities and will directly create a number of new, highly skilled engineering positions. This project will also be leveraged to support our pursuit of numerous other international projects — ultimately creating many more jobs for Canadians.”

The six ice-capable offshore patrol ships will be built in Halifax Shipyards. The first is scheduled for delivery in 2018.