North Vancouver, BC – Seaspan Shipyards recently celebrated a monumental achievement with the naming and pre-launch ceremony for the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) new Joint Support Ship, the HMCS Protecteur. This vessel, a testament to Canadian engineering and collaboration, holds the distinction of being the longest naval ship ever built in Canada.

The HMCS Protecteur represents the culmination of years of dedication and expertise from Seaspan’s workforce and its vast network of partners. As the fifth vessel constructed by Seaspan under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, this ship embodies a collective effort involving thousands of Seaspan employees, government officials, Navy personnel, and an extensive supply chain that spans the country.

During the ceremony, Teri McKinnon, the ship’s sponsor, carried out the traditional naval ritual of christening the ship by breaking a bottle of Black Hills Estate Winery Brut against its bow. As she officially named the ship Protecteur, McKinnon bestowed her blessing upon the vessel and its future crew. The event was attended by an array of dignitaries, including Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Jonathan Wilkinson, and Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy. Thousands of shipbuilders and RCN members also gathered to mark this significant occasion.

“With our investment in Joint Support Ships, Canadian workers are building the fleet of the future and equipping the Royal Canadian Navy with modern and versatile ships. Today’s naming of the HMCS Protecteur – the longest naval vessel ever constructed in Canada – is yet another stride in cutting-edge Canadian defence innovation. We’re creating more jobs, ramping up defence spending, and keeping our coastlines safe,” said the Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada.

“The shipbuilders at Seaspan are second-to-none. For the thousands of Seaspan designers, engineers, shipbuilders and partners involved in the JSS program, today’s ceremony marks an unforgettable highlight in our ongoing journey under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. Today’s achievement gives us an immense feeling of pride, and I commend all the men and women who rose to the challenge of constructing a complex first-in-class vessel, the longest and heaviest in the Royal Canadian Navy’s fleet. We look forward to delivering all the vessels in this class, and providing the Canadian Armed Forces with the equipment they need to protect Canadians, at home and abroad,” expressed John McCarthy, CEO, Seaspan Shipyards.

The Joint Support Ships, comprising the HMCS Protecteur and HMCS Preserver, are set to replace the RCN’s aging Protecteur-class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment vessels. These advanced warships will enhance the operational capabilities of the Navy, providing vital at-sea replenishment and support services. Designed for versatility, the ships can integrate seamlessly with Canadian and allied naval task groups. Their capabilities include supplying fuel, ammunition, food, spare parts, and aviation support, as well as offering medical and dental facilities, fitness amenities, and more. This multifaceted functionality will significantly boost the range and endurance of naval operations.

“Joint Support Ships provide the Royal Canadian Navy with the essential capability to support Naval Task Groups, and transport and deliver cargo. These built-in-Canada ships are an investment not only in defence, but also in Canadian industry, workers, and our economy. I thank those at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards who contributed to the construction of these ships and providing the Canadian Armed Forces with the equipment needed to keep Canada strong and secure,” conveyed the Hon. Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence.

As the HMCS Protecteur undergoes final preparations at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards, work continues to ready the ship for sea trials. Delivery to the Royal Canadian Navy is anticipated by late 2025.

“Today’s launch and naming ceremony of the new HMCS Protecteur is an example of how the National Shipbuilding Strategy is revitalizing Canada’s shipbuilding industry all while creating good middle-class jobs and supporting the Royal Canadian Navy. This is the longest naval vessel constructed in the country and it is a testament to both the federal government’s and Seaspan’s commitment to shipbuilding. With the rise of conflicts and uncertainty around the world it is crucial that our Navy has the equipment they need to defend and protect Canada,” said the Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant.

“Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyard has grown to become the largest employer in North Vancouver, and today’s launch of the HMCS Protecteur is a testament to the key economic role it plays in this riding. I congratulate the hundreds of designers and shipbuilders responsible for bringing us to this tremendous milestone, which will support Canadian naval operations along Canada’s west coast and around the world. Your dedication and skill are a vital pillar for the North Shore community, and for the safety and economic prosperity of our country,” said the Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resource.

Seaspan Shipyards’ role in the National Shipbuilding Strategy extends beyond this milestone. The shipyard is tasked with building over 20 large, complex vessels for both the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard. This ambitious initiative not only strengthens Canada’s naval capabilities but also revitalizes the nation’s shipbuilding industry, ensuring its sustainability for generations to come.

“Today is an exciting day for the Royal Canadian Navy as we move another step closer to delivering the future fleet our sailors need to protect Canada in all three of our oceans and support Canadian interests around the world. The Protecteur-class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment vessel brings with it a history of naval service achieved by the previous Protecteur class, spanning more than 45 years, and ranging from the First Gulf War to humanitarian operations and multinational exercises in all oceans,” said Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, Commander Royal Canadian Navy.