During CANSEC 2023, Vard Marine Inc (VARD), a Fincantieri company, introduced VIGILANCE, their solution to replace the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) Kingston Class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels (MCDV) as part of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy. Teaming up with Ontario Shipyards, Thales Canada, SH Defense, and Fincantieri, VIGILANCE promises the RCN a cutting-edge, adaptable, globally deployable naval vessel.
This collaboration ensures Team Vigilance can deliver a tailored naval solution that meets the RCN’s future fleet requirements, striking a balance between capability and cost while retaining the cost advantages associated with VARD’s naval designs.
Continuing this endeavor, Team Vigilance is expanding its network of Canadian companies to provide essential services and equipment for the program. Establishing a strong coalition is pivotal to the goal of designing, building, and equipping VIGILANCE entirely within Canada. In line with this objective, Team Vigilance unveiled their Preferred Suppliers Program at DEFSEC 2023 in Halifax.
BLUMETRIC JOINS TEAM VIGILANCE AS PREFERRED SUPPLIER
Recently, VARD announced the inclusion of BluMetric Environmental Inc. (BluMetric) as a Preferred Supplier to Team Vigilance. BluMetric has been a trusted provider of water treatment systems for the Canadian Army and RCN for over two decades. Their Shipboard Reverse Osmosis Desalinator (SROD) systems have reliably supplied potable water to the Halifax Class since 2011 and will be integral to the RCN’s new Joint Support Ship (JSS).
“We are fully committed to the principle that VIGILANCE will be designed, built and equipped in Canada. Bringing BluMetric onboard as a Preferred Supplier to Team Vigilance, with the potential that their portfolio of innovative and leading-edge water products offer, designed and manufactured right here in Canada, is an easy decision. The fact that their equipment is already deployed in the existing fleet and performing critical functions in support of key RCN missions underscores the importance of their involvement in this program. Also, given these systems are certified to operate inside the 12 mile limit is key since Vigilance is designed to bring RCN capability to the littoral battlespace,” expressed Derek Buxton, Vice President Business Development, VARD Marine Inc.
BluMetric also offers a range of supporting auxiliary equipment, including Shipboard Ultraviolet and Chlorine Dosing Units, which have been supplied to the JSS. Integrating BluMetric into Team Vigilance not only aligns with the goal of outfitting Canadian vessels but also presents significant cost-saving opportunities through streamlined spare parts procurement, maintenance, and training, leveraging BluMetric’s presence across the RCN fleet.
“We appreciate the confidence Vard Marine Inc. has shown towards BluMetric in selecting us to partner with them in their Preferred Supplier Program. As a Canadian company that has deep roots across the country, BluMetric is thrilled to partner with Vard Marine and become one component of the Team Vigilance proposal for the Canadian Multi-Mission Corvette Program,” commented Scott MacFabe, CEO, Blumetric.
BluMetric continues to provide in-service support (ISS) to the RCN, offering technical expertise on water-related challenges. Their ISS experience ensures Team Vigilance benefits from a well-established supply chain for critical parts, optimization, maintenance, and training across all RCN ship classes. With a reputation for product reliability, innovation, and service excellence, BluMetric’s inclusion in Team Vigilance guarantees a Canadian-made solution for the RCN’s water requirements in the next generation of ships.
With over 45 years of environmental and cleantech experience, BluMetric possesses the capability and expertise to address a wide range of water and wastewater needs. Their cleantech water products are versatile and applicable across various industries and requirements.
Maritime operations in littoral waters demand potable water systems that are reliable and safe, a requirement that BluMetric has fulfilled for the RCN for years. Their innovative approach to water filtering and purification positions them as a Canadian leader in cleantech, providing Team Vigilance with numerous options.
Team VIGILANCE not only equips the Royal Canadian Navy and Royal Canadian Naval Reserve with modern tools to safeguard Canada’s interests but also ensures continued access to the best of Canadian industry, with BluMetric remaining a trusted partner for the RCN, delivering essential supplies and services support.