NSS UPDATE: As part of CDR’s annual update on the National Shipbuilding Strategy, we explore how Canadian companies are looking to contribute to critical international collaborations like the Canada-United States-Finland ICE PACT.
BY JOETEY ATTARIWALA
Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) is a transformative initiative that stands at the intersection of national security, economic growth, and innovation. Launched in 2010, the NSS aims to revitalize Canada’s shipbuilding industry by investing in the construction of ships for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), Royal Canadian Navy (RCN), and other government agencies. This ambitious program is not only about securing the country’s maritime capabilities but also about creating jobs, fostering technological advancements, and supporting Canadian industry. At its core, the NSS is delivered by three major shipbuilders — Davie Shipbuilding, Irving Shipbuilding, and Seaspan Shipyards — each playing a crucial role in the construction and maintenance of Canada’s fleet. Alongside these primary players, numerous companies contribute to the success of the NSS, offering specialized expertise and resources that help strengthen Canada’s maritime sector.
With adversaries outcompeting on multiple fronts, driven by massive investments in infrastructure and strategic assets, the West is at a critical juncture and must act swiftly to bridge the gap. This urgency underscores the vital role of Davie in Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), as it holds the largest icebreaker order book in the Western world.
READ: Canada awards $3.25-Billion contract to Davie for construction of new CCG polar icebreaker
2024 was a pivotal chapter for Davie Shipbuilding as the West’s interests face increasing pressure. Since officially joining the NSS in 2023, Davie took significant steps to modernize its operations, win key contracts and position itself as a leader in Arctic shipbuilding. A key milestone was reached in March 2024 when Davie was awarded its first NSS contract — a $19 million agreement to design new program icebreakers that will replace the Canadian Coast Guard’s heavy and medium icebreakers operating in Atlantic Canada and the St. Lawrence waterways during the winter, and in the Arctic during the summer.
“This is an important first step in our drive to deliver a fleet of the largest and most advanced icebreakers ever built in and for Canada,” said James Davies, President and CEO of Davie.
The new program icebreakers are just one part of a larger $8.5 billion NSS commitment, which also includes a polar icebreaker and two hybrid ferries. These ships will replace aging vessels and give Canada the modern, powerful fleet it needs to operate in the harsh conditions of the Arctic. “We are building the future of Canada’s maritime security, Arctic sovereignty and economic development,” said Davies.
Additionally, in September 2024, Minister Duclos announced that Canada had awarded a second NSS contract to Davie, valued at $16.47 million, to advance work on a Polar-class icebreaker for the Canadian Coast Guard.
To support this ambitious future workload, Davie has launched an extensive modernization of its Lévis shipyard, to ensure that it can efficiently deliver these state-of-the-art vessels. The shipyard’s transformation is supported by a $519 million investment from the Quebec government as part of a larger $840 million initiative. Davie signed major agreements with Pearlson & Pearlson Inc. and Construction Dinamo Inc. in December 2024 to improve the shipyard’s infrastructure.
The modernization plan includes the construction of six new modern buildings, the upgrade of five existing structures, major waterfront improvements and the integration of advanced shipbuilding technologies. These improvements will make Davie the most versatile and advanced shipbuilding center in North America. “With these upgrades, we are positioning Davie as a world leader in icebreaker construction,” said Davies. “The demand for ice-capable vessels is only growing, and we intend to meet that demand head-on.”
Davie’s expansion is also international in scope. The company acquired the Helsinki shipyard in late 2023, a strategic decision that strengthens its expertise in icebreaker design and manufacturing. The acquisition aligns with Davie’s participation in the ICE Pact [the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort], signed by the Canadian government in November 2024 — a trilateral collaboration between Canada, Finland and the United States focused on icebreaker production and Arctic operations. “This agreement goes beyond shipbuilding: it’s about securing Canada’s place at the forefront of Arctic operations,” explained Davies. “By working with Finland and the United States, we are ensuring that we build the capacity for the Western world to compete with our adversaries while achieving the highest possible standards for our icebreakers.”
In July 2024, Davie announced its intention to expand its presence in the US and play an important role in the US shipbuilding industry. While the final location and details are still being finalized, this project aligns with US government objectives of improving the efficiency of its shipbuilding sector.
As Davie celebrates its 200th anniversary in 2025, the company is embracing both its historic heritage and its future. “We’re proud of our past, but focused on the future,” said Davies. “With contracts with the NSS, investments in innovation and a commitment to development, Davie is positioned to lead the Canadian shipbuilding industry into the next century.”
Irving Shipbuilding Inc. (ISI) is delivering the original combat package of ships for the National Shipbuilding Strategy — these include the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) and the Canadian Surface Combatant, which is now known as the River Class Destroyer (RCD) — for the RCN. The shipyard is also tasked to build a variant of the AOPS for the Canadian Coast Guard.
At the time of writing, five AOPS have been delivered and three more are predictably on the way. ISI delivered the 5th AOPS, the future HMCS Frédérick Rolette to the RCN in August 2024, more than a year faster than the previous ship. The future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, the 6th and final AOPS for the RCN, was launched December 2024 and is on track to be delivered in August 2025. Construction for the final two AOPS variants for the Canadian Coast Guard is underway and are scheduled to be delivered in 2026 and 2027.
The production test module for the River Class Destroyer started in July 2024 and full rate production is on track for April of this year.
In addition, Irving is working on repair, refit and maintenance work on HMCS Halifax in the Graving Dock at Halifax Shipyard.
“Irving Shipbuilding is delivering the objectives of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, with the accomplishments of the Halifax Shipyard highlighting Canada’s commitment to defend its sovereignty and contribute powerfully to North American, NATO, and Indo-Asia-Pacific interests,” said Mel Schori, Director of Communications and Government Relations, Irving Shipbuilding Inc.
It’s been three decades since Canada built a surface combatant and Halifax Shipyard is engaged in extensive preparations with its workforce, facilities, and the destroyer design. According to Irving, this progress is uplifting the entire Canadian Marine Industry as the work in Halifax creates full time employment for 9,400 Canadians and 700 Canadian suppliers. Irving states that the return for every dollar spent in Canada is 130%, and $14.2 billion will be added to Canada’s Gross Domestic Product between 2013 and 2026, and over that same period $5.4 billion of additional government revenue will be generated.
The development of a capable 2,400-strong workforce and world-class infrastructure at ISI, and economic impact for Canada are all fundamental parts of the NSS re-establishing a shipbuilding industrial base for Canada.
SEASPAN
2024 was a significant year for Seaspan Shipyards work per the National Shipbuilding Strategy. Not only did the shipyard launch two first-in-class vessels, one each for the RCN and the CCG, it also continued preparations to begin construction on one of the most complex icebreakers ever built, the CCG’s new heavy Polar Icebreaker.
READ: Seaspan Awarded $3.15-Billion Contract to Build CCG’s Polar Icebreaker
The first Joint Support Ship built by Seaspan, the future HMCS Protecteur, was successfully launched in North Vancouver on December 21, 2024, following the vessel’s official naming ceremony the preceding week which was also held at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards in conjunction with the Department of National Defence and the Royal Canadian Navy. At 174 metres, Protecteur is the longest naval vessel ever built in Canada. Work on the ship will continue at Seaspan throughout the year to prepare it for sea trials and commissioning.
WATCH: JSS1 HMCS Protecteur – CDR Visits Seaspan to Tour the First Joint Support Ship
Construction on the second Joint Support Ship, the future HMCS Preserver, is continuing at an accelerated pace on the heels of the shipyard’s positive momentum developed through construction of Protecteur, along with other vessels under the NSS. When compared to JSS1, progress on JSS2 is moving much more quickly and efficiently, and levels of outfitting have increased at similar stages of construction. Currently, nearly 75% of the JSS2’s blocks are under construction, with the latest significant milestone being the installation of the ship’s two main engines and gearboxes.
“We are demonstrating savings of nearly 40% in labour hours to date, compared to JSS1, with world-class levels of outfitting installed in pre-outfitting. Throughout 2025, work will continue on block construction, electrical installation, and the erection of the ship’s first ‘superstructure’ block,” said Seaspan in a statement to CDR.
In August 2024, Seaspan successfully launched the Canadian Coast Guard’s Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel, CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk. This Polar Class 6 vessel will be Fisheries and Oceans Canada’s primary oceanographic science platform, outfitted for habitat management, marine surveys and scientific research on ocean currents and the seabed, while serving the needs of the Canadian Coast Guard, aiding in operations such as Search and Rescue. Delivery of the OOSV to the CCG will be in Spring 2025.
Seaspan will begin construction this year on the Canadian Coast Guard’s new heavy Polar Icebreaker, a Polar Class 2 vessel and one of the largest and most complex icebreakers ever to be constructed in Canada. It will be the first time a shipyard in Canada has built a heavy polar icebreaker of this type in more than 60 years. Seaspan completed construction of a prototype block for the Polar Icebreaker program in January 2024, an effort to ensure the shipyard has the proper processes, procedures, equipment, and skills necessary to build this large, multi-mission icebreaker. This effort was critical as steel needed to construct the Polar Icebreaker is twice as thick (up to 60 mm) in some areas as the steel Seaspan has used for the other ships built under the NSS.
In 2024, the first six-ship flight of the Multi-Purpose Vessel program passed the Basic Design Review milestone with the CCG. Seaspan was subsequently awarded the Construction Engineering and Long Lead Item contracts for this program, in order to complete the design and engineering work and to procure long lead-time material and equipment. In June 2025, Functional Design for this first flight will be completed, with Detail Design beginning early next year. In total, Seaspan will construct up to 16 of these Polar Class 4 vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard.
“2024 marked a significant step forward for Seaspan under the National Shipbuilding Strategy,” said Leo Martin, Senior Vice President, Programs at Seaspan Shipyards. “Launching two, complex first-of-class vessels in the same year highlights the strides that we have taken as an organization and how shipbuilding has progressed overall in Canada. With these milestones, continuous re-investment in our workforce, supply chain, and technology, particularly where Arctic-going vessels are concerned, Seaspan is showing why we are a trusted and reliable partner to Canada and to our allies through the new ICE Pact agreement.”
Lockheed Martin Canada (LM Canada) has made substantial progress in supporting the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), aligning its activities with key objectives outlined for the modernization of the RCN and CCG fleets. Their efforts span a range of programs, from the AOPS to cutting-edge combat system integration and training enhancements on the new River Class Destroyers.
“From a defence industry perspective, the NSS contributes to growing the domestic labour and technology base, nurturing generational talent in both the skilled trades and the Software and Systems Integration fields. The investments have led to collective development growth in technology and multiple engineering disciplines, strengthening the Canadian bench and growing capability for future domestic programs,” said Glenn Copeland, General Manager Lockheed Martin Canada RMS. “Almost 15 years of investment has put us in a solid position to leverage the work to date to support the sudden need to recapitalize defence in many areas. LM Canada is always adding to the list of supply chain vendors and our highly educated employee base from across our sites in Victoria, Ottawa, Montreal and Halifax have grown from approximately 400 to over 825 in a short period. We are all dedicated to ensuring the NSS is successful to the benefit of national security and our longtime customer, the Royal Canadian Navy.”
As part of NSS work, LM Canada’s efforts as the Combat Surveillance Systems Integrator (CSSI) for the AOPS program is ensuring the ships are central to Canada’s defence capabilities in Arctic waters and beyond. Production of AOPS Ship 6, the future HMCS Robert Hampton Gray, continues on schedule, confirming LM Canada’s efficiency in fulfilling its systems integration obligations for the program. In parallel with the naval variant, the CCG AOPS 7 and 8 are progressing steadily. Ship 7 has reached a significant milestone with the completion of the Science Management System (SMS) production, a further variation of the CMS 330; while Ship 8’s SMS production is well underway. Additionally, Lockheed Martin has successfully established the Land-Based Test Facility at the Maritime Advanced Technology Test Site, which plays a critical role in validating the ships’ systems before deployment.
In the realm of advanced naval defence with the River Class Destroyer, Lockheed Martin’s engineering teams are heavily involved in the 3D radar design and the development of the Underwater Warfare Suite, which is critical for the ship’s capabilities in anti-submarine warfare. The upcoming Annual Design Review and Critical Design Review will mark the next major steps towards full-rate production, beginning in the first half of 2025, with the company aiming for design maturity and artifact delivery by year-end.
Lockheed Martin also contributes to the Joint Support Ship (JSS) program and the Multi-Purpose Vessel (MPV) program at Seaspan. The MPV program represents a significant collaboration with Seaspan Vancouver Shipyard, where Lockheed Martin Canada is playing a crucial role in the Electronic Systems Integration phase. In July 2024, Lockheed Martin Canada was awarded a service level agreement, marking the official kickoff of the program.
Lockheed Martin’s role extends beyond shipbuilding into In-Service Support, ensuring that the fleet remains operational throughout its lifecycle. The company has supported the resolution of maintenance items on several ships, ensuring minimal downtime and swift operational readiness. The Halifax-class Combat System Integration continues with tech refresh efforts, including the upgrade to CMS 330 V8.0/V9.0, the Sea Giraffe AMB radar, and SEAWOLF systems. The completion of several major tech refresh installations and the continued progress of the Land-Based Test Site for these systems exemplify the company’s commitment to enhancing naval defence technologies.
“Lockheed Martin Canada is playing an indispensable role in achieving the objectives of the National Shipbuilding Strategy,” said Copeland. “With continuous advancements across multiple programs — from the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships to the River Class Destroyer, and Joint Support Ships — the company’s contributions are shaping the future of Canada’s naval and coast guard capabilities.”
Ontario Shipyards continues to expand its capabilities in Ontario through the continuation of the CCGS Terry Fox Vessel Life Extension (VLE) and one of the busiest commercial winter works seasons on record.
READ: SHIPBUILDING – Ontario Shipyards
“While we continue to be actively engaged on the repair side, Ontario has yet to be engaged in the NSS in shipbuilding in a meaningful way. A significant number of CCG and DND small/medium vessels and the Canadian Multi-Mission Corvette program have yet to be allocated to Canadian shipyards,” said Ted Kirkpatrick, Director of Business Development and Government Relations at Ontario Shipyards. “The demand for repair and VLE work is predicted to increase in the coming decade, as well as a need to build a sovereign maintenance capability for the RCN’s future submarine fleet. As this pressure on Canadian shipyards increases and the necessity of significantly increasing Canada’s defence spending becomes more acute, it is becoming increasingly clear that Canada needs to engage a fourth strategic shipbuilding partner.”
Ontario is home to the most significant underutilized shipyard capacity in Canada, as well as the largest industrial manufacturing base in the country. “As the Ontario government continues to support the shipbuilding sector through the Ontario Marine Strategy and the Ontario Shipbuilding Grant program, the clearest path to increasing Canada’s Sovereign defence capability in the marine sector is to engage Ontario Shipyards as a strategic partner in the small/medium vessel new build programs,” added Kirkpatrick. “With the support of the Ontario Government, Ontario heavy industry, and Ontario shipyards, Ontario can and should be a meaningful partner in Canada’s marine defence sector.”
As Canada continues to advance the National Shipbuilding Strategy, building a new generation of ships is only part of the equation — the people who will crew these vessels are just as critical to mission success. RaceRocks believes the strategy must also prioritize training modernization to equip the next generation of sailors with the skills and readiness they need.
According to RaceRocks, the scale of transformation calls for a reimagined approach to training as traditional methods are often focused on rigid classroom instruction, and are increasingly out of step with how people learn and are motivated to learn in the 21st century.
READ: TRAINING & SIMULATION – RaceRocks
“At RaceRocks, we’re leveraging technology-enabled learning to create highly engaging and scalable training solutions that accelerate skill development. Preparing sailors for the capabilities of tomorrow’s fleet requires a shift in mindset — from standardized instruction to personalized learning journeys,” says Anita Pawluk, President and CEO at RaceRocks. “Our mission is to ensure sailors, many of whom haven’t yet been recruited, can operate confidently in highly technical environments from day one.”
“While our direct connection to NSS projects remains in development, RaceRocks is looking forward to collaborating on building the workforce of the future. By embracing innovation in training, we can ensure the RCN and CCG is ready to meet its operational challenges head-on, bridging the gap between cutting-edge naval & marine technology and the human expertise required to deploy it effectively,” said Pawluk.
Recognizing the importance of modernized training, Lockheed Martin has initiated an investment framework with RaceRocks to deliver adaptive training software. “This technology will allow real-time adjustments to the curriculum based on the student’s needs, significantly enhancing the quality of training for the RCN,” said Copeland.
READ: Lockheed Martin partners with RaceRocks to develop adaptive learning capabilities
Duke Smart Staffing has been a dedicated partner in Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy since 2017, contributing to the growth and innovation of the nation’s defence sector. Duke has played a key role in the design of major NSS programs, including the Joint Support Ship, Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel, Multi-Purpose Vessel, and most recently, the Polar Icebreaker. These contributions highlight Duke’s expertise in supplying highly skilled technical resources to address complex design challenges and support vital national projects.
“Our involvement in the Polar Icebreaker program is a testament to the innovation and expertise our team brings to the National Shipbuilding Strategy,” said Sherry Colville, Senior Vice President of Operations at Duke Smart Staffing.
Duke’s co-op program invests in the shipbuilding industry’s future by introducing college and university students to ship design, fostering interest in the field, and providing permanent employment for successful participants. Additionally, Duke supports veterans transitioning into civilian careers. Looking ahead, Duke is poised to support future projects such as the Canadian Surface Combatant and the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, while also exporting technical expertise globally to strengthen Canada’s position as a leader in shipbuilding and marine innovation.
“Not only does this work strengthen Canada’s sovereign marine defence capabilities, but it also positions us to contribute to critical international collaborations like the Canada-United States-Finland ICE PACT,” said Sonia Logue, CEO at Duke Smart Staffing.
There is little doubt that Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy plays a crucial role in strengthening the nation’s maritime capabilities while fostering economic growth and technological innovation across the country. By involving a diverse range of companies, from shipbuilders to suppliers of specialized components, the program not only enhances Canada’s defence and civilian fleets but also creates thousands of skilled jobs and spurs economic activity in regions nationwide.
Joetey Attariwala is CDR’s Senior Staff Writer
