Key logistics systems on the Royal Canadian Navy’s first River-class destroyers will be provided by Babcock Canada under a newly struck deal worth C$37.5 million (about £20m).
Irving Shipbuilding, which is constructing the new warships at its Halifax yard, has awarded Babcock a contract to design, build, and support installation of the food hoists and stores lifts systems across the first three Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) warships.
As per a Babcock statement: “The proposed design of the food hoists and stores lifts systems for the River Class Destroyers is based on Babcock’s solution for the United Kingdom’s Type 26 frigate, which is also the baseline for Australia’s Hunter-class frigate programme.
“Built to handle heavy loads while the ship is at sea, this advanced system will streamline logistics and ensure that essential supplies such as equipment, ammunition, and food can be efficiently and safely moved throughout the vessel.”
Vice President of Marine and Mission Systems at Babcock Canada Jason Young said: “[It]… represents an important step as Babcock Canada continues to expand our technology and product-based business in alignment with a shared vision to advance Canada’s sovereign naval sustainment capabilities.”
And Vice President for Supply Chain and Quality at Irving Lee Fromson added: “This partnership reinforces a shared commitment to building world-class ships here in Canada while strengthening the marine defence industry, developing job opportunities for Canadians, and ensuring the Royal Canadian Navy has the capability it requires for its new fleet.”
The RCN is set to acquire up to 15 River-class warships by 2050 in a C$77 billion (£42 billion) programme; the 151-metre ships will displace about 7,800 tonnes will have a maximum range of around 7,000 nautical miles and be capable of sailing at up to 27 knots.
In 2011 Irving Shipbuilding was selected to build the new fleet of combat vessels for the RCN, which also include the six Harry DeWolf-class Arctic offshore patrol vessels AOPVs already delivered to the Royal Canadian Navy.
- You can read more details on the Babcock Canada website
