News

Vancouver Shipyards starts production of first NSPS vessel

Source: Marine Log
Date: October 27, 2014

OCTOBER 27, 2014 — Diane Finley, Canada's Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada visited Vancouver Shipyards, Vancouver, B.C. today to announce the award of a $5-million contract for the production of two initial blocks for the first National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS) ship, the Canadian Coast Guard's Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel (OFSV). She also pressed a button to start production rolling.

"I'm pleased to be here to cut steel on the initial block production of the Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel," she said. "This milestone shows our progress and our commitment to rebuilding our Canadian marine industry, which will ultimately lead to the creation of high-quality jobs and economic growth in communities across Canada."

The Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel will be the first class of ship to be built at Vancouver Shipyards under the government's shipbuilding strategy.

“We are thrilled to begin initial block construction on the OFSV and are grateful that Minister Finley is here to celebrate this milestone moment with us, said Brian Carter, President – Seaspan Shipyards. “We are proud to be Canada’s capability partner for Non-Combat vessels and are looking forward to continuing our service to the Canadian Coast Guard and the Royal Canadian Navy under the NSPS.”

The initial block construction coincides with the final phases of Seaspan’s Shipyard Modernization Project, a two-year, $200 million project, which once complete in November, will provide state-of-the-art facilities to deliver ships under the NSPS program for more than 20 years.

Building the initial blocks will enable the shipyard to test new processes, get personnel familiar with new equipment and streamline construction for when full production begins in spring 2015.