VISSC

Navy Submarine Program (VISSC)

The Canadian Navy’s Victoria-Class consists of four – 2400-ton diesel-electric submarines. They are ex-Royal Navy submarines built in the United Kingdom as the Upholder class designed to operate in the international waters bordering Greenland, Iceland, and the United Kingdom, often referred to as the GIUK gap. Upon completion of a program review it became apparent to Britain’s Ministry of Defence that they could no longer sustain a mixed fleet of diesel and nuclear submarines and a decision was made to deem them surplus. At the same time, Canada’s Oberon class boats were nearing the end of their useful life and in April 1998 Canada purchased the Upholders. Upon transfer to the Canadian Navy, they were re-named HMCS Victoria, HMCS Windsor, HMCS Cornerbrook, and HMCS Chicoutimi. HMCS Victoria and HMCS Chicoutimi will be stationed on the West Coast with HMCS Windsor and HMCS Cornerbrook on the East Coast. When combined with the surface fleet they will help ensure satisfactory execution of the securi ty mandate established by our Federal Government.

Victoria In Service Support Contract (VISSC)

On June 30, 2008, Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) awarded VISSC to the Canadian Submarine Management Group (CMSG). Babcock Marine, a British company that owns Weir Strachan and Henshaw and Devonport Management Ltd., also owns CSMG. These two companies have extensive experience working on Royal Navy submarines and bring significant depth and breadth to the team. CSMG has two prime sub-contractors: Victoria Shipyards, as the shipyard facility, and BMT Fleet Technology for technical support

Victoria Shipyard’s role involves the planning, estimating, and executing of the submarine refits, known as Extended Docking Work Periods or EDWPs. During the VISSC contract, Victoria Shipyards is scheduled to conduct seven EDWPs, each approximately two years in duration, with the final contract term scheduled to be complete in 2023

From 2011 to 2016, Victoria Shipyard’s Program and Project offices will be managing naval ship repair with an average manpower level of 300 trades and 30 staff positions, each becoming very familiar with Canadian Navy Combat Ships and the Canadian Government procurement structure.

Submarine Work to Date

Victoria Shipyards’ Submarine Program has been assisting the Canadian Navy since 2006. Roles performed to date include:

• Assisting Fleet Maintenance Facility Cape Breton (FMFCB) in the execution of HMCS Victoria’s EDWP.
• Assisting with the offload of HMCS Chicoutimi from the heavy lift ship, MV Tern, to a hard stand ashore
• Planning HMCS Chicoutimi’s EDWP.
• Executing HMCS Chicoutimi’s EDWP. This will be the first Canadian submarine EDWP performed completely within the private sector.

The Future

Victoria Shipyards is committed to delivering the planning and production of submarine EDWPs on time and on budget. The magnitude of these tasks fit well within our core purpose of “Passionately Delivering the Best Marine Solutions”. At present, a workforce of approximately 200 personnel are working on HMCS Chicoutimi’s EDWP. The outcome of their hard work will help ensure a bright future for years to come.