August 16, 2024
On Thursday, August 8, 2024, Canada’s Minister of National Defence, the Hon. Bill Blair, and Australian Deputy Prime Minister & Minister for Defence, the Hon. Richard Marles, visited Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards in North Vancouver, BC. Seaspan’s leadership team provided a tour of the shipyard, where they highlighted the significant private investments that have been made to ensure that the shipyard’s equipment, technology, and workforce are prepared to supply the Canadian Armed Forces and its allies, with whatever ships they may require in an ever-changing geo-political environment.
The Ministers were impressed with Seaspan’s facilities and the progress being made building ships for both the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard. They were able to see the icebreaking ship Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV) up close just a week before the ship’s naming ceremony and launch. They also saw the incredible progress on the huge first Joint Support Ship for the Royal Canadian Navy, which will be launched later this year and will bring tremendous capabilities to the Navy as it sails in harm’s way supporting Canada’s ships and allied fleets in theater. And, most importantly, they were able to witness first-hand the significant improvements in efficiencies and world class outfitting levels on the second Joint Support Ship in our Pre-outfit facilities.
Canada and Australia have enjoyed a long and harmonious relationship for many generations, bolstered by our shared history, values and friendship. Our sincere thanks to both Minister Blair and Deputy Prime Minister Marles for taking the time to visit our shipyard, talk with our fantastic workforce, and see the success of the National Shipbuilding Strategy. Together we have established a sovereign shipbuilding capability for the nation, building highly complex and critically needed ships for Canada in these uncertain times. Built in Canada, by Canadians.
Watch the video below to hear from Minister Blair during his visit.