Canada buying ship-to-shore connectors for its Joint Support Ships

The Royal Canadian Navy is buying ship-to-shore connector systems to enhance its capabilities in supporting humanitarian assistance and taking part in joint operations ashore.

The STS connectors are envisioned to be operated from the navy’s new Joint Support Ships, the first of which is expected to be delivered in 2022/23.

According to a Canadian government announcement from September 6, five STS connector systems will be built by Canadian company Navamar under a contract worth C$12 million.

“This investment will allow the Royal Canadian Navy to provide support where vessels cannot berth, to deliver relief supplies for people in need, and to accomplish the difficult work we ask of them,” Canadian defense minister Harjit S. Sajjan said. “The ship-to-shore connector systems will provide greater flexibility to our forces and become a key component of mission success.”

Of the five ship-to-shore connector systems that will be acquired, four will be kept aboard two Joint Support Ships, while the fifth one will be available for maintenance work and be used for training.

These systems could also be used for training or in support of other vessels such as the interim oiler, MV Asterix, the government noted.

#DYK CAF relies on ship-to-shore connectors to transfer cargo and equipment where there’s no port? These new five connectors will provide the CAF with more flexibility for joint ashore operations. https://t.co/lKkblAHmJB pic.twitter.com/VvqdjTSZwj

— Canadian Forces (@CanadianForces) September 6, 2019