Construction of largest naval ship in Canada nearing completion

The largest naval vessel to be constructed for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) continues to take shape at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyard.

According to the company, the engineering, planning, and operations teams have recently marked another milestone in the completion of the project.

The 500-tonne bow block was moved into its final resting position on the massive and still-growing hull structure.

Furthermore, both main engines are now mounted on their foundations in the future vessel’s engine room module.

Last year, Seaspan Shipyards hosted a keel-laying ceremony for the RCN’s first of two joint support ships (JSS), the future HMCS Protecteur.

The ship is being built for the RCN through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). HMCS Protecteur and its sister vessel HMCS Preserver will replace the former Protecteur-class auxiliary oiler replenishment vessels.

Once completed, it will feature a length of 173.7 meters and a width of 24 meters. HMCS Protecteur will have a cruising speed of 15 knots, a top speed of 20 knots and a range of ~10,800 nautical miles.

This joint support ship (JSS) is a multi-role naval ship capable of launching and supporting “joint” amphibious operations. It also provides sea-lift, underway support, sea-basing and logistics capabilities for combined army and naval missions.

The delivery is expected to take place in 2023.