HMCS Protecteur, the longest naval vessel ever constructed in Canada, launched

Canadian shipbuilder Seaspan Shipyards has held a launching and naming ceremony for the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) new joint support ship (JSS), HMCS Protecteur.

As disclosed, the ceremonies for HMCS Protecteur were held on December 13, 2024. The keel for the ship was laid in January 2020.

The future HMCS Protecteur is the fifth ship designed, built, and launched by Seaspan under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. With a length of 173.7 meters, HMCS Protecteur is the longest naval vessel to ever be built in Canada. It will be joined by its counterpart, HMCS Preserver, in the coming years.

The two JSSs will replace the former Protecteur-class auxiliary oiler replenishment vessels.

According to Seaspan, in addition to providing critical at-sea replenishment, these multi-purpose warships will also be capable of seamlessly integrating with any Canadian or allied naval task group.

They will also “significantly extend the range and endurance of these groups through the provision of fuel, ammunition, aviation support, food, spare parts, exercise and gym facilities, and medical and dental care”.

Work to prepare the HMCS Protecteur for sea trials will continue at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards.

The ship is scheduled to be delivered to the RCN at the end of 2025.

“With our investment in Joint Support Ships, Canadian workers are building the fleet of the future and equipping the Royal Canadian Navy with modern and versatile ships. […] naming of the HMCS Protecteur – the longest naval vessel ever constructed in Canada – is yet another stride in cutting-edge Canadian defence innovation. We’re creating more jobs, ramping up defence spending, and keeping our coastlines safe,” Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, said.

“Joint Support Ships provide the Royal Canadian Navy with the essential capability to support Naval Task Groups, and transport and deliver cargo. These built-in-Canada ships are an investment not only in defence, but also in Canadian industry, workers, and our economy. I thank those at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards who contributed to the construction of these ships and providing the Canadian Armed Forces with the equipment needed to keep Canada strong and secure,” Bill Blair, Minister of National Defense, added.

Under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, Seaspan is building more than 20 large, complex vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard.