Today, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, and Rear-Admiral Steve Waddell, Deputy Commander of the Royal Canadian Navy participated in the ceremonial keel laying event for the second Joint Support Ship (JSS), the future HMCS Preserver.
A keel-laying is a significant milestone in a ship's construction, where a newly minted coin is placed near the keel, which traditionally runs along the length of the ship. The Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) and Seaspan Shipyards coins were laid by employee representatives. They will remain in place for the duration of the ship's life and are said to bring good luck to the builders and all those who sail in the vessel.
Construction of the second JSS began in May 2022 with almost half of the structural components under construction or completed. When fully completed, this ship will join the first JSS ship, as the longest ships ever built in Canada.
The Joint Support Ship project brings significant economic benefits to Canada. Building these vessels will support 3,150 high quality, highly skilled jobs annually throughout the construction process. These jobs will create significant benefits for local workers, the community, and the economy.
As part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, Canada is acquiring two JSS to replace the Canadian Armed Forces' Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment (AOR) vessels that had reached the end of their service. The capabilities required of the JSS are crucial to the RCN. These new Protecteur-class ships will provide replenishment capabilities, added capacity for limited sealift, and limited support to operations ashore. These multi-purpose warships will be capable of seamlessly integrating with any Canadian or allied naval task group and will significantly extend the range and endurance of these task groups through the provision of fuel, ammunition, food, spare parts, aviation support, and both medical and dental care.
Through Canada's defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, we are providing our RCN sailors with a modern and versatile fleet of ships to support operations in Canadian waters, and abroad. This investment will help revitalize Canada's marine industry, create good middle-class jobs and ensure economic benefits are realized across the country.
