Ship-building strategy steams ahead

ST. JOHN’S, N.L: Two Atlantic shipyards have made the shortlist to build large vessels for Canada under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy, which shoucld be worth between $35 billion and $40 billion.

“Our Government made the decision to support the Canadian marine industry, to revitalize Canadian shipyards and to build ships for the Navy and Coast Guard here in Canada,” said Rona Ambrose, Minister of Public Works and Government Services in a release. “The strategy will bring predictability to federal ship procurement and eliminate cycles of boom and bust, providing benefits to the entire marine industry.”

Newfoundland’s Kiewit Offshore Services, a division of Peter Kiewit Infrastructure Co. based in Omaha, NE, and Irving Shipbuilding Inc. of New Brunswick are being considered.

They are among five companies being invited to participate in a request for proposals.

The others are Davie Yards Inc. of Quebec, Vancouver Shipyards in B.C. and Seaway Marine and Industrial of St. Catherines, Ont.

“We are pleased that the government is moving forward with this strategy that will ensure a balanced workload in the shipyards for the years to come and help develop a strong expertise in shipbuilding in Canada. This is good news for Davie and the entire Canadian marine industry,” said Gustav Johan Nydal the president and CEO of Davie.

Ottawa plans to establish a strategic relationship with two shipyards.One will be selected to build combat vessels while the other will build non-combat vessels.

with files from The Canadian Press