Minister Sajjan marks the start of steel cutting for the first Joint Support Ship

As part of the Department of National Defence’s (DND) defence policy, Strong, Secure, Engaged, the Government of Canada commits to delivering two new replenishment ships to the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) for future Naval Task Groups.

On June 15, 2018, Defence Minister Harjit S. Sajjan participated in a steel-cutting ceremony for the RCN future Joint Support Ships (JSS). Work on the JSS project will sustain around 1,000 highly skilled jobs at Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards.

“Today marks an important milestone for the women and men serving in the Royal Canadian Navy as we begin construction of another element of our blue water navy. The Joint Support Ships will be critical assets to Canada and will greatly contribute to the future success of our operations,” said Defence Minister Sajjan.

The JSS are critical components when achieving success in Canadian Armed Forces missions, both domestic and international. The presence of replenishment warships, increases the range and endurance of Naval Task Group operations at sea, allowing ships to remain at sea for extended periods of time without going ashore to resupply. The vessel will become home to around 240 sailors while at sea and are an essential part of the RCN’s future fleet.

“I am proud of the work our Government has done with Seaspan Shipyards to find innovative solutions to accelerate the construction of our Navy’s Joint Support Ships. We will continue to work with all our National Shipbuilding Strategy partners, to build a strong, sustainable shipbuilding industry in Canada,” said Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement.

These new ships ensure surface combatant vessels can stay out to sea longer and support RCN sailors as they carry out their missions for years to come.
Construction on the JSS began in June 2018. Completion of the first JSS is expected in 2022-23 and the second in 2023-24 and will replace the former Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment vessels.