Government announces $12 million contract to acquire five ship-to-shore connector systems 

Today, the Minister of National Defence Harjit S. Sajjan announced a contract of approximately $12 million to acquire five ship-to-shore connector systems that will support such missions.

 Four of the connector systems will be kept abroad two Joint Support Ships, and the fifth will be available for maintenance work and be used for training purposes.

 These connector systems will be built in Canada by Navamar Inc.

 “Today’s announcement is yet another example that the National Shipbuilding Strategy is succeeding in helping to build a strong, sustainable marine sector in Canada that is providing economic benefits and maintaining jobs across the country. Companies of all sizes are benefitting from work through the NSS, as we continue the process of providing the Royal Canadian Navy with the equipment they need to do their important work,” Carla Qualtrough, minister of public services and procurement and accessibility.

 With these ship-to-shore connector systems, the RCN will have an enhanced and robust capability to transfer cargo and equipment from the ship to the shore.

 Adaptable for almost any mission, the connector systems can be used as a temporary jetty anchored to the shoreline, as a large barge to assist in ship maintenance and repair, or to perform evaluation operations.

 They will enable the Canadian Armed Forces to respond more rapidly to operations and joint actions ashore.

 “This investment will allow the Royal Canadian Navy to provide support where vessels cannot berth, to deliver relief supplies for people in need, and to accomplish the difficult work we ask of them. The ship-to-shore connector systems will provide greater flexibility to our CAF and become a key component of mission success,” said Sajjan.

 The press release noted as the RCN recapitalizes their fleets and equipment, they will continue to excel at sea, providing Canada with first response capabilities across the full spectrum of operations.