On March 29, Seaspan Shipyards announced the start of construction on its second Canadian Coast Guard (CCG)’s Offshore Fisheries Science Vessel (OFSV).
“Seaspan is now full-steam ahead on the production and delivery of its first two National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) vessels, and we are re-writing shipbuilding history in Canada in the process for generations to come,” said Brian Carter, President, Seaspan Shipyards. “Today not only marks a proud moment for the progress and success of the NSS, it also serves as a testament to the hard work and tireless commitment of our world-class team of experts at Vancouver Shipyards (VSY) in readying us for this milestone.”
With production of the second OFSV now underway, significant progress continues on the first OFSV with 35 of 37 blocks currently under construction. The two CCG ships are part of VSY’s three vessel, incentive-based build contract for the construction of three OFSVs, which will be delivered under a ceiling price contract before the end of 2017. Work on the third OFSV is scheduled to begin later this year.
Seaspan’s cutting of steel on the second OFSV also follows the recent announcement (March 14, 2016) of two new NSS contracts valued at more than $65.4 million, which will help pave the way for future construction of the CCG’s Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV) and the Royal Canadian Navy’s Joint Support Ships (JSS) at VSY.