View non-flash version
July 2006 25 The Canadian shipbuilding industry received the prospects of an infusion of business courtesy of its government, which late last month announced plans to put out for bid an estimated $2.9 bil- lion contract to build and support three new joint support ships to the Canadian Forces. Four consortia, including Irving Shipbuilding; BAE Systems (Project) Limited (BAE Systems Naval Ships); ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems AG; and SNC-Lavalin Profac Inc. are reportedly on the short list to bid on the project definition phase - including preliminary ship design, project implementation plans, and an in-service support plan. While it is anticipated that the ships will be built in Canada, design, engineering and weapons system work is expected to be supplied from outside organizations. According to published reports, two groups will then be awarded contracts worth $12.5 million each for the project definition phase, and will compete for the final implementation contract. Based on the definition phase plans, one consortium will be chosen to build the ships. The $2.9 billion price tag includes a base cost of $2.1 billion, plus an esti- mated $800 million in contracted in- service support over 20 years. As has been the trend in the construc- tion of modern foreign navies, particu- larly that of the U.S. Navy, the three new ships will replace two supply ships - the 35-year-old replenishment ships HMCS Protecteur and HMCS Preserver - and will be multi-mission, designed to have a much-expanded military role that goes far beyond re-supply duties. Preliminary information indicates that the vessels will include basic defense capabilities, and support for helicopters. The vessesl will measure roughly 656 ft. (200 m) long and will displace about 28,000 metric tons. They must also be able to navigate first-year Arctic ice up to 0.7 m thick. Canada Donates to IMO Maritime Security Fund The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, together with the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister responsi- ble for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, announced the Government of Canada is contributing $500,000 to the International Maritime Organization's International Maritime Security Trust Fund. Canada's contribu- tion is the largest contribution ever made to the fund by a single member state. "Our marine security program meets or exceeds international standards and ranks among the best in the world," said Minister Cannon. "This contribu- tion of funds to international counter- terrorism efforts builds on our excellent relationship with the International Maritime Organization, and we look forward to working in collaboration with our international partners to further enhance marine security." The International Maritime Security Trust Fund helps developing states meet international maritime security stan- dards set by the International Maritime Organization, an agency of the United Nations. Canada's contribution to this fund will assist contracting states in implementing the requirements mandat- ed under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code. "Canada plays a leadership role in maritime security worldwide," said Minister MacKay. "This contribution to the International Maritime Security Trust Fund demonstrates the Government of Canada's commitment to fighting terrorism and strengthening security around the world." Contributing to the International Maritime Security Trust Fund is one of many steps that the Government of Canada is taking to enhance security. Budget 2006 recently announced $1.4 billion to enhance national security, including more than $250 million to continue to improve transportation secu- rity in Canada. Transport Canada Boosts Port Security The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, announced proposed amendments to the Marine Transportation Security Regulations that will strengthen marine security by requiring background checks for port workers through the Marine Transportation Security Clearance Program. The proposed program would reduce the risk of security threats to the trans- portation system and help to prevent unlawful interference with the marine transportation system by requiring marine workers who perform certain duties or who have access to certain Circle 242 on Reader Service Card Circle 219 on Reader Service Card 3330, Av. Francis-Hughes Fax: 450-663-7774 Laval, Canada, H7L 5A7 e-mail : info@genirosys.com Geniro Systems Inc. is ready to be your Systems Integrator for: • Integrated Power Generation and Distribution Integrated Automation Systems Refits and Upgrades of existing Electric and Automation Systems Power Management Systems Alarm and Monitoring Systems adapted to any new or existing ship Data Management Systems Ballast and Bilge Automation Systems Switchboards, MCC's and Distribution Panels Consoles, Control Panels, Control Cabinets. Etc… For all these systems we provide Design, Engineering Drawings, Engineering Studies, Manufacturing, Installation, Commissioning and Service. www.genirosystems.comGENIRO SYSTEMS Inc. Tel: 450-663-4447 Canada Announces $2.9B Navy Contract Bid MR JULY2006 #4 (25-32).qxd 7/5/2006 11:45 AM Page 25
