Michael M Fortier, Canadian Minister of Public Works and Government Services announced that two teams led by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems Canada Inc. and SNC-Lavalin ProFac Inc. have been selected to receive contracts for the project definition phase of the Joint Support Ships project. The teams will each be awarded an identical contract of $12.5 million to complete proposals to design and build the ships, as well as to provide long-term in-service support. The Joint Support Ships will be designed to replace the Canadian Forces’ auxiliary oiler replenishment vessels. The Joint Support Ships will support and enforce domestic maritime security, as well as contribute to Canada’s humanitarian and peacekeeping missions.