Irving Celebrates Canadian AOPS Build Contract

 

The Government of Canada joined Irving Shipbuilding and its employees today marked the signing of the $2.3 billion Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS) build contract at Halifax Shipyard. The Honorable Diane Finley, Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada and the Honorable Peter MacKay, Attorney General and Minister of Justice of Canada and Minister Responsible for Nova Scotia participated with Irving Shipbuilding as well as provincial, municipal and community leaders in an event to celebrate the official start of the construction phase for the first set of new navy combat ships to be built in Nova Scotia.

 

“On behalf of the men and women of Irving Shipbuilding, we are pleased to have been chosen to build these ships and are very excited to now start construction,” said Jim Irving, CEO of Irving Shipbuilding. “Working with the federal government, we're focused on Canada's strategic objectives to maximize opportunities for Canadians, strengthen the industry, and build world class ships for our country’s Navy.

 

Irving estimates that more than 1,000 AOPS program jobs will be sustained at the yard at the peak of production, bringing total employment at Irving Shipbuilding to approximately 1,600 at this phase of the program. The company will begin recalling employees from its seniority lists later this year as AOPS construction progresses. It is expected that the largest trade requirements will be in the welding and metal fabrication/ironwork areas, with electrical and pipefitting needs increasing as the first ship reaches the latter stages of production. The largest future requirements for AOPS staff positions will be in planning and production management and supervision areas.

 

In building Canada’s newest naval combatants, Irving Shipbuilding said it is committed to maximizing benefits to Canadian suppliers while ensuring best value to Canada. “We are already in advanced discussions with several Canadian companies regarding the design and manufacture of equipment and parts,” said Kevin McCoy, President of Irving Shipbuilding. “We just recently finalized a contract with Russel Metals for 1,500 metric tons of steel plate, to be used in the construction of the first ship. That steel plate will be produced at the Essar Steel Algoma rolling mill in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.”

 

Irving’s Supply Chain team has increased to manage engagement with industry and harness the capability of Canadian companies. All Canadian companies with a capability to supply naval equipment have been encouraged to register with the Irving Shipbuilding on-line database (www.irvingshipbuilding.com/supplier-registry) and with Irving’s major AOPS subcontractors. The database already has more than 1,700 Canadian companies registered, the company noted.

 

At an industry engagement session held this week in Ottawa, the federal government selected Irving Shipbuilding as the Prime Contractor for the second set of NSPS combat ships, the Canadian Surface Combatant program. "Thirty years ago we were pleased to serve as Prime Contractor for the successful completion of the Canadian Patrol Frigates. We value the partnership with Canada and are pleased to see it strengthened with this historic opportunity to design and build the next generation of combatant ships for those who serve. It’s an important step in the government's efforts to end the boom and bust cycle in the shipbuilding industry. Canadians can count on the passion and skill of our team to deliver the best quality and value to those who serve," said Jim Irving.‎

 

Irving Shipbuilding has committed more than $370 million in Canada to date in contracts, procurement, goods and services related to the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS), including both the Halifax Shipyard Modernization program and the work on the AOPS Definition Contract. A full 47%, or $174 million, of that commitment has been made in Nova Scotia, engaging companies owned or operating in the province. This commitment has created more than 1,850 full time equivalent (FTE) positions in Nova Scotia with our company, with our suppliers and with their direct suppliers and $93M in employment income. In addition, it has generated $27 millionM in local, provincial and federal taxes paid, as well as $70 million in consumer spending over a two-year period.

 

Across Canada, the NSPS commitment to date has boosted Canadian gross domestic product (GDP) by $308 million, created more than 3,600 full time equivalent (FTE) positions across Canada (direct and indirect) and generated $226 million worth of employment income in the country over a two-year period. It has also generated more than $169 million worth of consumer spending and approximately $76 million worth of taxes for federal, provincial and local governments.

 

“The countdown is on for steel cutting on September 1,” said Jim Irving.