Babcock Canada (Babcock), a trusted partner of the Royal Canadian Navy, has been awarded the River Class Destroyer Lifts contract by Irving Shipbuilding. Under this program, Babcock will design, build, support installation and commissioning of the food hoists and stores lifts systems across the first three River Class Destroyers currently being built by Irving Shipbuilding in Halifax.
With a project value of $37.5 million dollars, this multi-year contract will see delivery of the lifts systems extending through to 2029.
Babcock draws on a long history of designing and integrating complex mechanical systems on naval platforms. The proposed design of the food hoists and stores lifts systems for the River Class Destroyers is based on Babcock’s solution for the United Kingdom’s Type 26 frigate, which is also the baseline for Australia’s Hunter-class frigate program. Built to handle heavy loads while the ship is at sea, this advanced system will streamline logistics and ensure that essential supplies such as equipment, ammunition, and food can be efficiently and safely moved throughout the vessel.
This partnership comes at a pivotal time, as Canada assertively moves toward a “Build Canadian First” defence framework, as signalled through the inaugural Defence Industrial Strategy. Babcock is strongly positioned to support Irving Shipbuilding in the development of an enduring and sovereign in-country capability through its extensive experience and highly specialized Canadian workforce. As part of this contract, Babcock will develop a local design, build, and support solution, generating Canadian industrial participation, economic value, and job growth.
“Babcock is proud to be working with Irving Shipbuilding on this important project that will support the Royal Canadian Navy for decades ahead. The River Class Destroyer Lifts contract represents an important step as Babcock Canada continues to expand our technology and product-based business in alignment with a shared vision to advance Canada’s sovereign naval sustainment capabilities.”
– Jason Young, VP – Marine and Mission Systems, Babcock Canada
“Babcock’s proven experience delivering complex naval systems and their commitment to developing Canadian capability make them a valued supplier to work with on the River Class Destroyer project. This partnership reinforces a shared commitment to building world-class ships here in Canada while strengthening the marine defence industry, developing job opportunities for Canadians, and ensuring the Royal Canadian Navy has the capability it requires for its new fleet.”
– Lee Fromson, Vice President, Supply Chain and Quality, Irving Shipbuilding
Part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the River Class Destroyer project is one of the largest and most complex shipbuilding initiatives in Canada, with 15 vessels expected to join Canada’s surface fleet.
As a partner of Irving Shipbuilding, Babcock is committed to delivering reliable performance and operational excellence as it provides capabilities that support Irving Shipbuilding, the Royal Canadian Navy, and the Government of Canada on the National Shipbuilding Strategy, now and into the future.
