Kongsberg to supply propulsion systems for Canada’s River-class destroyers

September 9, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Technology company Kongsberg Maritime has been awarded a contract to supply fixed built propellers (FBP) for the River-class destroyer (RCD) program for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).

The contract, signed with the domestic shipbuilder Irving Shipbuilding, is part of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy to replace the existing Halifax-class ships.

The company will provide twin fixed built propellers for each of the first three ships in the program. The contract covers propellers for the first batch of three ships, with deliveries starting in 2028, with the total program planned to be 15 ships with deliveries into the 2040s.

“We have a proud history of supplying mission critical technology to some of the world’s most important naval programs, and we’re delighted to have been selected by Irving Shipbuilding Inc. to supply our proven technology to the River Class Destroyer program,” Björn ten Eicken, Vice President – Naval, at Kongsberg Maritime, said.

“The River Class Destroyer platform is a highly capable and versatile warship, and we look forward to working with Irving Shipbuilding and the Royal Canadian Navy as propellers and other equipment is installed on this exciting project.”

Last year, the firm signed contracts with Irving Shipbuilding to supply a range of technology for the program, covering non-retractable fin stabilisers, steering gear and rudders, replenishment at sea (RAS) moveable high point and a technical documentation package.

The River-class destroyer project, formerly the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC), is the largest and most complex shipbuilding initiative in Canada since the Second World War. The vessels are based on BAE Systems’ Type 26 warship design, being built by the United Kingdom and Australia. The ships will have enhanced underwater sensors, radar, and modern weapons. Fifteen new warships are scheduled to join the navy’s fleet in the early 2030s. They will replace both the Iroquois-class destroyers and the Halifax-class frigates.

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