Irving Shipbuilding awards metals supply contract for Canada’s new River-class destroyers

February 16, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Russel Metals is the latest Canadian company to join Irving Shipbuilding’s supply chain to support the construction of the new River-class destroyers (RCD) for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).

Valued at approximately $6.05 million, the contract will be delivered by Russel Metals’ local workforce and carried out at its new Dartmouth facility and Halifax operations.

The contract covers the supply of steel plates, profiles, and aluminum sheets used in manufactured parts, along with procurement, logistics coordination, material traceability, and just-in-time inventory management aligned with Irving Shipbuilding’s production schedule.

Materials will be delivered directly to Irving Shipbuilding and to fabricators across Canada, supporting a national supply chain.

“Our relationship with Irving Shipbuilding began in 1987, and it’s built on trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to Canadian industry,” said John Reid, President and CEO of Russel Metals.

“We’re proud that this work supports skilled jobs in Nova Scotia and allows our teams to play a meaningful role in building ships for Canada’s Navy.”

“With its strong Nova Scotian roots and deep ties to the Halifax community, Russel Metals is exactly the kind of partner we are proud to welcome into the River-class destroyer project,” said Lee Fromson, Vice President, Supply Chain and Quality, Irving Shipbuilding.

Recently, Irving Shipbuilding reported that it lifted and flipped the first unit for the first River-class destroyer, the future HMCS Fraser.

Preparations are now underway for the next major phase of construction, with the keel-laying of the lead ship expected later this year.