Canadian Navy’s second joint support ship reaches structural milestone

Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards has completed the installation of both replenishment-at-sea (RAS) kingposts on the Royal Canadian Navy’s second joint support ship, HMCS Preserver, marking the vessel’s full structural consolidation and a key milestone in its construction program.

The HMCS Preserver is the second JSS that Seaspan is constructing for the Royal Canadian Navy under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). Structural consolidation is a major milestone in the lead-up to delivery, signifying the completion of structural welding, with all major components now consolidated to the hull, according to the company.

Ahead of consolidation, additional components of the superstructure were erected, including the foundation for one of two weapon systems that will be used to defend against airborne and marine threats, and the ship’s mast. 

The final major block installation for JSS2, the two kingposts, is key to the ship’s RAS capability. Weighing 30 tons each, the kingposts were lifted into place using Seaspan’s 300-tonne gantry crane and were carefully secured in place onto their foundations.  

The kingposts provide the Canadian Navy with the capacity to support more out-of-area operations, enhancing self-sufficiency and long-range deployability for the navy and NATO.  

With the ship structurally consolidated, the team is now focused on achieving three major milestones: the activation of the switchboard, exterior shaft installation, and painting the underwater hull, all in preparation for the ship’s upcoming launch planned for the end of the year. 

To remind, the keel-laying ceremony for the vessel was held in 2023.

The first ship in this class, HMCS Protecteur, and HMCS Preserver will replace the former Protecteur-class auxiliary oiler replenishment vessels.

Once delivered, the second JSS will fulfil a vital role for the navy by providing underway support to naval task groups, including the re-supply of essential fuel, medical support, and supplies to navy ships at sea.

JSS2 will also support the operation and maintenance of helicopters, transport and deliver cargo, and support a range of operations ashore, including humanitarian aid.