Canadian Navy launches first-of-class joint support ship HMCS Protecteur in Vancouver

This weekend, Seaspan Shipyards launched the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN) new joint support ship (JSS), the HMCS Protecteur, the fifth ship designed, built and launched by Seaspan under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS).

The two JSSs, HMCS Protecteur and HMCS Preserver, the longest and heaviest naval vessels constructed in Canada, will replace the former Protecteur-class auxiliary oiler replenishment vessels.

In addition to providing at-sea replenishment, these multi-purpose warships will also be capable of integrating with any Canadian or allied naval task group, and will significantly extend the range and endurance of these groups through the provision of fuel, ammunition, aviation support, food, spare parts and health care.

Work to prepare the HMCS Protecteur for sea trials will continue at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards. The ship is scheduled to be delivered to the RCN at the end of 2025.

Under the NSS, Seaspan is building more than 20 vessels for the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard.