Future Royal Canadian Navy support ship formally named

The Royal Canadian Navy's future joint support ship was christened and launched in a ceremony at Seaspan Shipyards' facilities on Friday, December 13.

The future HMCS Protecteur is the fifth ship designed, built, and launched by Seaspan under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. Seaspan said that it will be the longest naval vessel ever constructed in Canada at 173 metres.

Protecteur and sister ship HMCS Preserver will replace the former Protecteur-class Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment vessels. In addition to providing critical at-sea replenishment, these multi-purpose warships will also be capable of seamlessly 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, exercise and gym facilities, and medical and dental care.

Work to prepare the future 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.