Second attempt at Canadian JSS project moves ahead

Shepard ^ | 11 June 2013 | Tim Fish

[JerseyanExile]

Canada has selected the Type 702 off-the-shelf design from Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) for its Joint Support Ship (JSS) project.

The Canadian DND announced the decision in early June and new design images for the JSS were released by TKMS on 10 June.

The company said that it would ‘prepare the design package which Canada will provide to Vancouver Shipyards to review in preparation for actual production’.

Vancouver Shipyards was chosen by the DND in 2010 to build the two JSS as part of its National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy that will ensure Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) ships are built in Canada. There is an option for a third ship.

Once the designs have been reviewed, the DND will acquire the licensing for the 702 design to allow the shipyard and DND to use the ship-design and build, operate, and maintain the JSS. A production contract is expected in 2015-16 with initial operating capability due in 2019. The JSS project was started in 2010 and valued at CAD$2.6bn ($2.5bn).

The TKMS design was selected by the Canadian DND over a completely new ship design from BMT Fleet Technology and Canadian defence agencies because it represented ‘the best design option’ for the RCN and taxpayers, the DND said. A design from Spanish shipbuilder Navantia based on its Cantabria-class was eliminated in early 2012.

The DND said that the 702 design would improve operational capability by replacing the two existing Protecteur-class auxiliary oiler and replenishment ships; that the existing design is about 15% cheaper to build than a new design; and that because the design has already been proven by the German Navy to build their Berlin-class auxiliary vessel there is less risk of cost over-runs and delays to the schedule.

It is the latter point which is of most importance to the RCN as the JSS project has already been delayed by five years. An initial attempt to acquire three ships for CAD$2.9 billion was started in 2006 but was cancelled by the DND in August 2008 after industry was not able to submit bids that met its budget requirements.

Teams led by TKMS and SNC-Lavalin were down-selected for the original bid and each awarded CAD$12.5 million for designs but the companies said funding was insufficient leading to the DND decision to halt the project.

Plans for a new JSS ship have been in motion since the 1990s when the RCN highlighted a requirement for a new replenishment and afloat logistics vessel.

The German Navy took delivery of two Berlin-class ships in 2001-02 and will receive a third this year. Displacing in excess of 20,000t the Berlin-class ships are 174m-long, 23m-wide and have a cargo capacity for 7,850 tons fuel; 1,330 tons water; 280 tons cargo; 220 tons ammunition; and 115 tons lubricants. There is space for two Sea King or MH-90 helicopters.

The DND said that the JSS must have the capability to provide underway support to naval task groups including: the replenishment of ships at sea; operation and maintenance of helicopters; and task group medical and dental facilities. The ships must also delivery cargo ashore and provide accommodation and facilities for a joint task force headquarters.