Inocea has announced that its subsidiary, Davie Shipbuilding (Davie), has partnered with the government of Canada as part of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS).
The announcement was made at a ceremony at Davie’s facility, attended by the Right Honorable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, and François Legault, Premier of Québec.
As part of the NSS, Davie, Canada’s largest and most experienced shipbuilder, will build the largest and most technologically advanced icebreaker fleet ever built in and for Canada. The initial 20-year package of work includes seven polar icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard and two large hybrid-powered ferries.
François Legault, the Premier of Québec, said that the government of Québec will contribute $519 million of the $840 million being invested at Davie’s facility in the Québec City region in order to create North America’s most advanced shipbuilding facility.
This new 20-year, $8.5 billion contract builds upon Davie’s existing business which includes the current long-term in-service support for the Royal Canadian Navy’s warship fleet.
Alex Vicefield, Chairman and CEO of Inocea, said: “Davie has and will continue to set a new standard in North American shipbuilding. Today’s historic commitment by Canada, our industry-leading facility and global network are a winning combination that will see us create a sustainable export-driven industry. We are building next generation of icebreakers for Canada. These are not nice-to-have assets – they are vital and urgently needed both by Canada and its allies. We are building the western world’s largest polar fleet to support commercial, environmental and geopolitical priorities. This will build on the essential work we already do supporting Canada’s navy and coast guard.”
Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, said: “Today’s announcement is bringing us one step closer to building the fleets for Canada’s future. Our strategic partnership with Davie Shipbuilding will help ensure our Coast Guard is supported by modern, made-in-Canada vessels so it can continue to save lives, keep our waters secure, and protect the environment. This will also help strengthen Canada’s world-class marine industry and create good middle-class jobs, right here in Quebec.”
Inocea is a leading international marine, defence and industrial group. Its companies deliver complex, mission critical solutions that positively impact the world by protecting national and economic security, fulfilling acute business needs, and preserving our precious environment, the company said.
A company spokesperson in Monaco added: “Monaco is an important hub for the world’s leading marine businesses and the effect they can have worldwide is very positive.”
PHOTO: James Davies (CEO of Davie Shipbuilding), Justin Trudeau (Prime Minister of Canada), François Legault (Premier of Québec), Alex Vicefield (CEO of Inocea)
