Imtech plays part in Canadian programme
Imtech says that its Imtech Marine subsidiary is to be involved in the Canadian government's national shipbuilding procurement strategy (NSPS) programme as a technology partner of Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards.
The programme involves the construction of a large number of navy, coast guard and research vessels. Imtech will be involved in the 'non-combat' section and expects to work on a total of eight vessels. Investment in this part of the programme is said to amount to some €8 billion. Imtech is Seaspan's intended partner for the supply of the ships' platform automation, electrical solutions, electric propulsion and air conditioning and climate control systems (HVAC).
The 'non-combat' section of the programme is expected to comprise two joint support ships (JSS), which will each have a length of 175m, as well as the option to realise another such vessel. These ships will supply the vessels of the Royal Canadian Navy - or the fleet they are sailing in - at sea, transport heavy or special equipment and support land operations from the water. In addition, their tasks will include humanitarian operations and civil activities like emergency management. The programme also outlines the construction of an 85m offshore oceanographic science vessel (OOSV) that will conduct oceanographic research along Canada's eastern coast, as well as three vessels (OFSC, offshore fisheries science vessels) that will conduct research into the fish stock and the development of local ecosystems along both the western and eastern coasts of Canada. Finally, Seaspan will be building a 140m polar icebreaker to safeguard Canada's polar sovereignty in the country's northern waters under the most extreme climate and weather conditions, as well as playing an important role in environmental protection.
