Victoria, B.C. — July 6, 2026 — Seaspan Shipyards (Seaspan) today welcomed the Government of Canada’s announcement of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) as the strategic build partner for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP). The project aligns with Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) and falls under the Build-Partner-Buy framework.
In support of Canada’s DIS and partner strategy, Seaspan and TKMS signed a teaming agreement in support of CPSP in January. Through the 212CD program with TKMS, Germany and Norway, Canada will join a multi-national submarine partnership with extensive experience in submarine exports, Arctic operations, sustainment expertise and interoperability with NATO.
As the only industry shipyard that has been maintaining submarines in Canada since 2005, Seaspan is ready to work with Canada and TKMS to support submarine delivery, technology transfer, and build a truly Canadian submarine sustainment program.
“Canada has made a generational decision about its security and sovereignty today and Seaspan, as part of the integrated sustainment team, is ready to answer that call,” John McCarthy, CEO of Seaspan Shipyards, said.
“We have spent more than 20 years building up the specialized expertise and a highly qualified Canadian team who can perform this work. Seaspan will provide the comprehensive through-life support this fleet requires, entirely within Canada. Today marks a new chapter for this country’s defence industrial base, and Seaspan is immensely proud to be a part of it.”
Seaspan’s Victoria Shipyards in Esquimalt currently maintains Canada’s Victoria-class submarines and is the only Canadian West Coast shipyard with the proven experience, technical expertise and specialized workforce that can readily maintain the country’s new submarine fleet entirely within Canada. The shipyard has more than 30 years of experience maintaining Royal Canadian Navy submarines and ships with a skilled workforce of more than 1,000 people. The well-established submarine program has more than 300 highly skilled technicians and tradespeople.
Canada has identified a critical priority for CPSP to establish a sovereign sustainment capability for the future submarines on both the West and East Coasts of Canada. This capability integrates the Royal Canadian Navy, the Maritime Equipment Program, the Fleet Maintenance Facilities and Canadian industry.
“We look forward to working with Canada and TKMS in support of CPSP, bringing this tremendous capability to the Royal Canadian Navy’s future submarine fleet for decades to come,” McCarthy said.
Under CPSP, Canada expects to receive up to 12 new diesel-electric, ice-capable submarines to replace the aging Victoria-class fleet. The first submarine is expected to be delivered in the mid-2030s.
About Seaspan Shipyards
Seaspan Shipyards is Canada’s largest ship design, engineering, building, sustainment and repair company. As the only Canadian shipyard company with deep submarine experience, expertise, workforce and supply chain, the west coast submarine sustainment facilities provide mission-critical maintenance and support to Canada’s naval fleet including Canada’s current submarines through a highly specialized workforce, exceptional quality and deep Canadian supply chain. With modern facilities and a dedicated workforce of more than 6,000 in North Vancouver and Victoria, Seaspan is a trusted and strategic partner on a range of complex projects for both the government and the private sector.
Let's hope they grow their workforce.. No offense to the workers at Seaspan but with a fleet of 4 they should have been capable of having one in the water in operations every single day with one on the ready for launch if needed. This certainly was not the case the last three decades. Canada has gone years on several occasions with no submarines in the water at all, let alone having one on the ready to launch along side it. I understand the parts issues on an orphan fleet, however you'd think after the first decade the management of manufacturing or sourcing of spares would have been a priority. Just saying, stating you're the only experienced maintainer of a sub fleet that has proven to be a case of how not to run submarine maintenance isn't exactly a plus IMO.