Government of Canada awards contract for the disposal of former HMCS Athabaskan

GATINEAU, QC, Jan. 18, 2018 /CNW/ - The Government of Canada is committed to rebuilding our marine industry, supporting Canadian technological innovation, and bringing jobs, learning opportunities and prosperity to communities across Canada through the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS).

Public Services and Procurement Canada has awarded a contract valued at $5,737,350 to Marine Recycling Corporation from Port Colborne, Ontario, for the disposal of the Royal Canadian Navy's former Her Majesty's Canadian Ship (HMCS) Athabaskan.

The contract includes towing to the contractor's facility located in Sydney, Nova Scotia, demilitarization of equipment, remediation of hazardous waste and recycling of any remaining materials.

Quotes

"Our government is ensuring that these historically significant vessels are disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner, while creating jobs and bringing economic opportunities to communities across Canada."

The Honourable Carla Qualtrough
Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada

"The former HMCS Athabaskan served Canadians and protected our waters with distinction for more than 44 years. I am grateful to all Royal Canadian Navy members and veterans who have served with honour and dignity aboard this ship throughout its long and storied history."

The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan
Minister of National Defence

"This announcement is good news for Marine Recycling Corporation and the Canadian marine industry as a whole. This contract also benefits our local economy, as we are expecting to sustain approximately 30 jobs in the region."

The Honourable Mark Eyking, MP, Sydney-Victoria (Nova Scotia)

"Marine Recycling Corporation has an excellent well-earned reputation, providing retirement for ships which have served Canadians throughout the years. The MRC team can take pride in being a positive influence through the continued support of community organizations in Port Colborne and across the Niagara region."

The Honourable Vance Badawey, MP, Niagara Centre

Quick Facts

• HMCS Athabaskan is currently docked at Canadian Forces Base Halifax, and is the last of the four Iroquois-class destroyers. These ships were a made-in-Canada solution to the defence and security challenges of the Cold War and post-Cold War era of the late 20th century.
  
  
• The retirement of HMCS Athabaskan had been anticipated for some time. As part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the process of renewing and modernizing fleets for the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard over the next 30 years has begun, with construction of vessels on Canada's east and west coasts underway.
  
  
• The Iroquois-class destroyers will be replaced by up to 15 Canadian Surface Combatants. The delivery of the first vessel is expected in the mid-2020s.
  
  
• The modernized Halifax-class frigates, along with Kingston-class Maritime Coastal Defence Vessels and Victoria-class submarines, will allow the Royal Canadian Navy to continue to deliver on its core mission until the arrival of the new ships.
  
  
• The dismantling of HMCS Athabaskan is expected to be completed by July 2019.

Associated Links

National Shipbuilding Strategy
Marine Recycling Corporation 
HMCS Athabaskan takes final salute after 44 years of dedicated service

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SOURCE Public Services and Procurement Canada