Washington Marine, Thales team on Arctic offshore patrol ships
Washington Marine Group (WMG) is pleased to announce the signing of a Teaming Agreement with Thales Canada forming a strategic alliance to provide the Government of Canada a single solution for the future build and in service support of the Arctic Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS). The AOPS program is worth over $2 billion dollars, delivering 6 ice breaking patrol vessels to the Canadian Navy, as part of the Federal Government’s National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS). It will provide 700 to 800 skilled jobs to BC shipbuilders and 40 to 60 high technology jobs, in Ontario.
WMG is a proud and valued supplier meeting the needs of the Canadian Navy for over 50 years. WMG is currently supplying in service support for the Canadian submarine fleet, Mid Life extension for Canadian Patrol Frigates, and building Motorized Lifeboats for the Canadian Coast Guard. Previously, WMG has built ORCA training vessels, Coast Guard Motorized Lifeboats, RCMP Patrol vessels, and buoy tenders and ice breakers for the Canadian Coast Guard.
Thales has more than fifty years experience in delivering equipment, systems and services to naval forces. Thales offers proven expertise with tangible benefits for client navies around the world. Leveraging an in-depth understanding of evolving naval and maritime environments, Thales supports naval missions across the seven seas and has delivered trusted and deployed solutions to over 50 Navies, including Canada.
“The award of a project of this magnitude would not only revitalize the BC shipbuilding industry, but also provide for significant future investment in facilities, processes and people,” said Jonathan Whitworth, WMG CEO. “Thales Canada is an integral member of the team and brings significant expertise in the field of electronic systems.”
Thales Canada President and CEO, Paul Kahn, says that his company is very pleased to partner with such a strong and capable shipyard in pursuit of the Navy’s AOPS program. “We have had a strong relationship with the Canadian Navy since 1967, and our experience working with large and small Navies around the world will provide WMG with tailored, field proven systems that will ensure AOPS receives a world class solution.”
The AOPS is one of the initial programs forming part of the $40 billion Federal Government’s NSPS. WMG’s goal is to form a Centre of Excellence to supply programs to meet the needs of the NSPS.
“This agreement with Thales demonstrates our commitment to the NSPS and our pursuit of designation as a shipbuilding Centre of Excellence,” said Whitworth.
