Kongsberg Vanguard LP has begun to develop and finalize design work for the Canadian Coast Guard’s mid-shore multi-mission (MSMM) vessels, following a 9.6-million Canadian dollar ($6.9 million) contract awarded in mid-March.
The joint venture comprises Norwegian firms Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and Salt Ship Design, and the Canadian company Adaptive Marine Solutions Inc., in support of strengthening Canada’s maritime capabilities under its National Shipbuilding Strategy.
Once the joint venture has finalized the design, the Canadian Coast Guard will solicit bids from shipyards and builders to construct up to six MSMM vessels.
“This approach is aligned with Canada’s new Defence Industrial Strategy and its Build-Partner-Buy framework, which prioritizes domestic production where feasible and partnerships with trusted allies where needed,” according to Kongsberg in Canada.
Apart from designing Canada’s MSMM vessels, Kongsberg and Salt Ship Design are also involved in a separate collaboration to conceptualize a new standardized vessel class for the Norwegian Armed Forces.
MSMM Vessels
The Canadian Coast Guard’s MSMM vessels are intended to replace the mid-shore science vessels.
To be stationed across Canada, the platforms will perform a range of roles, including search and rescue, hydrographic surveys, icebreaking, environmental response, and supporting maritime security.
The vessels are part of a broader framework, under which the Canadian government invested 2.5 billion Canadian dollars ($1.8 billion) to provide for up to 61 small vessels that already include up to six MSMM platforms.
