TKMS signs sustainment agreement with Seaspan for submarines

German builder TKMS has signed a teaming agreement with Seaspan Shipyards to support and maintain potential future patrol submarines for Canada; the pact is conditional on TKMS winning a federal contract to supply the Royal Canadian Navy.

German submarine builder TKMS has signed a teaming agreement with Seaspan Shipyards to support and maintain potential future patrol submarines for Canada. The pact is conditional on TKMS winning a federal government contract to supply the Royal Canadian Navy with new submarines. Seaspan already takes part in maintenance of Canada’s current Victoria class submarines, which the government needs to replace within about 10 years. The agreement also mentions the potential for export support on the West Coast or help for Canadian firms to enter other markets. Key points: - TKMS and Seaspan signed a teaming agreement focused on long-term sustainment of potential future patrol submarines for Canada. - The pact is conditional on TKMS winning a federal contract to supply new submarines to the Royal Canadian Navy. - Seaspan is involved in maintaining Canada’s current fleet of four Victoria class submarines. - The agreement opens the possibility of export support, including servicing or building vessels for other countries on the West Coast or supporting market entry for Canadian businesses. - Both finalist bidders in the submarine competition, TKMS and South Korea’s Hanwha Oceans, have been signing partnership agreements with Canadian companies as the procurement process advances. Summary: The agreement positions a German builder and a Canadian shipyard to work together on sustainment if TKMS wins the federal procurement, and it could expand maintenance capacity and export-related activities on the West Coast. Undetermined at this time.