Gov’t kicks off program to replace navy’s aging frigate, destroyer fleet

– The federal government is taking a first step toward replacing some of the navy’s aging ships by calling private companies to a meeting in Gatineau, Que., next month to talk about new vessels. An invitation posted on a government contract site is aimed at firms offering everything from ship design to systems integration and logistical support.

The Public Works posting says it’s the kickoff for the Canadian surface combatant project, a program to replace the navy’s 1970s- era destroyers and frigates from the 1990s.

The government says the destroyers, which were refitted in the 1990s as air- defence and command ships, will be the first ships replaced. The notice reiterates Irving Shipbuilding Inc., of Halifax, will build the ships and anyone who wants part of the project will have to work with Irving.

A year ago, the government announced Irving and Seaspan Marine of North Vancouver would get most of a planned $ 35 billion in multi- decade shipbuilding contracts.

Irving was allotted $ 25 billion for naval warships, Seaspan was to get $ 8 billion for government civilian vessels and another $ 2 billion for smaller vessels wasn’t immediately allocated. The federal government has tried for years to flatten out the boom- andbust cycles of the shipbuilding industry, which has struggled since the frigate program was completed in the 1990s.