Vanguard Magazine

Sponsored Content in Esquimalt, B.C., following a historic 197-day deployment to the Asia-Pacific region, marking the first time in nearly 50 years that a Canadian submarine operated in the region. Submarines are among the most highly complex engineering assets and require rigorously controlled and highly special- ized maintenance. The extreme environ- ments in which submarines operate mean they require precise care and maintenance to ensure both safety and continued func- tionality. Military submarines are designed to not only withstand intense pressures - an increase of an entire atmosphere's worth of pressure for every 10m of depth - but to do it safely, quietly, and for months at a time. The Royal Canadian Navy's Victoria- Class Submarines operate in an extremely demanding environment requiring rigor- ous application of project management methodologies, engineering disciplines, high-quality workmanship, and a robust supply chain to ensure both the safety of the crew and the effectiveness of the sub- marine. To meet these standards, the sub- marines go through periodic deep mainte- nance – a period which involves millions of hours of work, continual improvements, and a rigorous safety certification process. In each of these periods, the submarines undergo not only repairs and upkeep but also receive modernization and capabil- ity upgrades, allowing them to adapt to Canada's ever-changing military needs and keep up with technological advancements. Babcock Canada, the lead in the VISSC contract, draws on over 50 years of ex- perience providing both conventional diesel-electric and nuclear-powered sub- marine support to navies and defence agen- cies across the globe. With proficiency in through-life support, design support, refits, and life-extensions, and dismantling and decommissioning, coupled with its hun- dreds of specialists and support teams from coast-to-coast actively engaged with VISSC, Babcock Canada brings a deep understand- ing of defence engineering to Canada's submarine partnership. Global experience in every aspect of submarine maintenance, alongside a remarkable track record of 15 years as a leading provider of through-life support for Canada's Victoria-Class subma- rine fleet, uniquely situates Team Victoria- Class to support Canada's evolving defence needs on an ongoing basis. Team Victoria-Class is also bolstered by BMT's extensive global experience sup- porting the complete lifecycles of sub- marines. Their teams of highly skilled submarine designers and engineers are recognized for their expertise in extending the lives of complex assets, enabling them to operate safely through to their eventual decommissioning. Seaspan Victoria Shipyards has a long- standing and close working relationship with the Royal Canadian Navy and is co- located with Canada's West Coast naval base and maintenance facilities. Seaspan has a highly-skilled, diverse, and specialized workforce with years of experience manag- ing complex military repair and overhaul periods and has developed deep knowledge and skill to support specialized submarine requirements. Seaspan utilizes technology www.vanguardcanada.com OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2023 11 P E R S P E C T I V E and innovation and is con- tinually investing in its capabilities and capacities to provide high quality support to Canada's sub- marines. Throughout its 15-year contract, Team Victoria- Class has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to not only supporting Canada's national security, but also to growing do- mestic capability in Canada by investing in its economy and workforce through a vast network of over 450 suppliers spanning from coast-to-coast. The team's Canadian operations ensure the retention of over 2,000 jobs annually, and Team Victoria- Class is actively investing in small-and-me- dium-sized businesses through innovation programs. By actively growing Canada's workforce, supporting GDP growth, priori- tizing skills development and championing research and development initiatives, Team Victoria-Class is ensuring the long-term sustainability and effectiveness of Canada's submarine sustainment enterprise. These commitments have culminated in a $2 bil- lion impact on Canada's GDP. The complex nature of submarine en- gineering and upkeep, coupled with the volatility in today's global relationships, re- quires both collaboration and a high level of proficiency in Canada's defence efforts. Team Victoria-Class is committed to en- suring a smooth transition of fleet support and working with Canada in the continued delivery of safe and highly capable Royal Canadian Navy submarines.

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