Vanguard Magazine

www.vanguardcanada.com DECEMBER 2024/JANUARY 2025 23 D E E P B L U E F O R U M Robinson's address was followed by a panel discussion, moderated by Com- mander Ashley Hunt, Project Manager Ca- nadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), on In-Service Support (ISS). The panel members, representing Seaspan Victoria, SERCO, Thales and Babcock Canada, opined that submarine ISS is a difficult endeavour, as submarines are complex sys- tems. In fact, it is harder than acquisition, as budget, supply chain, vendors, and ob- solescence issues are underpinned by the workforce itself. The key element to suc- cess is to constantly recruit and train to ensure a continuous flow of workforce. It was also stressed that this is a partnership: Navy, government, and industry all work- ing together as a unified team. Notably, the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) has an enduring role in ISS for the life of the platform – a major lesson learned from the Victoria-class submarines, which is sim- ply not working. In the subsequent question period, the following key points were emphasized: • People for workforce (needs to be Cana- dian) • Supply chain (needs to be Canadian) • Infrastructure – it takes decades to build • A steady flow of work is needed to main- tain the workforce • Steady funding is required to maintain capability Focus on Infrastructure The morning then proceeded with a sec- ond panel discussion on Infrastructure, moderated by Peter Hammerschmidt – ADM Infrastructure and Environment, Department of National Defence. The panel representing the Royal Canadian Navy, Defence Construction Canada, DND Infrastructure & Environment, and Defence Research and Development Can- ada, discussed the expected submarine fleet size (eight to 12), the need for supporting infrastructure on two coasts, and the chal- lenge of space in the existing HMC Dock- yards. These factors are not unique to the CPSP, as all DND major crown projects are requiring similar infrastructure and are facing an acute shortfall in tradespersons to do the work. Moreover, in understanding the plat- form's operational requirements, DND is facing a similar paradigm shift to that cur- rently being seen by RCAF in the level of complexity of modern supporting infra- structure. This all takes time due to the need to conduct environmental studies and address Indigenous issues. Commo- dore Armstrong, continuing his quest for maximum industry engagement, stated these issues have been recognized, in that infrastructure is a High Level Mandatory Requirement (HLMR) and 15% of the project is currently allocated for infrastruc- ture. While exact funding is not known at this time there is clearly some legacy in- frastructure that needs to be replaced, in- cluding jetties and warehousing. They are anticipating a 50% metric in total project costs. In-Support Service Keynote Following a luncheon break, where del- egates had an opportunity to visit display booths, Anthony March, VP Marine & Mission Systems, Babcock Canada, deliv- ered the afternoon keynote address. He gave an informed brief on what defines submarine In-Service Support. He started by asking how availability is defined be- tween the operators and the maintainers – there is a need for a clear measurable strategic requirement with measurable strategic outcomes. To generate subma- rine availability, the enterprise must "plan the demand," whereby preventative main- tenance becomes critical. Moreover, by leveraging information, the right maintenance at the right time can result in less maintenance. This, of course, is supported by the need for trained and experienced people throughout the enter- Moreover, because the Arctic is a pris- tine environment, enhanced environmen- tal compliance is important in the CPS. Contrary to popular myths, submarines don't punch through ice, which allows SSNs to be ruled out because Air Inde- pendent Power/Propulsion (AIP) can provide options for operating in the Arc- tic. Notably, Robinson stressed, the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) must adapt to the selected design (avoid Canadianization) as well as the criticality of having infrastruc- ture and a highly trained workforce in place from Day One – done by Canadians in Canada. He was very clear that Canada must get sustainment right, as working in the submarine sustainment industry is not all about the submarine – it is the support- ing infrastructure. Le to right: Melanie Pouliot, Defence Construction Canada; Paul Schauerte, Infrastructure and Environment, DND; Cmdre Jason Armstrong, DGNFD; Cdr Ben Thomson, ARC, DRDC; Peter Hammerschmidt, Infrastructure and Environment, DND Le to right: Gordon Szczepski, Babcock Canada; Ian Krepps, , Thales Canada; Peter Karounos, Serco; Cdr Ashley Hunt, Project Manager CPSP; Capt(N) Martin Drews RCN (Ret'd), Seaspan Victoria Shipyards

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