{{Short description|Class of Canadian oiler replenishment ships}} {{About|the replenishment ships under construction|the Cold War tankers|Protecteur-class replenishment oiler}} {{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}} {{Infobox ship |section1={{Infobox ship/image | image = | image_caption = }}
|section2={{Infobox ship/class overview | name = ''Protecteur'' class | builders = Seaspan ULC, North Vancouver | operators = {{navy|Canada}} | class_before = {{sclass|Protecteur|replenishment oiler|4}} | class_after = | subclasses = | cost = {{CAD|2.6 billion}} (2015 estimate);<ref>{{cite web | url=https://lop.parl.ca/sites/PublicWebsite/default/en_CA/ResearchPublications/201535E#a17 | title= The National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy: A Five-Year Assessment | first=Martin | last=Auger | date=15 June 2015 | publisher=Canadian Library of Parliament}}</ref>$4.1bn (2020 estimate)<ref name=ktweek>{{cite web |url=https://www.kamloopsthisweek.com/canada-to-pay-4-1b-for-navy-support-ships-in-latest-cost-increase-1.24153254 |title=Canada to pay $4.1B for Navy support ships in latest cost increase |agency=The Canadian Press |work=Kamloops This Week |date=15 June 2020 |access-date=19 August 2020}}</ref> | built_range = | in_service_range = | in_commission_range = | total_ships_building = 2 | total_ships_planned = 2 | total_ships_completed = 1 (Fitting out) | total_ships_canceled = | total_ships_active = | total_ships_laid_up = | total_ships_lost = | total_ships_retired = | total_ships_preserved = }}
|section3={{Infobox ship/characteristics | hide_header = | header_caption =<ref name=JSS>{{cite web |url=https://nss.seaspan.com/project/joint-support-ship/ |title=Join Support Ships |publisher=Seaspan ULC |access-date=2 October 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/assets/NAVY_Internet/docs/en/jss_factsheet_8x11_eng.pdf |work=Royal Canadian Navy |title=RCN Joint Support Ship (JSS) Factsheet |date=January 2020 |access-date=11 December 2021}}</ref> | type = Joint support ship | displacement = {{cvt|20240|t|LT|lk=on}} | length = {{convert|173.7|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | beam = {{convert|24|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | height = {{convert|17.5|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | draught = {{convert|7.4|m|ftin|abbr=on}} | hold_depth = | power = | propulsion = * 2 × MAN 12V32/44CR propulsion engines<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.maritimepropulsion.com/news/man-power-canada-joint-564686 |work=Maritime Propulsion |title=MAN to Power Canada's Joint Support Ships |date=2 April 2019 |access-date=2 October 2021 }}</ref> ** 2 × propulsion shafts * 1 × bow thruster * 4 × MAN diesel generators | speed = {{convert|20|kn|lk=in}} | range = {{convert|10895|nmi|lk=in|abbr=on}} at {{convert|15|kn}} | endurance = | boats = 2 × Ship-to-Shore Connector pontoon systems<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2019/09/navamar-to-supply-5-ship-to-shore-connectors-to-royal-canadian-navy/ |work=Naval News |title=Navamar to Supply 5 Ship to Shore Connectors to Royal Canadian Navy |date=8 September 2019 |access-date=2 October 2021 }}</ref> | capacity = | complement = * 199 core crew * 239 with 2 × air detachments | sensors = *Command & control ** Lockheed Martin Canada CMS 330 Combat System<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2019/02/lockheed-martin-canadas-cms-330-selected-for-rcn-joint-support-ships/ |work=Naval News |title=Lockheed Martin Canada's CMS 330 Selected for RCN Joint Support Ships |date=7 February 2019 |access-date=2 October 2021}}</ref> ** OSI Maritime Systems Integrated Navigation and Tactical System (INTS)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2019/06/osi-to-provide-naval-integrated-bridge-system-for-royal-canadian-navys-jss/ |work=Naval News |title=OSI to Provide Naval Integrated Bridge System for Royal Canadian Navy's JSS |date=4 June 2019 |access-date=2 October 2021}}</ref> ** Rhode & Schwartz Communications Systems<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2020/06/rohde-and-schwarz-secures-order-for-canadas-future-replenishment-ships/ |work=Naval News |title=Rohde and Schwarz secures order for Canada's future replenishment ships |date=23 June 2020 |access-date=2 October 2021}}</ref> *Surveillance & weapon sensors ** Saab Sea Giraffe AMB<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2019/04/saab-sea-giraffe-amb-radar-selected-for-rcn-joint-support-ships/ |work=Naval News |title=Saab's Sea Giraffe AMB Radar Selected for RCN Joint Support Ships |date=6 April 2019 |access-date=2 October 2021}}</ref> | EW = | armament = * 2 × Phalanx CIWS * 4 × .50-calibre RWS | armour = | aircraft = *2 × CH-148 Cyclone each armed with: ** 2 × Mk 54 MAKO Torpedo ** 1 × C6 FLEX {{cvt|7.62|mm|in}} GPMG | aircraft_facilities = Hangar and flight deck capable of holding Chinook size helicopters | notes = }} }}
The '''''Protecteur'' class''' (formerly known as the ''Queenston'' class) of naval auxiliaries for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) began as the '''Joint Support Ship Project''', a Government of Canada procurement project for the RCN that is part of the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy. It will see the RCN acquire two multi-role vessels to replace the earlier {{sclass|Protecteur|replenishment oiler|0}} auxiliary oiler replenishment vessels.<ref>{{cite web |publisher=Canadian Forces |url=http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/Community/MapleLeaf/vol_8/vol8_40/840_10.pdf |title=Future Canadian Amphibious Assault Ship and Joint Support Ship |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110609180718/http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/Community/MapleLeaf/vol_8/vol8_40/840_10.pdf |archive-date=9 June 2011 }}</ref> As of February 2025, "due to the first ship requiring more production effort, and more time than originally anticipated," it is now expected that the first of the two ships will be delivered and commissioned into the RCN in 2026 and the second delivered by 2027.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Defence |first=National |date=2013-03-13 |title=Joint support ship (JSS) |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/procurement/joint-support-ship.html |access-date=2025-12-30 |website=www.canada.ca}}</ref>
The project has suffered from considerable delays. Originally announced in 2004, a contract for the construction of these ships was planned to be signed in 2009, with the first vessel available for operational service in 2012. In 2010, the federal government incorporated the project into the National Shipbuilding Strategy.
On 2 June 2013, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems {{sclass|Berlin|replenishment ship|0}} replenishment ship serving with the German Navy was selected. The Canadian vessels will be a variant of the ''Berlin'' class, built at Seaspan's yard in North Vancouver, British Columbia.<ref>{{cite web |date=2 June 2013 |title=Backgrounder: Joint Support Ship Design Decision |url=http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/news-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=4821 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603222854/http://www.forces.gc.ca/site/news-nouvelles/news-nouvelles-eng.asp?id=4821 |archive-date=3 June 2013 |publisher=National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces}}</ref><ref name="vs1">{{cite news |last=McKnight |first=Zoe |date=3 June 2013 |title=Navy adopts German design to be built in North Vancouver |work=The Vancouver Sun |url=https://vancouversun.com/Navy+adopts+German+design+ships+built+North+Vancouver/8468320/story.html |access-date=24 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Scott |first=Richard |date=26 May 2016 |title=Rebuilding Canada's navy [CANSEC2016D2] |url=http://www.janes.com/article/60731/rebuilding-canada-s-navy-cansec2016d2 |access-date=11 December 2016 |website=janes.com}}</ref>
Initial construction work began in 2018, but a formal contract for the construction of both ships was only signed in June 2020.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Public Services and Procurement Canada |date=3 May 2019 |title=Joint support ships - Large vessel shipbuilding projects – Shipbuilding projects to equip the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard – National Shipbuilding Strategy – Sea – Defence and marine procurement – Buying and Selling – PSPC |url=https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/amd-dp/mer-sea/sncn-nss/interarmees-joint-eng.html |access-date=23 July 2023 |website=www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca}}</ref>
In order to speed construction of the ''Protecteur''-class naval auxiliaries, the delivery of the first of the new class of polar icebreakers, {{ship|CCGS|Imnaryuaq}}, will be delayed until at least 2030.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://nationalpost.com/news/canada/canadian-coast-guard-may-be-forced-to-lease-icebreakers-as-aging-fleet-increasingly-at-risk-of-breakdowns|title=Canadian Coast Guard may be forced to lease icebreakers as aging fleet increasingly at risk of breakdowns|date=18 November 2016|work=National Post|access-date=23 December 2017}}</ref><ref name="entryby2029">{{Cite web|last=Berthiaume|first=Lee|date=29 February 2020|title=Federal government soliciting pitches from Canadian shipyards to build new icebreaker|url=https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/federal-government-soliciting-pitches-from-canadian-shipyards-to-build-new-icebreaker-1.4833554|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200310071343/https://vancouverisland.ctvnews.ca/federal-government-soliciting-pitches-from-canadian-shipyards-to-build-new-icebreaker-1.4833554|url-status=dead|archive-date=10 March 2020|access-date=11 June 2020|website=CTV News Vancouver Island}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-coast-guard/news/2021/05/government-of-canada-announces-polar-icebreakers-to-enhance-canadas-arctic-presence-and-provide-critical-services-to-canadians.html |title=Government of Canada announces Polar Icebreakers to enhance Canada's Arctic presence and provide critical services to Canadians |publisher=Government of Canada |date=6 May 2021 |access-date=7 May 2021 }}</ref>
==Class name== On 25 October 2013, the Minister of National Defence named the JSS the ''Queenston'' class with two ships named, HMCS ''Queenston'' and ''Châteauguay''.<ref name=dod1>{{cite web|url=http://www.navy-marine.forces.gc.ca/en/news-operations/news-view.page?doc=names-chosen-for-the-royal-canadian-navy-s-new-joint-support-ships/hnbfat21 |title=Names chosen for the Royal Canadian Navy's new Joint Support Ships |work=Government of Canada |publisher=Royal Canadian Navy |date=28 October 2013 |access-date=24 September 2014}}</ref> Their namesakes were battles of the War of 1812, Queenston Heights and Châteauguay. A name was also chosen for a possible third ship in the class, HMCS ''Crysler's Farm'', named after the Battle of Crysler's Farm.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/royal-canadian-navy-picks-a-name-for-a-third-joint-support-ship |title=Royal Canadian Navy picks a name for a third Joint Support Ship |work=Ottawa Citizen |last=Pugliese |first=David |date=8 April 2016 |access-date=17 April 2016}}</ref> The option for the third vessel was dropped due to budget constraints.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/canada-news-pmn/national-defence-blames-fiscal-restraints-for-cutting-third-navy-resupply-ship |title=National Defence blames 'fiscal restraints' for cutting third navy resupply ship |work=National Post |agency=The Canadian Press |date=30 September 2017 |access-date=4 October 2017}}</ref>
On 12 September 2017, the new Liberal government renamed the vessels, taking the names of the ships of the class that they are to replace. ''Queenston'' became ''Protecteur'' and ''Châteauguay'' became ''Preserver''. According to Vice-Admiral Ron Lloyd, commander of the RCN, this was due to the ties both serving and former navy personnel had with the names.<ref name="pugliese91217">{{cite news |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/war-of-1812-names-for-joint-support-ships-are-history-protecteur-and-preserver-are-the-new-names |title= War of 1812 names for Joint Support Ships are history – Protecteur and Preserver are the new names |last=Pugliese |first=David |newspaper=Ottawa Citizen |date=12 September 2017 |access-date=12 September 2017}}</ref>
==Purpose== The Joint Support Ship Project consists of two multi-role vessels that will replace the former underway replenishment capability of the earlier ''Protecteur''-class auxiliary vessel, as well as provide basic sealift for the Canadian Army, support to forces ashore, and command facilities for a Canadian Forces "joint force" or "naval task group".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://calgaryherald.com/business/Canada+build+Joint+Support+Ships/3277104/story.html|title=Canada to build 2 Joint Support Ships|access-date=14 July 2010}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
The Joint Support Ship Project should not be confused with the Amphibious Assault Ship Project, which was a proposed separate procurement project that never advanced beyond the concept stage.
==Proposed ship capabilities== {{as of|2010}}, the Joint Support Ship Project envisioned several multi-role vessels capable of supporting the Royal Canadian Navy's warships at sea, as well as providing strategic sealift and some airlift for naval task groups or army operations. The vessels were envisaged as having a multi-purpose covered deck with the ability to carry up to 10,000 tonnes of ship fuel, 1,300 tonnes of aviation fuel, 1,100 tonnes of ammunition as well as 1,000–1,500 lane metres of deck space for carrying vehicles and containerized cargo. The vessels were also to have hospital facilities as well as a large helicopter deck with two landing spots, hangar space for four helicopters, and a roll-on/roll-off deck for vehicles onto a dock.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/canada-issues-rfp-for-cdn-29b-joint-support-ship-project-updated-02392/|title=Canada's {{CAD|2.9B}} "Joint Support Ship" Project, Take 2|access-date=14 July 2010}}</ref> The actual capabilities have been listed as being able to carry 64 twenty-foot equivalent units of shipping containers, which can be used to store food, water, vehicles, and other specialized equipment to support land or sea-based operations, including humanitarian aid or disaster relief. Additionally, these containers can house special mission fit cargo, such as mobile hospitals and portable communication centers, which could be offloaded or airlifted ashore. Holds up to 6,875 tons of F76 marine fuel, 1,037 tons of F44 aviation fuel, an onboard hospital with surgical and dental facilities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/fleet-units/surface/joint-support-ships.html |title=Future Protecteur class |publisher=Government of Canada |access-date=24 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/protecteur-class-joint-support-ships-jss-canada/ |title=Protecteur Class Joint Support Ships (JSS), Canada |website=naval-technology.com |access-date=24 October 2022}}</ref>
===Particulars of the ''Berlin''-class design=== The ''Berlin''-class design ultimately selected incorporated somewhat modified components:
* Ability to transport {{convert|9,600|m3|impgal}} of fuel, {{convert|550|m3|impgal}} of water, {{convert|160|t}} of ammunition, {{convert|280|t}} of food, {{convert|100|t}} of dry stores and 32 containers. * Ship fitted with replenishment-at-sea (RAS) systems and accommodates up to two helicopters. The loading and offloading of cargo is carried out by two 24-ton cranes. * The modular hospital of the ''Berlin'' class has 45 beds for general patients and four for intensive care (including hospital ward).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/berlin-class-fleet-auxiliary-vessels/ |title=Berlin Class Fleet Auxiliary Vessels |work=naval-technology.com |access-date=30 November 2019}}{{unreliable source?|date=November 2019}}</ref>
The Canadian variant of the ''Berlin'' class may incorporate additional modifications from the original design.
===Survivability=== * Self-defence active and passive * Damaged stability enhanced two-compartment * Degaussing, Nixie torpedo decoy, protection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats, close-in weapons systems and naval remote weapon system.<ref name=dag2016>{{cite web |url=http://www.forces.gc.ca/en/business-defence-acquisition-guide-2016/naval-systems-31.page |title=Joint Support Ship: Replace Existing Systems with Newer or Different System |publisher=National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces |date=26 May 2016 |access-date=22 February 2017}}</ref>
===Airlift=== * Two CH-148 Cyclone helicopters * Enclosed hangar with maintenance and repair facilities<ref name=dag2016/>
Vessels will be designed with double hulls for storage of petroleum products, unlike the former ''Protecteur''-class single-hull vessels.
===Joint headquarters support=== * Naval communications * Land communications * Air communications
==Project timeline== In 2004, the federal government started the Joint Support Ship Project. Four consortiums sought the contract, led by Irving Shipbuilding, BAE Systems, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems Canada, and SNC-Lavalin ProFac. Two design finalists were selected in November 2006: ThyssenKrupp and SNC-Lavalin ProFac with the ships built in either Marystown, Newfoundland and Labrador, or North Vancouver, British Columbia, respectively. A contract for final design and construction was expected in 2008, with the first ship of the class entering service in 2012. In January 2007, Canadian media reported that defence planners were considering the retirement of the existing ''Protecteur''-class ships by 2010, prior to the delivery of the first replacement vessels in 2012. This news was met with criticism as it would leave MARCOM without an underway replenishment capability for two years.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://thechronicleherald.ca/print_article.html?story=556347 |title=Naval plan 'hare-brained' |work=The Halifax Chronicle-Herald |date=2 February 2007 |access-date=2 February 2007 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927200532/http://thechronicleherald.ca/print_article.html?story=556347 |archive-date=27 September 2007}}</ref>
On 22 August 2008, the Minister of Public Works and Government Services, Christian Paradis, terminated two procurement processes involving the shipbuilding industry. In December 2008, RCN officers and defence analysts hoped Budget 2009 would have up to $500 million in extra funding for the Joint Support Ship Project so that it could be completed. However, there was no extra money for the Joint Support Ship Project and the stimulus package did not address MARCOM's vessel procurement programs. Vice-Admiral Denis Rouleau, spoke to the Standing Committee on National Defence in the House of Commons and indicated that the Department of National Defence would know by summer 2009 how it would move ahead with the Joint Support Ship Project.<ref>[https://ottawacitizen.com/news/somnia/1325585/story.html Joint Support Ship<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
In June 2009, officials with the Joint Support Ship Project began re-evaluating the type of ship they wished to purchase since the original concept could not be funded.<ref>[https://ottawacitizen.com/news/todays-paper/Somnia/1696153/story.html] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> In September 2009, the Joint Support Ship Project received a new design. Vice-Admiral Dean McFadden, Chief of the Maritime Staff, said that he was ready to submit design and cost estimates to the government and to the Minister of National Defence.<ref>[http://thechronicleherald.ca/Canada/1144036.html Ships still on drawing board] {{dead link|date=June 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
In June 2010, the Government of Canada announced that the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS) would spend {{CAD|35}}{{nbsp}}billion over the next 30 years to purchase 28 new large ships and 116 small vessels for Maritime Command and the Canadian Coast Guard. The NSPS was led by the Department of Public Works and Government Services, with support from Department of Industry, as well as the Department of National Defence and Department of Fisheries and Oceans. In July 2010, Defence Minister Peter MacKay announced an initial purchase of two joint support ships (at a cost of $2.6 billion) with options for a third.<ref name=tsu>{{cite news|url=http://www.torontosun.com/news/canada/2010/07/14/14710671.html |title=Canadian Navy moves forward on new supply ships |newspaper=Toronto Sun |last=Weese |first=Bryn |date=14 July 2010 |access-date=24 September 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite news| url=https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/article/835702--navy-to-buy-two-new-support-ships-for-2-6-billion | location=Toronto | work=The Star | first=Michael | last=Tutton | title=Navy to buy two new support ships for $2.6 billion | date=14 July 2010 |access-date=24 September 2014}}</ref> On 11 October 2010, the Government of Canada invited five shipbuilding companies "to participate in a request for proposals" for the NSPS.
On 19 October 2011, the Government of Canada announced the award of the $8 billion non-combat ship package, including the Joint Support Ship Project, to Seaspan Marine Corporation in Vancouver, British Columbia.<ref name=vs2>{{cite news|url=https://vancouversun.com/news/Jubilation+greets+billion+shipbuilding+contract/5575540/story.html |title=Jubilation greets $8-billion shipbuilding contract for B.C. |work=The Vancouver Sun |first1=Jonathan |last1=Fowlie |first2=Lee |last2=Berthiaume |first3=Robert |last3=Hiltz |first4=Marianne |last4=White |date=20 October 2011 |access-date=24 September 2014}}</ref>
On 2 June 2013, the Government of Canada selected ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems Canada's {{sclass|Berlin|replenishment ship|4}} as the design for the joint support ship. On 11 October 2013, the NSPS Secretariat announced that Vancouver Shipyards would commence construction on the joint support ships, followed by the Polar Icebreaker. It was expected that construction would begin in 2016–17.<ref name=dod2>{{cite web|url=http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?mthd=tp&crtr.page=1&nid=780089&crtr.tp1D=1 |work=Government of Canada |title=National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy Secretariat announces Vancouver Shipyards to build the Joint Support Ships in 2016 |date=11 October 2013 |access-date=24 September 2014 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141112215403/http://news.gc.ca/web/article-en.do?mthd=tp&crtr.page=1&nid=780089&crtr.tp1D=1 |archive-date=12 November 2014 }}</ref> On 25 October 2013, the Government of Canada named the two ships HMCS ''Queenston'' and HMCS ''Châteauguay'' in recognition of the significant battles of Queenston Heights and Châteauguay during the War of 1812.<ref name=OttawaCitizen-2013-10-25>{{cite web|url=http://blogs.ottawacitizen.com/2013/10/25/joint-support-ships-to-be-named-hmcs-queenston-and-hmcs-chateauguay/ |title=Joint Support Ships to Be Named HMCS ''Queenston'' and HMCS ''Châteauguay'' |last=Pugliese |first=David |date=25 October 2013 |work=Ottawa Citizen |access-date=25 October 2013 |location=Ottawa |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029195223/http://blogs.ottawacitizen.com/2013/10/25/joint-support-ships-to-be-named-hmcs-queenston-and-hmcs-chateauguay/ |archive-date=29 October 2013 }}</ref> However, these names were changed to ''Protecteur'' and ''Preserver'' respectively on 12 September 2017.<ref name=pugliese91217/>
In August 2015 Davie Shipyard signed a contract to convert the container ship {{MV|Asterix}} for the replenishment role until the joint support ships were delivered.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.defensenews.com/story/defense/naval/ships/2015/09/26/canada-lease-commercial-vessel-refuel-navy-ships/72729354/ |title=Canada To Lease Commercial Vessel To Refuel Navy Ships |last1=Pugliese |first1=David |date=26 September 2015 |website=defensenews.com |publisher=Tegna |access-date=24 October 2015}}</ref> The contract is known as Project Resolve. The vessel was built in 2010 in Germany and was converted for use by the RCN. Construction of the first JSS had been scheduled to begin at the Seaspan Yard in late 2017, following the construction of two other classes of ships for the Canadian Coast Guard.
By 2020, project costs had escalated significantly with an estimated $4.1 billion being required to complete the project.<ref name=ktweek/> In 2022, delivery of the first ship was delayed until 2025, followed by the second ship in 2027. The updated delivery schedule was uncertain and the entire project budget was again under "review".<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/article/new-shipbuilding-delay-leaves-canada-reliant-on-allies-civilian-ship-to-supply-navy/ | title=New shipbuilding delay leaves Canada reliant on allies, civilian ship to supply navy | date=30 June 2022 }}</ref>
In December 2024, {{HMCS|Protecteur|AOR 520|2}} was launched at Seaspan Shipyards in Vancouver.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Manaranche |first=Martin |date=16 December 2024 |title=Canada Names and Launches First of New Protecteur-class AOR Ships |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2024/12/canada-names-and-launches-first-of-new-protecteur-class-aor-ships/ |access-date=11 January 2025 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}}</ref>
==Construction== The first of class, ''Protecteur'', is scheduled for a 2026 delivery. ''Preserver'' is expected to follow in 2027, though the dates for the operational service entry of both ships remain "under review".<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/amd-dp/mer-sea/sncn-nss/interarmees-joint-eng.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190815203506/https://www.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca/app-acq/amd-dp/mer-sea/sncn-nss/interarmees-joint-eng.html |archive-date=15 August 2019 |title=Joint Support Ships |date=3 May 2019 |publisher=Government of Canada |access-date=4 December 2021}}</ref><ref name=jsscan>{{cite web |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/procurement/joint-support-ship.html |title=Joint support ship (JSS) |date=13 March 2013 |publisher=Government of Canada |access-date=19 August 2020}}</ref> Given delays and in an effort to try to speed up the process of building the ships, steel was cut for the ships in 2018 during a lull in the construction of two Canadian Coast Guard science vessels at the yard.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/canadian-navy-supply-ships-1.4563543 |title=National Defence aims to save time by cutting steel on resupply ships early |work=CBC News |last=Berthiaume |first=Lee |agency=The Canadian Press |date=5 March 2018 |access-date=21 April 2018}}</ref> On 5 February 2019, it was announced that the construction of the first vessel in the class would be advanced and the ship would be completed at the Seaspan yard ahead of the construction of the planned Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV) for the Canadian Coast Guard. The second vessel would be completed only after the OOSV entered service.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/navy-supply-ships-seaspan-1.5006785 |title=Ottawa pushes navy's planned supply ships to the front of the construction queue |last=Brewster |first=Murray |author-link=Murray Brewster |work=CBC News |date=5 February 2019 |access-date=17 February 2019}}</ref> The first ship, ''Protecteur'', was formally laid down on 16 January 2020.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.timescolonist.com/business/ceremonial-keel-laying-held-for-new-hmcs-protecteur-1.24054523 |title=Ceremonial keel-laying held for new HMCS Protecteur |last=Wilson |first=Carla |work=Times Colonist |date=16 January 2020 |access-date=18 January 2020}}</ref> The formal contract for the construction of both ships was awarded in June 2020.<ref name=jsscan/>
In March 2021, Seaspan shipyard reported that over 90 percent of the ship blocks for ''Protecteur'' were in production.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.seaspan.com/seaspan-shipyards-surpasses-1-billion-contracts-canadian-companies-joint-support-ship-program-royal-canadian-navy |title=Seaspan Shipyards surpasses $1 billion in contracts to Canadian companies on Joint Support Ship Program for Royal Canadian Navy |publisher=Seaspan ULC |date=9 March 2021 |access-date=26 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210412173755/https://www.seaspan.com/seaspan-shipyards-surpasses-1-billion-contracts-canadian-companies-joint-support-ship-program-royal-canadian-navy |archive-date=12 April 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> As of December 2021, the assembly of the ship was reported to be complete.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.meretmarine.com/fr/content/lassemblage-du-nouveau-ravitailleur-canadien-sacheve |title=L'assemblage du nouveau ravitailleur de la marine canadienne s'achève |work=Mer et Marine |language=fr-FR |last=Groizeleau |first=Vincent |date=2 December 2021 |access-date=4 December 2021 |url-access=subscription}}</ref> Near the end of August 2022, construction was halted by a strike by Seaspan tugboat workers which ended in October, as the shipyard staff would not cross the picket lines that had been set up.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/national/defence-watch/construction-of-navys-new-supply-ship-halted-by-strike-government-unsure-how-shipbuilding-strategy-will-be-affected |title=Construction of navy's new supply ship halted by strike — government unsure how shipbuilding strategy will be affected |work=Ottawa Citizen |last=Pugliese |first=David |date=14 October 2022 |access-date=24 October 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/seaspan-reaches-tentative-agreement-with-canadian-merchant-service-guild-ending-job-action-on-b-c-tugboats-1.6618104 |title=Seaspan reaches tentative agreement with Canadian Merchant Service Guild, ending job action on B.C. tugboats |work=CBC News |date=15 October 2022 |access-date=6 July 2023}}</reF>
The second ship in the class began construction in 2022 with her keel being formally laid down in October 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=Future Protecteur-class Joint Support Ships provide vital capability to the Royal Canadian Navy |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/maple-leaf/rcn/2023/10/future-protecteur-class-joint-support-ships-provide-vital-capability-to-the-rcn.html |publisher=Government of Canada |access-date=27 October 2023}}</ref>
===Ships of class=== {|class="wikitable" style="margin:auto; width:100%;" |- !style="align: center; background: #000080;" colspan="8"|'''{{font color|white|''Protecteur'' class}}''' |- ! style="text-align:center; width:14%;"|Name ! style="text-align:center; width:14%;"|Hull number ! style="text-align:center; width:14%;"|Builder ! style="text-align:center; width:14%;"|Laid down ! style="text-align:center; width:14%;"|Launched ! style="text-align:center; width:14%;"|Commissioned ! style="text-align:center; width:14%;"|Homeport ! style="text-align:center; width:2%;"|Status |- | {{HMCS|Protecteur|AOR 520|2}} | ''520'' <ref>{{Cite web |title=Protecteur Class |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/navy/corporate/fleet-units/surface/protecteur-class.html |access-date=11 December 2024 |publisher=Government of Canada |language=en-CA}}</ref> |rowspan="2" align="center"| Seaspan ULC | 16 January 2020 | 13 December 2024<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nsnews.com/local-news/seaspan-launches-hmcs-protecteur-canadas-longest-naval-ship-9952322 |title=Seaspan launches HMCS Protecteur, Canada's longest naval ship |last=Richter |first=Brent |work=North Shore News |date=13 December 2024 |access-date=14 December 2024}}</ref> | ''Projected 2026'' | ({{abbr|TBD|to be determined}}) | Fitting out |- | ''Preserver'' | ''521'' | 27 October 2023<ref>{{cite web |title=Future Protecteur-class Joint Support Ships provide vital capability to the Royal Canadian Navy |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/maple-leaf/rcn/2023/10/future-protecteur-class-joint-support-ships-provide-vital-capability-to-the-rcn.html |publisher=Government of Canada |access-date=27 October 2023}}</ref> | ({{abbr|TBD|to be determined}}) | ''Projected 2027'' | ({{abbr|TBD|to be determined}}) | Under construction |- |}
==See also== * Arctic Patrol Ship Project * Amphibious Assault Ship Project * ''Almirante Montt'' – Chilean supply vessel rented by the RCN to use on the Pacific Coast for 40 sea days each year from 2015 to 2017. * {{ship|Spanish oiler|Patiño||2}} and {{Ship|Spanish replenishment oiler|Cantabria||2}} were loaned from Spanish Navy in 2016 on the Atlantic Coast.
==References== {{reflist|30em}}
==External links== * [https://web.archive.org/web/20120317212819/http://www.casr.ca/bg-navy-jss-joint-support-ship-aor.htm Article from the Canadian American Strategic Review] * [https://www.seaspan.com/stories/delivering-the-new-protecteur-class-to-the-royal-canadian-navy/ Seaspan]
{{Berlin-class replenishment ships}} {{Royal Canadian Navy}}
Category:Proposed ships of the Royal Canadian Navy Category:Canadian defence procurement Category:Ships built in North Vancouver