The Mission

With the Seaspan-built Joint Support Ships (Auxiliary Oiler Replenishment vessels), the Royal Canadian Navy will have the purpose-built platforms necessary to support Canada’s blue water navy. With the ability to support training and naval manoeuvres and to provide support to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, these vessels will help Canada’s sailors accomplish their important mission.

His Majesty’s Canadian Ships Protecteur and Preserver are multi-role vessels that can provide important auxiliary functions to the Royal Canadian Navy. They increase the range and endurance of naval task groups by permitting ships to remain at sea for extended periods without having to return to port for replenishment. They are strategic national assets and will support the Royal Canadian Navy as it participates in operations in high-threat environments, including as integrated parts of Canadian, NATO, Allied, or coalition task groups.

These vessels are designed and built to carry provisions like food, water, fuel and ammunition for other ships, provide support ashore as well as a base for helicopter operations and maintenance. With its enhanced defensive capabilities and a crew of 239 sailors, the AORs will enhance the Royal Canadian Navy’s ability to ensure our continued safety and security at home and abroad.

Recent Joint Support Ship Updates

Specifications

Length Overall 173.7m Class 2 ships
Beam 24m Top Speed 20 knots
Max Navigational Draught 8m Range >10,800 NM
Max Displacement 21,614 tonnes  Complement 239 Persons

JSS from drone
These vessels permit the Royal Canadian Navy to operate effectively with allied navies even when they are far from home ports.
Seaspan Shipyards has worked with the Royal Canadian Navy to ensure these ships fully meet Canada’s needs and contain modern systems and equipment.
Canada’s auxiliary ships are being built based on a successful design that was used to construct Germany’s replenishment vessels.

Learn more about the Joint Support Ships on the Government of Canada’s website.