Halifax wins $25-billion shipbuilding contract
Posted Oct 19, 2011 01:52:42 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Irving’s Halifax Shipyard has been awarded a $25-billion contract to build navy combat ships under the federal government’s Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy.
In a release, Irving Shipbuilding CEO Jim Irving says the news is tremendous. “On behalf of the men and women of Irving Shipbuilding, we are honoured to have been chosen by Canada to build the Navy’s new combat vessel fleet for those who serve and we look forward to successful negotiations in the coming months,” he says.
“To every Nova Scotian and Canadian who put up a lawn sign, put a pin on the electronic map or sent us words of encouragement, we can’t thank you enough. And to Premier Darrell Dexter, the province of Nova Scotia, and every member of the Ships Start Here partnership, you have made this a true community effort and demonstrated the power of a community with confidence, pride and a clear objective – thank you for your belief and your support.”
Premier Darrell Dexter is quick to credit the province’s hard work in getting the contract.
Speaking to Irving Shipbuilding employees, the premier said: “Your experience and skills are what clinched this victory. It will ensure an entirely new generation of shipbuilders, and a future that sees our sons and daughters stay in Nova Scotia, and those who have left come home.”
The $8-billion contract for non-combat vessels goes to Vancouver’s Seaspan Marine. An additional $2-billion contract has not been awarded yet. The money will be spread out over the next 20 years.
