The cost of new supply ships being built for the navy as well as the price tag for the lease of a similar vessel are going to be examined by the parliamentary budget officer in the wake of ongoing delays and budget overruns affecting the federal government’s shipbuilding program.
Continued delays and rising costs have dogged the construction of the Joint Support Ships at Seaspan’s shipyard in Vancouver, B.C. In the interim the navy pushed for the lease of the Asterix supply ship, a controversial project that was championed by Vice Admiral Mark Norman.
Asterix was an existing commercial vessel converted for use as a naval resupply and refueling ship. Davie Shipbuilding delivered Asterix, to the government on time and on budget in a deal worth $659 million. The cost of the Asterix project included the conversion of the ship, the lease of the vessel from Davie over a five-year period, and the company’s provision of a 35-member civilian crew to run the vessel. The Royal Canadian Navy provides as many as 50 personnel to do the actual at-sea refuelling and resupply of its warships.
Davie is now offering a second ship at $500 million to entice the Liberals to move ahead with such a purchase but that offer has been rejected by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Davie has said the Asterix’s sister ship — Obelix — can be ready for missions with the navy within 24 months. The option is available for the government to purchase both vessels instead of leasing them.
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