HMCS PROTECTEUR (2nd) (520)

HMCS PROTECTEUR (2nd)

HMCS PROTECTEUR (2nd)

The History of HMCS PROTECTEUR (2nd)

HMCS Protecteur, lead ship of Canada's Protecteur-class Joint Support Ships (JSS), stems from a 2004 initiative to replace aging replenishment vessels, integrated into the National Shipbuilding Strategy in 2010 with a $2.6 billion budget (later $4.1 billion).

Seaspan Shipyards in Vancouver was selected in 2011 to build two ships. Based on the German Berlin-class design (selected 2013), it was renamed from Queenston-class in 2017.

Design phases ran 2016-2020, with construction starting in 2018, keel laying in 2020, and a $2.4 billion contract awarded that year. Delays from strikes and supply issues pushed timelines; the ship launched on December 13, 2024, and as of late 2025, its in final outfitting is occurring in 2026, with a delayed delivery expected in 2027.

Sister ship HMCS Preserver's keel was laid in 2023, with launch in 2026 or 2027.

HMCS PROTECTEUR (2nd) Statistical Data

  • Pendant: 520
  • Type: Joint Support Ship
  • Class: Protecteur
  • Displacement: 20,000? tonnes
  • Length: 173.7 m (569 ft 11 in) ft
  • Width: 24 m (78 ft 9 in) ft
  • Draught: 7.6 m (24 ft 11 in) ft
  • Speed: ? kts
  • Compliment: Officers and Crew
  • Arms: 2 X Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone
  • Builder: Seaspan Shipyard
  • Keel Laid: 16-Jan-2020
  • Date Launched: 13-Dec-2024
  • Date Commissioned: Est 2027?
  • Paid off:

Remarks

Based on the Type 702 Berlin-class replenishment ship designed and built for service in the German Navy. Previously named "Queenston."

Photos

JSS Artist

JSS Artist's conception.

Keywords: HMCS PROTECTEUR (2nd), Royal Canadian Navy Ship, Joint Support Ship, Protecteur Class