Submarine support specialist Babcock Canada (Babcock) has signed a technical co-operation agreement (TCA) with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries Co (HD HHI) to collaborate on the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), Babcock announced on 7 June 2023.
The agreement enables both companies to share their respective capabilities in shipbuilding and submarine sustainment in support of the CPSP, which was established by the Canadian Department of National Defence in 2021 to research procurement options for a next-generation submarine to replace the Royal Canadian Navy’s (RCN’s) Victoria-class boats.
While HD HHI will leverage its submarine construction expertise, Babcock will contribute its know-how in providing in-service support and sustainment for the submarines of the Canadian, UK and Australian navies. Babcock Canada has been supporting the RCN’s Victoria-class boats since 2008.
John Howie, Babcock’s chief corporate affairs officer, signed the agreement alongside Han Young-seuk, vice chairman and CEO of HD HHI, on 7 June at the International Maritime and Defence Exhibition (MADEX) in Busan, South Korea.
“As a world leader in submarine sustainment, this agreement enables Babcock to build on our longstanding relationship with HD HHI and combine both organisations’ extensive experience on the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project,” Howie was quoted as saying in a Babcock press release.
Han was quoted as saying, “Through close collaboration between leading companies in Canada and South Korea in shipbuilding and [the] defence industry, we will propose the optimal submarine to the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, equipped with the latest technology in both Canada and South Korea.”
Peter Felstead
