A contract worth about $74.7 million to build three new RCMP marine patrol vessels has been awarded to a Campbell River boatyard in partnership with a UK based ship designer.
The federal government announced the contract with Ocean Pacific Marine (OPM) Supply and Camarc Design on July 2 and says the three new vessels will replace vessels stationed in Prince Rupert, Port Alberni and Nanaimo.
The new vessels will be about 25 metres long and will be jet propelled and constructed with aluminum. Each one will patrol within 400 nautical miles of their home ports with a crew of four. A news release from the federal government says they can patrol for up to seven days without refueling or stopping for supplies.
The federal government says 70 per cent of the funding comes from the province under the Provincial Police Service Agreement.
“The Province of British Columbia is committed to ensuring police have the resources and equipment they need to keep communities safe. Building these new RCMP vessels in Campbell River is another step forward in our Look West strategy, which is our plan to strengthen key industries including B.C.’s world-class shipbuilding and leveraging the strengths that help drive our economy forward,” says Nina Krieger, B.C. minister of public safety and solicitor general. “Once in service, these vessels will strengthen marine patrol and emergency response capabilities, helping ensure coastal communities, including remote First Nations, receive timely, reliable policing services and emergency assistance when they need it most.”
The vessels are expected to begin service in 2028.
