Seaspan Shipyards (Seaspan) has awarded BCS Automation Ltd. (BCS) a contract for work on the Government of Canada’s new Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV). BCS is the most recent supplier to partner with Seaspan in its work on the OOSV program.
BCS is a family owned Canadian small business located in Belleville, Ontario. The company has been in operation for 30 years and specializes in automated systems for the marine, offshore and cement industries. BCS represents one of almost 80 Ontario suppliers to date that Seaspan is working with to meet its commitments under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS).
BCS is supplying a state of the art ship control and monitoring system for the OOSV. The system is designed to provide ship personnel with all the basic alarms and status information they require in order to maintain the safe and efficient operation of the machinery, auxiliary systems and other relevant equipment. The system features built-in self-diagnostics, an intuitive, user-friendly interface and a fail-safe redundant network to enhance safety and reliability. BCS has previous experience working on NSS projects having been subcontracted by Hawboldt Industries to design and build the winch drive system for the Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels (OFSV).
Thanks to its work under the NSS, Seaspan has issued over $850M in committed contracts with approximately 570 Canadian companies. By building ships for the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy in Canada, Seaspan is helping to re-establish a Canadian marine industry. As the company continues to make progress on its NSS commitments, this supply chain is expected to grow as more Canadian companies realize new opportunities with a revitalized shipbuilding industry. It is through its work on the NSS that Seaspan is directly and indirectly helping to employ thousands of Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
QUOTES
“Today’s announcement is a prime example of how the National Shipbuilding Strategy is contributing to a strong, sustainable marine sector in large and small communities across Canada. This state-of-the-art control and monitoring system will provide Canadian Coast Guard personnel with the tools they need to safely and efficiently operate the future Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel.”
– The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Accessibility
“The Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel is the second class of Canadian Coast Guard vessels being built by Seaspan Shipyards and demonstrates our government’s commitment to the renewal of the Coast Guard Fleet. This new vessel will provide our scientists with the platform they need to monitor and protect our oceans, and marine and coastal areas.”
– The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
“Seaspan Shipyards’ work under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) is rebuilding a marine supply chain across Canada. This contract with BCS Automation is the latest example of the supply chain development which is creating and sustaining highly skilled middle class Canadian jobs.”
– Mark Lamarre, Chief Executive Officer, Seaspan Shipyards
“On behalf of BCS Automation I am pleased to announce that our company has been awarded a contract by Seaspan for work on the Canadian Coast Guard’s new Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel. At BCS we pride ourselves in being able to successfully deliver reliable turn-key solutions to complex automation issues. We are proud of our partnership with Seaspan and of our participation in the National Shipbuilding Strategy as we work to help deliver a world class vessel that meets the unique needs of the Canadian Coast Guard.”
– Nathan Bowland, General Manager, BCS Automation Ltd.
QUICK FACTS
- Under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, Seaspan Shipyards will build the Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV), a fully modern and versatile science research vessel.
- The OOSV will be the primary oceanographic science platform for Fisheries and Oceans Canada. OOSV will be outfitted for marine surveys and scientific research on ocean currents and the seabed. It will also monitor interactions of the ocean with winds and waves. A key part of the vessel’s mission will be increasing our understanding of the impact of climate change on oceans.
- The OOSV will also be capable of supporting a wide range of Canadian Coast Guard missions if required, including search and rescue and environmental response.
- The OOSV will have: an overall length of 86.1 m, a breadth of 16 m, a top speed of 13+ knots, a range of 12,000 NM and will displace 4,483 tons.
- Established in 1989, BCS continually utilizes the experience of its engineering team and global connections to design innovative systems that provide custom solutions to international industrial and marine and offshore organizations.
- BCS based in Belleville, Ontario is a family owned Canadian business with a staff of 14.
- BCS has been able to expand its office in Belleville and increase its hiring as a direct result of this contact.
Reference: seaspan.com