News

Irving Shipbuilding Online Supplier Registry Goes Live

Halifax, NS, January 18, 2012: On January 17th Irving Shipbuilding officially launched its Online Supplier Registry, as a part of its extensive preparation for upcoming vessel construction programs associated with the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS). “Although we are only 90 days into a 30-year process, we felt it was crucial to capture the interest expressed by many local, national and global companies in becoming part of the Irving Shipbuilding supply chain,” said Steve Durrell, President, Irving Shipbuilding.

The registry database, located at www.irvingshipbuilding.com, is designed to gather and categorize information on interested potential suppliers, and assist in consistent communications regarding NSPS-related contracts and projects. Since the Oct. 19th announcement of the successful NSPS shipyards, Irving Shipbuilding has received more than 550 inquiries from suppliers interested in knowing more about upcoming opportunities to provide goods and services.

“We’re currently working on laying important groundwork with the federal government, including the recently announced agreement in principle as well as negotiating the contract for the first set of vessels,” said Steve Durrell, President, Irving Shipbuilding. “We hope to be in a position to begin production on the first set of vessels in late 2013. No supplier selection related to NSPS programs has taken place as yet. We will only be in a position to begin supplier selection when we finalize those agreements and receive further detail on vessel designs and specifications.”

The registry is searchable and will be used by Irving Shipbuilding supply chain professionals to identify suppliers to be invited to participate in future ISI-led supplier development sessions; to identify relevant suppliers to receive Requests for Interest or Requests for Proposal related to specific project requirements; and to help direct further relevant updates and information to suppliers. Both potential and current suppliers are encouraged to register. Registering on the system does not guarantee suppliers will be successful in obtaining work for the upcoming vessel construction projects.

Irving Shipbuilding’s Online Supplier Registry will also feature helpful links, including a link to ACOA for further information and background on the federal government’s Industrial Regional Benefits programs. In addition, for assistance in Controlled Goods, Security Screening, Quality Assurance, Safety and Continuous Improvement, links to participating audit firms have been provided.

Irving Shipbuilding Celebrates Conclusion of Agreement in Principle with Government of Canada to Build Navy Combat Vessels

Halifax, NS, January 12, 2012: Today Irving Shipbuilding welcomed the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of Canada, the Honourable Peter MacKay, Minister of Defence for Canada, as well as senior representatives of the Royal Canadian Navy, to their Halifax Shipyard facility to mark the successful conclusion of an agreement in principle to build Canada’s combat vessels under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS).

PrimeMinisterVisit “The agreement in principle reached today with Irving Shipbuilding Inc. is a milestone of our Government’s National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy – a strategy that will mean jobs and economic growth for the country, stability for the industry, and vital equipment for our men and women in uniform,” said Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Production on four of nine Hero-Class Mid-Shore Patrol Vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard paused momentarily as the announcement was made in the shipyard’s fabrication hall, with four vessels in various stages of production acting as the backdrop.

“Today we celebrate the first of many milestones in realizing the federal government’s commitment to build ships here at home. We thank Prime Minister Harper for delivering the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy and selecting the successful yards through a rigorous merit based process,” said Jim Irving, CEO of Irving Shipbuilding. “We also want to thank Minister MacKay who has been a steadfast champion of the people at this yard and a Build in Canada approach for federal vessels.”

“To the Province, Premier Dexter and the community - we appreciate the unwavering support. You’ve been with us every step of the way! Our management team and workers made it happen, rightfully earning the work. These new contracts are the best tribute to their skill and dedication. Canada was determined to find the best shipbuilders and we are proud to be the team that will deliver best value and quality to the men and women who serve,” Irving said.

Steve Durrell, President Irving Shipbuilding said, “We are so fortunate that our owners, the Irving family, saw the potential of our workers, our experience and our facilities and chose to invest heavily in infrastructure, technology and people since acquiring Halifax Shipyard in 1994. That investment totals about $90 million over the past five years alone. One of the most important demonstrations of that commitment was their choice to build their own vessels right here at Irving Shipbuilding when others chose to build offshore. That ability to continue to build experience and maintain skills is, we believe, a big reason we were selected to build the next generation Navy fleet.”

Irving Shipbuilding Stands Ready to Build Canada’s Next Generation Federal Combat Fleet

Halifax, NS, Oct 19, 2011: Today Irving Shipbuilding celebrated its successful selection to negotiate the right to build Canada’s future combat fleet under the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy (NSPS). The company gathered late in the day to recognize its employees, community and government partners, and Canadians from coast to coast to coast for the outstanding support of Nova Scotia as a Canadian shipbuilding Centre of Excellence.

Celebration “This is tremendous news! On behalf of the men and women of Irving Shipbuilding, we are honoured to be chosen by Canada to build the Navy’s new combat vessel fleet for those who serve and we look forward to successful negotiations in the coming months,” said Jim Irving, CEO, Irving Shipbuilding. “We’d like to assure the Government of Canada, and all Canadians, that we will continue to devote our efforts to building quality vessels for our men and women in uniform and delivering best value to Canadians for this important investment, one that will provide economic benefits across Canada.”

The company recognized the federal government for its leadership and vision in establishing the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy in June, 2010. This Strategy has now resulted in the creation of two centres of excellence for the construction of large vessels to deliver sustained value, productivity and skilled employment to Canada. This long term commitment to shipbuilding by the federal government will avoid the boom/bust cycles seen in the past and will ensure sustained investments in the industry.

“Our employees are the best shipbuilders in Canada, and to them we’d like to extend our sincere gratitude for their support throughout this process,” said Steve Durrell, President, Irving Shipbuilding. “They continue to put their expertise and skills to work every day for our current customers, and we know they’ll look for every opportunity to make each vessel we construct even better than the last.”

The company, which has built over 80% of Canada’s current surface combat fleet and is presently working on refitting seven Halifax-class frigates for the Navy and building nine HERO Class Patrol Vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard, has invested $90 million over the past five years to be ready for its newest assignment.

“We’re fortunate to have an owner in the Irving family that saw the potential of our workers, our experience and our facilities and chose to invest heavily in infrastructure, technology and people since acquiring Halifax Shipyard in 1994,” added Durrell. “One of the most important ways in which they did that was by choosing to build their own vessels right here at Irving Shipbuilding.”

The year-long NSPS bid process took a great deal of human, financial and intellectual capital. It was also a time when the employees of Irving Shipbuilding learned how much support they, their families, and the entire industry have among the people of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Atlantic Canada and the entire nation.

Celebration “To every Nova Scotian and Canadian who put up a lawn sign, put a pin on the electronic map or sent us words of encouragement, we can’t thank you enough — the workers of Irving Shipbuilding are incredibly touched by your interest and your support,” said Jim Irving. “And to Nova Scotia and every member of the Ships Start Here partnership, you have made this a true community effort and demonstrated the power of a community with confidence, pride and a clear objective – thank you for your belief and your support.”

Negotiation of contracts with the Federal Government will take place over the next number of months, after which Irving Shipbuilding anticipates specific program details would be released in a joint communiqué between Canada and the shipyard.

“It’s a great day for shipbuilding in Canada. We’re proud to be a part of this heritage and we understand our responsibility in building this industry and the next generation of shipbuilders into the future” said Jim Irving. “Irving Shipbuilding is privileged to be poised to negotiate the combat vessel contracts, commencing with the Arctic Offshore Patrol Vessels, and looks forward to delivering Canada’s next generation combat vessel fleet to those who serve.”

PREMIER'S OFFICE--Shelburne Shipyard Re-Opens

Nova Scotia, September 13, 2011: Shelburne is back in ship shape, busy repairing ships again, thanks to the province's $8.8-million investment in Irving Shipbuilding's Shelburne Ship Repair.

"Shipbuilding is in our blood in Nova Scotia. The province believes in the people of Shelburne and the future of shipbuilding in Nova Scotia," said Premier Darrell Dexter. "This investment is Nova Scotia's jobsHere plan in action."

Irving Shipbuilding invested $16.6 million in the upgrades, to modernize the cradle and marine railway, as well as the wharf. The restoration, completed in August, will strengthen the economy and sustain employment for local residents in the long term. Irving's purchase of the yard was a condition of the province's investment.

"A viable shipyard is significant to the economy of Shelburne and its surrounding communities," said Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Sterling Belliveau. "This means good jobs in a vibrant sector for years to come."

Most of the upgrades were completed by Shelburne Ship Repair employees. There are currently 38 employees in the yard with repair work underway and bids for more work submitted.

"The investment to modernize and upgrade Shelburne Ship Repair is a testament to the opportunity we see in the skills and experience of the men and women who work at this facility," said Jim Irving, CEO of Irving Shipbuilding. "There is a solid market for repair work and we have the skilled workers to do those jobs, but we needed a facility that could accommodate larger vessels. We want to thank Premier Dexter and the province of Nova Scotia for seeing that potential, too, and supporting us in this major refurbishment."

The upgrade was completed between April 2010 and August 2011 and include removing the old cradle and marine railway and designing and building new ones to accommodate two larger vessels simultaneously. It also included dredging and reconstructing the wharf, general paving and repairs, fencing, and shop and office repairs.

"We also want to thank our employees and their families," said Steve Durrell, president Irving Shipbuilding. "They remained loyal to Shelburne Ship Repair, completing the two-year modernization project and even travelling to work on some of our other repair and build projects.

"To the many local businesses and suppliers who helped make this renewed vision a reality, thank you for contributing to a future full of opportunity."

Irving Shipbuilding only Canadian Shipyard included as Leading Global Shipyard by Maritime Reporter

Halifax, NS, September 6, 2011: Irving Shipbuilding is the only Canadian shipyard to be featured in the global industry publication Maritime Reporter & Engineering News as one of two dozen leading shipbuilders around the world.

"We are very proud to be featured alongside such companies as Ulstein Shipyard of Norway, Jurong Shipyard of Singapore, and Dutch shipbuilding giant Damen, which owns more than 35 shipyards worldwide,” said Steve Durrell, President, Irving Shipbuilding.

"We’ve been focused on our vision to become one of two shipbuilding centres of excellence for Canada, and over the past five years have been steadily investing in our people, infrastructure, and processes in order to be ready to build the next generation fleet for our country. We’re pleased those investments and efforts are being recognized within our industry.”

Published out of New York, New York, Maritime Reporter & Engineering News has been in business for more than 65 years and provides information and news to maritime industry decision makers globally.

"The August 2011 edition of Maritime Reporter & Engineering News was our 'Shipyard Edition,' and here we provided a feature focus of nearly two dozen leading shipbuilders from around the world," said Greg Trauthwein, Editor & Associate Publisher, Maritime Reporter & Engineering News. "Irving Shipbuilding, one of a handful of companies with a full-page feature focus, certainly belongs in this group, as it has a rich and long history; a stable, long-tenured leadership; and a commitment to investing in modern infrastructure, facilities and employees; all traits that are hallmarks of a world-class shipbuilder."

August 2011 Edition, Maritime Reporter & Engineering News:
http://www.digitalwavepublishing.com/pubs/nwm/maritimereporter/201108/

The First of Four Tug’s Delivered from Irving Shipbuilding’s East Isle Facility

Irving Shipbuilding Inc., delivers the first of four of it’s popular 30m ASD tugs to Nordane of Denmark.

East Isle Shipyard in Prince Edward Island , Canada, a Division of Irving Shipbuilding Inc., has delivered the first of four (4) Tugs to Nordane Shipping, Svendborg, Denmark on the 8th of September 2009. Present at the christening from the owner's side were Mr. Niels Hansen and Mr. Flemming Hansen along with their wive’s. The new Ice Class Tug was christened by the wife of the President of Irving Shipbuilding, Inc., Mrs. Karen Durrell, her husband Mr. Steve Durrell hosted the event. The Tug, “Stevns Icequeen,” had undergone sea trials and was accepted by the Owner as meeting all of the specification requirements.

After delivery, the Tug transited the Atlantic Ocean to Denmark to begin work for the Owner. Upon arrival at its home port, Esbjerg, it was dispatched almost immediately to assist a Danish vessel in distress due to heavy weather that had lost steering power and evacuated most of the crew. The Stevns Icequeen took the vessel in tow and delivered it safely to the Port of Fredericia Skibsvaerft.

Measuring 30.8m x 11.14m x 3.88m draft, two of the LRclassed tugs are Ice Class 1A powered by a pair of Caterpillar 3516BHD diesels, developing 2,500hp each at 1,600 rpm and the other two will be non-Ice Class powered by Caterpillar 3516BHD diesels developing 2682hp at 1600 RPM. Rolls-Royce Aquamaster Z drives with controllable pitch propellers of 2.4m diameter are installed on the Ice Class tugs while the non-Ice Class tugs will be fitted with Rolls-Royce Aquamaster Z drives with controllable pitch propellers of 2.8m diameter. The Ice Class tugs will develop 60 tonnes of bollard pull while the non Ice Class tugs will develop 70 tonnes of bollard pull.

A Kamewa bow thruster of 150kW is also fitted on all four tugs.

Auxiliary power is provided by two Volvo Penta gensets developing 165kW each. A Volvo Penta harbor gen-set developing 85kW is also fitted on each tug.

For towing and anchor-handling operations, a set of 200mm tow-pins and a stern roller are installed along with a 150 tonne Ridderinkhof aft towing winch, Ridderinkhof tugger winch/capstan, a 75 tonne Washington Chain tow-hook. The aft winch is capable of storing 762m of 51mm wire.

Comfortable accommodations for 6 is provided. Noise levels are within the stringent requirements of the Danish Maritime Authorities.

From left to right:
Mr. Niels Hansen – CEO of Nordane Shipping
Mrs. Karen Durrell – wife of Steven Durrell, President, Irving Shipbuilding, Inc. (Vessel’s God Mother)
Mrs. Susanne Stief – wife of Flemming Hansen, Technical Director, Nordane Shipping (Vessel’s Sponsor)

Two remote-controlled FiFi monitors supplied by Fire Fighting Systems capable of a discharge rate of 1,200 m3/hr each are fitted aft above the wheelhouse. The monitors are supplied by a dedicated pump of 2,800 m3/hr, driven off the front end of the port main engine. A water curtain of 300m3/hr is supplied by the pump, or alternatively foam can be supplied at 300m3/hr.

Below the waterline, the tug is fitted with a large “escort” keel forward to provide effective indirect towing capability and enhance course keeping, especially when running astern. The two Ice Class tugs are fitted with an ice-stop on the forward end of the skeg and two ice knives on the aft hull.

Deliveries are scheduled for 2009 and 2010. The second vessel is scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2009.

The vessels will be managed by Nordane Shipping of Svendborg, Denmark. CMC of Aarhus, Denmark are the owners’ consultants on this contract.