Kongsberg Maritime signs contracts with Irving Shipbuilding Inc. to supply propulsion for the River Class Destroyer program

Rendering of the River Class Destroyer (RCD), the Royal Canadian Navy’s next-generation surface combatant. (Kongsberg Maritime)

The contract is part of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy to replace the existing Halifax-class ships

Kongsberg Maritime has secured contracts with Irving Shipbuilding Inc., to supply Fixed Built Propellers (FBP) for the River Class Destroyer (RCD) program for the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).

Kongsberg Maritime will supply twin Fixed Built Propellers for each of the first three ships in the program.

Björn ten Eicken, Vice President – Naval, at Kongsberg Maritime, said: “We have a proud history of supplying mission critical technology to some of the world’s most important naval programs, and we’re delighted to have been selected by Irving Shipbuilding Inc. to supply our proven technology to the River Class Destroyer program. The River Class Destroyer platform is a highly capable and versatile warship, and we look forward to working with Irving Shipbuilding and the Royal Canadian Navy as propellers and other equipment is installed on this exciting project.”

The contract covers propellers for the first batch of three ships, with deliveries starting in 2028, with the total program planned to be 15 ships with deliveries into the 2040s.

Last year Kongsberg Maritime signed contracts with Irving Shipbuilding Inc. to supply a range of technology for the program, covering non-retractable fin stabilisers, steering gear and rudders, replenishment at sea (RAS) moveable high point and a technical documentation package to meet the requirements of Irving Shipbuilding Inc. and the Royal Canadian Navy.