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Deep dive · the shipbuilding pivot
The National Shipbuilding Strategy, corridor by corridor
The largest procurement programme in Canadian history — a $60B+ commitment over 30 years, with construction active at both Halifax and Vancouver right now, the two corridors highlighted on the map above. Canadian manufacturers in steel, electronics, mechanical systems, composites, precision machining, and logistics supply chains have direct access to this market. The supply chain is open now, and most of the opportunity isn't yet captured by incumbent suppliers.
$60B+
Total programme value
30 yrs
Programme duration
2
Active shipyards
Open
Supply chain status now
Irving Shipbuilding · Halifax, NS — Combat
| Programme | Status |
|---|---|
| Arctic/Offshore Patrol Vessels | 6 vessels — active construction |
| Canadian Surface Combatants | 15 frigates — in build |
| Joint Support Ships | Shared programme |
Seaspan Shipyards · Vancouver, BC — Non-Combat
| Programme | Status |
|---|---|
| Joint Support Ships | Royal Canadian Navy |
| Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel | In build |
| CCGS fleet renewal | Multiple vessels |
Supply chain categories open now
All 8 categories · certification requirements at a glance
Marine-grade steel & aluminum
Hull plate, structural sections, deck plate, marine-spec aluminum to DND standards. Ongoing demand at both yards.
DND spec compliance · defence-grade quality cert
Marine electronics & navigation
Radar, sonar, navigation, bridge and ship control systems. Combat vessel systems need extra security clearances.
ITAR awareness · Controlled Goods Program registration
Propulsion & mechanical systems
Diesel-electric propulsion, shaft systems, rudder and steering gear, auxiliary machinery. Long-lead, high-value.
Marine engineering certification (Transport Canada)
Composite materials & fabrication
Fibre-reinforced panels, lightweight superstructure, acoustic insulation, blast-attenuation composites.
Aerospace/marine dual cert preferred · DND materials qualification
Firefighting & safety systems
Fixed suppression, portable firefighting, lifesaving appliances, damage control equipment.
Transport Canada marine safety standards
Communications & sensor systems
HF/UHF/satellite comms, EW sensors, electronic surveillance. Subject to export control on combat vessels.
ITAR registration · NATO codification · Controlled Goods
Logistics & materials handling
Shipyard logistics, cranes and lifting, materials tracking, kitting. Entry-level category, lower barrier.
Standard PSPC supplier registration · CanadaBuys PBN
Precision machined components
Shaft couplings, flanges, bearings, valve bodies. Strong fit for Ontario and Quebec precision shops.
ISO 9001 minimum · NADCAP for safety-critical parts
Becoming an NSS supplier
Consolidated to 4 steps · verified against CanadaBuys, PSPC, and CCC current process
01
Register your PBN
A Procurement Business Number on CanadaBuys is the entry credential for every federal tender, including NSS. Free, 1–3 business days.
02
Build your certification stack
ISO 9001 is the baseline for most PSPC defence work. Add Controlled Goods Program registration if handling controlled items, and confirm ITAR exposure if your supply chain has any US-origin content — this disqualifies non-compliant suppliers from combat vessel contracts.
03
Get matched to a prime
CME Defence runs direct matchmaking into Irving and Seaspan supply chains. PSPC's ITB office connects SMEs to prime contractors carrying Value Proposition obligations in your product category. For government-to-government defence exports, the Canadian Commercial Corporation acts as prime.
04
Monitor and bid
Filter CanadaBuys by buyer (DND, Fisheries and Oceans Canada) and keyword (vessel, ship, marine, NSS). Set UNSPSC code alerts so tenders reach you automatically.