RCMP awards Ocean Pacific Marine $74.7M contract for aluminium coastal patrol vessels

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Ocean Pacific Marine, based in Campbell River, British Columbia, has been awarded a USD 74.7 million contract to build three aluminium coastal patrol vessels for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP).

The aluminium patrol vessels are designed to operate at speeds of up to 28 knots with a range of 450 nautical miles. They can accommodate up to six personnel and are equipped for coastal security, diving and underwater recovery operations, as well as towing.

The vessels will be built through a joint venture with Camarc Design, a Scottish naval architecture firm known for designing high-speed patrol vessels used by police, coast guard, naval and rescue agencies. The 27-metre vessels will be used by the RCMP to support law enforcement, search and rescue, and emergency response operations along British Columbia's 26,000 kilometres of coastline. Bruce Kempling, founder and president of Ocean Pacific Marine, said the contract is “recognition that a small business from Campbell River can compete on the national stage and deliver world-class marine projects.” 

Ocean Pacific Marine said the contract is expected to increase its workforce by 20 to 30 employees over the course of the project, in addition to its current staff of 63. The vessels are currently in the design stage, and the company has not announced a construction or delivery schedule. Kempling added, “We are incredibly proud that these vessels will be built here in British Columbia by Canadian tradespeople.” Campbell River Mayor Kermit Dahl said the investment will create opportunities for local workers and “further reinforce Campbell River’s reputation as a centre of excellence for marine services.” 

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Founded in 1985, Ocean Pacific Marine builds, repairs and refits vessels for recreational, commercial and government customers. The company has previously completed projects for the Canadian Coast Guard, Department of National Defence, Royal Canadian Navy, Pacific Pilotage Authority and the RCMP.

Chief Executive Govinda Advani said the RCMP contract reflects the company's track record built over more than four decades. He added that Ocean Pacific Marine also aims to support the vessels' ongoing maintenance. 

The company said the project is expected to support employment in welding, marine engineering, electrical and mechanical trades, project management and procurement. It will also create work for British Columbia-based suppliers and subcontractors, including fabrication partner Bracewell Marine Group in Richmond.