The Joint Support Ship: A Multi-Function, Multi-Purpose Naval Vessel

A joint support ship is a project that is at present in development. Its purpose is to replenish the capability of the Protecteur class aux vessel. Another purpose of the JSS is to provide a basic sealift for the army, command facilities, support to forces ashore for a joint force or simply a naval task group.

Currently, the project is closed for proposal stage. Initially, there were 4 syndicates that are fighting for the contract which is considered one of the biggest navy shipbuilding contracts in 20 years.

There were two designs which ended up as finalists. They were selected in November 2006. ThyssenKrupp and SNC-Lavalin ProFac. With the remaining proposals, both of them will be built in Newfoundland and Victoria.

On January 2007, the media reported that planners were considering the retirement of the existing Protecteur class ships at the start of 2010. But first JSS ships will be delivered in 2012.

The JSS springs since its 1992 Afloat logistics sealift capability project. It was the perfect moment to replenish ships, replacement for the Protecteur and transport ship for the army. They have a complete deck large enough for landing crafts. In short, to sum it up, it is basically an oiler but can double its purpose by being an amphibious landing ship. The JSS cannot do an amphibious assault due to its size. But its main purpose is to refuel CF and allied warships.

On November 2006, the government communicated with the contractors to follow with the next phase of the JSS. Two teams will likely get the contract for $12.5M to complete the proposals and finally build the ships. It was also purposely pushed through to provide a long-term service support. The agreement pushed the Joint Support Ship one step closer to realization. But there are other projects that are more worthwhile other than the JSS; it is not too late to redirect resources to genuine AOR’s or a modest LSD design.