Canadian Navy awards Zodiac Hurricane Technologies for acquisition of 30 multi-role inflatable boats.

According to news published on June 3, 2020, by the Ministry of Defense of Canada, as part of this investment for the RCN (Royal Canadian Navy), a contract valued at $35 million was awarded to Zodiac Hurricane Technologies of Delta, B.C. for the acquisition of 30 new multi-role boats of the Canadian Department of National Defence (DND) Multi-Role Boat (MRB) Project.
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Zodiac Hurricane Technologies is one of the leading builders of RHIB boats in the world and their products are currently in use with Canada’s Navy and Coast Guard. (Picture source Zodiac Milpro)

Zodiac Hurricane Technologies is one of the leading builders of RHIB boats in the world and their products are currently in use with Canada’s Navy and Coast Guard. Now, the company is looking to provide a solution for Canadian DND’s (Department of National Defence) Multi-Role Boat project.

The Multi-Role Boat (MRB) System consists of a Rigid-Hulled Inflatable Boat (RHIB) and a Launch and Recovery System (LARS) which will be fitted to the Navy’s twelve Halifax Class frigates.

These new boats will replace the rigid hull inflatable boats currently used on the RCN’s (Royal Canadian Navy) fleet of Halifax-class frigates with a more modern and operationally flexible design. This contract will result in creating or sustaining an estimated 25 jobs in Canada.

Multi-role boats are small, fast, and maneuverable vessels used by RCN ships to conduct a wide range of tasks at sea, including, search and rescue, humanitarian aid, disaster relief, and marine interdiction operations in which Canada has become a world leader. These boats will also help with improved dive support, cargo, and personnel transfers, and can provide support to other Canadian Armed Forces elements. All 30 of the new boats are expected to be delivered to the RCN by spring 2024.

The new multi-role boats will be approximately nine meters in length with shock-mounted seating for 12 people, increased speed, dual-engine configuration, and electronic suite upgrades to its communications, navigation, and sensors.

Each Halifax-class frigate will be equipped with two multi-role boats to provide crews with increased operational flexibility while deployed. Out of the remaining six, four boats will be used for training, and two boats will be used as spares. The Halifax-class frigates will also be equipped with new cranes to ensure they can effectively launch and recover the multi-role boats. The Halifax-class is a class of multi-role patrol frigates that are in service with the Royal Canadian Navy since 1992.