Ottawa-based W.R. Davis Engineering Limited is the latest Canadian company to join Irving Shipbuilding’s supply chain and support the construction of the future Canadian Surface Combatants, now known as the River-class destroyers, being built for the Royal Canadian Navy.
Irving Shipbuilding awarded W.R. Davis a contract totalling over $30-million to design and implement the full engine intake and exhaust system, as well as the infrared suppression devices for the exhaust. This contract will support jobs in the Ottawa-region and will be carried out on the first three destroyers.
The engine intake and exhaust systems draw air into the ship's engines and exhaust the air back out of the engine and ship. Meanwhile, the infrared suppression devices will protect the ship by cooling the engine exhaust gas and the exposed hot metal, importantly decreasing the ship’s infrared signature and protecting it against heat-seeking anti-ship missiles, including reducing the range at which these missiles can lock onto the ship.
As part of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), Irving Shipbuilding is building 15 River-class destroyers. Construction on the production test module of the River-class began in June 2024, with these ships slated to replace the existing Halifax-class frigates as the backbone of Canada’s naval combat capability moving forward. This is the largest and most complex shipbuilding project in Canadian history.
“As a family-operated business, the W.R. Davis team is extremely proud to contribute to the River-class destroyer project and help provide the brave personnel of the Royal Canadian Navy with the most advanced capabilities to support their missions,” says Courtney Wagner, Vice President, W.R. Davis. “Davis has been providing this technology to navies around the world for over 35 years. Now, our Ottawa facility has the rare opportunity to support the important revitalization work of the Canadian fleet with our state-of-art technology.”
W.R. Davis Engineering Limited was established in 1975 in Ottawa by Rolly Davis and is now run by his son, Tom Davis. The company remains a family-controlled business, with three of Rolly's four children holding senior positions.Importantly, this contract will deliver new jobs to the local community and area workforce. To support the River-class destroyer work, Davis will be looking to hire experienced technicians as well as new welders, with little to no experience, to train them on the specialized welding and fitting that is required for this project.
“This Irving Shipbuilding project will provide steady work for our marine fabrication group for the next 20 years,” says Wagner. “It’s an exciting time to be part of Canada’s defence sector.”
Driven by the NSS, this latest supply chain announcement contributes to over $3.2 billion in total contracts and investments delivered to Ontario by the NSS. It is one more testament to the impact of the NSS and how it is delivering regional economic benefits and fostering Canadian innovation right across the country.
“It’s a pleasure to welcome W.R. Davis onto the River-class destroyer program,” says Lee Fromson, Vice President, Supply Chain and Quality, Irving Shipbuilding. “One of Irving Shipbuilding’s priority objectives is to add Canadian suppliers and content to the River-class program, consequently, the selection of a family-run Ottawa based business for such an important piece of work is great to see. We now look forward to working closely with W.R. Davis moving forward.”
Last month at Irving’s Halifax Shipyard, Minister of National Defence Bill Blair and Vice-Admiral Topshee announced that the new fleet of combat ships will be known as River-class destroyers, and the first three ships will be named His Majesty’s Canadian Ships (HMCS) Fraser, Saint-Laurent, and Mackenzie.
