As evidence of their strong partnership on the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project (CPSP), PCL Construction and Hanwha Ocean signed a Teaming Agreement that will help unlock significant economic benefits for Canadians, supporting job creation, strengthening local supply chains and creating new opportunities for businesses and skilled workers across the country.
The Agreement, signed on April 7th, builds on a Memorandum of Understanding formalized last year and signals a shared commitment to developing critical submarine Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) infrastructure in Canada. This work, tied to the CPSP, will generate long-term employment and economic activity across the country.
At the heart of the collaboration is the opportunity to develop submarine MRO facilities on both the West and East Coasts, including at Esquimalt, British Columbia, and Halifax, Nova Scotia. These projects will require a highly skilled, Canadian-led workforce creating tens of thousands of jobs in design, construction, engineering, manufacturing, and specialized trades, while also supporting a wide network of small and medium-sized businesses.
Importantly, Hanwha Ocean’s accelerated submarine delivery schedule means that job creation, trade and investment in Canada starts right away, not several years from now.
Driving Jobs and Economic Growth Across Canada
Through this partnership, PCL will leverage its deep Canadian roots and extensive national supply chain to ensure meaningful participation from domestic industry. From local contractors and trades to consultants, suppliers, and service providers, the program is expected to create opportunities across the full project lifecycle.
“PCL Construction’s partnership with Hanwha Ocean represents a significant opportunity to deliver meaningful economic benefits for Canadians. From coast to coast to coast, this collaboration has the potential to create jobs, support local businesses, and strengthen the communities where we live and work,” said Mike Wieninger, COO, Canadian Operations, PCL Construction. “We are proud to bring our national network of trade partners, suppliers, and skilled professionals to a project that will drive long-term value for Canada.”
PCL’s experience delivering complex infrastructure projects for the Government of Canada, the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces – including, the Syncrolift Upgrade & Submarine Shed project, and the Land Based Test Facility (LBTF) both at CFB Halifax; the Strategic Tanker Main Operating Base (East) in Trenton, ON; and the Yellowknife Multi-Purpose Building for Joint Task Force (North) and the Canadian Rangers – positions the company to maximize economic benefits for Canadian communities that support both immediate construction jobs and long-term employment tied to facility operations and maintenance.
Hanwha Ocean brings global expertise in submarine design, construction, and sustainment, creating a powerful combination that pairs international technical capability with local execution. This partnership model is designed to ensure that Canadian workers and businesses are central to project delivery, helping to build capacity within Canada’s defense and industrial sectors.
In addition to job creation, the collaboration will help strengthen Canada’s domestic supply chains, foster innovation, and support skills development that will leave a lasting economic legacy in communities across the country.
Supporting Communities and Small Business Participation
A key focus of the partnership is ensuring that Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises benefit from new opportunities generated through the project. By working with a broad network of Canadian partners, the project is expected to create pathways for businesses of all sizes to participate, enhancing competitiveness and supporting long-term growth.
The collaboration also aligns with broader national priorities, including Buy Canadian Policy, to build resilient infrastructure, strengthen domestic capabilities and create sustainable, high-quality jobs for Canadians.
FAST FACTS
- Major National Investment: Canada has reserved a significant component of the estimated CPSP costs for new maintenance, operational and training infrastructure at both Pacific (CFB Esquimalt) and Atlantic (CFB Halifax) naval bases.
- Significant Job Creation: Spanning design, construction, supply chain, and long-term support.
- CFB Esquimalt: ~39,000 direct and indirect jobs
- CFB Halifax: ~39,000 direct and indirect jobs
- Canadian Supply Chain Impact: The program will engage hundreds of Canadian subcontractors and suppliers, including Indigenous businesses, supporting federal Buy Canadian provisions.
