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Construction of the Royal Canadian Navy’s future fleet at Halifax Shipyard in Halifax, Nova Scotia, is contributing directly to the addition of more than 35 high-tech and high-paying jobs at OSI Marine Systems (OSI) in Burnaby, British Columbia.

When Halifax Shipyard selected Lockheed Martin Canada to deliver an adapted version of its Combat Management System (CMS 330) for surveillance purposes on Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships (AOPS), it was a natural decision for Lockheed Martin Canada to select OSI Maritime Systems to provide the integrated navigation and bridge subsystems.

Headquartered in Burnaby, BC, OSI is the only Canadian company that produces these complicated systems that are important to a ship’s navigation. With offices spread across four continents, they are recognized as a global high-tech company.

With the first of six ships scheduled to launch in 2018, these ice-capable AOPS are designed for a variety of missions, including surveillance and sovereignty patrols.

“Our made-in-Canada solution is critical to the operation of AOPS, allowing safe navigation and enhanced situational awareness in the rugged environment of Canada’s far northern waters to its busy coastal regions,” said Ken Kirkpatrick, President and Chief Executive Officer, OSI Maritime Systems.   

Founded in 1979 with a small team of engineers and computer scientists, OSI quickly grew and gained a global reputation with the introduction of the first electronic mapping display system. This innovative computer technology revolutionized the visualization of maritime navigation. 

Over the years, OSI would have many firsts as its technological solution, known as the Electronic Chart Precise Integrated Navigation System (ECPINS), would evolve to meet the direction-finding demands of modern navies around the world. In addition to these guidance systems for warships, OSI also delivers integrated dive navigation systems for submarines, and command and control systems for small crafts.

From the United Kingdom to Indonesia, and the Netherlands to Malaysia, 20 navies around the world, totaling more than 600 warships and submarines, use OSI’s world-class systems.

The opportunity to supply AOPS is not only a testament to OSI’s record of success, it also marks the next stage in the company’s evolution as it looks toward future growth in Canada and internationally.

Under the terms of its contract with Lockheed Martin Canada, OSI will deliver six systems to the company which will be installed as part of the AOPS’ integrated management system. 

“All of the work for this important project is being completed in Canada at OSI’s recently expanded Burnaby facilities, and has directly created a number of new, highly-skilled engineering positions,” said Mr. Kirkpatrick.   

For Kirkpatrick, the AOPS project also gives the company the all-important domestic reference, which is extremely valuable when competing globally.

“This project will be leveraged to support our pursuit of numerous other international projects, which will ultimately create many more jobs for Canadians.”

There is great pride felt within OSI’s workforce with the knowledge that their solution will be a key part of a fleet of ships that will protect Canadian northern and coastal sovereignty for the next several decades.

OSI Maritime Systems is one of more than 200 companies across Canada working with Halifax Shipyard to construct the Royal Canadian Navy’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships.  As of January 1, 2018, Halifax Shipyard has over $1.9 billion in spending commitments with organizations from coast to coast to coast.