Ontario Shipyards partners with Algoma Steel to build RCN ships with Canadian-made steel

Ontario Shipyards announced that Algoma Steel Inc. has signed a letter of intent to join the Team Vigilance preferred supplier program as the exclusive steel provider of steel plate. This strategic collaboration with Algoma Steel marks the first time that Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) ships will be constructed using primarily made-in-Canada steel.

Vigilance is a naval solution designed to meet the requirements of Canada’s Continental Defence Corvette program. In collaboration with key partners VARD Marine, Thales Canada, SH Defence, and Fincantieri, Vigilance will aim to provide the RCN with an operationally flexible military asset to meet future naval challenges.

“Algoma’s participation represents a powerful example of Ontario’s industrial sector rallying to support the National Shipbuilding Strategy,” said Shaun Padulo, President and CEO, Ontario Shipyards. “Ontario Shipyards will harness the full strength of this sector, including industry leaders like Algoma Steel, to build ships for Canada efficiently and competitively. I am committed to using steel produced by Algoma beyond the Vigilance initiative.”

Algoma Steel, headquartered in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, is a steel plate producer and employs over 2,700 people. With the recent announcement that the American Bureau of Shipping will accept CSA standard steel in the shipbuilding process, and the Government of Canada’s initiative to prioritize Canadian-made steel in federal procurements, Algoma Steel is positioned to be the primary steel supplier of Canadian-made steel for future vessel construction projects under the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

“The Ontario steel industry employs thousands of hard-working men and women whose jobs are at risk in the face of US tariffs,” said Michael Garcia, CEO, Algoma Steel. “In light of the present headwinds, we urge the Canadian government to commit to a major shipbuilding program in Ontario that prioritizes made-in-Canada solutions and made-in-Canada suppliers.”

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