Alion wins role in $8B ship building award

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MCLEAN, Va., Oct. 24 (UPI) -- U.S. company Alion Science and Technology reports its selection to join a team contracted to construct non-combat-oriented vessels for Canada.

The construction program, under Canada's National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy, is worth $8 billion.

Working with team lead Seaspan Marine Corp., Alion will provide ship design and engineering through its wholly owned subsidiary, Alion Canada of Ottawa, Ontario.

"NSPS is intended to provide enhanced security for our Canadian neighbors, which will also benefit us here in the U.S. and throughout the Western Hemisphere," said Bahman Atefi, chairman and chief executive officer of Alion.

Under the contract, the team will design and construct vessels that address Canada's long-range plans for non-combatant vessels. These include the Joint Support Ship, the Polar Icebreaker, the Offshore Oceanographic Support Vessel and the Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels.

NSPS was devised as a long-term solution to develop Canada's maritime capabilities. The award is based on a 30-year road map for the development of new ship platforms.

A second award covers the design and production needs for Canada's military vessels.