CBC says the Canadian navy is also examining other options to replace HMCS Protecteur and HMCS Preserver following a delay in the $2.3 billion Joint Support Ship Project, which was scheduled to deliver new support ships beginning 2012.
Canada wants to use the replacement vessels to refuel and deliver food and supplies to its warships as the country’s current $34.9 billion National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy will not have the first ship in place until 2019, the report said.
According to CBC, one option could see the U.S. Navy lease either the USNS Bridge or USNS Rainier to Canada.
Canada could also buy or lease, then convert civilian ships under another scenario, CBC reports.