Chantier Davie and Seaspan Victoria Shipyards have been awarded contracts for the maintenance of the first group of Canada's Halifax-class frigates. The contracts, worth $500 million each, were issued by the Canadian government, and will be followed by a similar contract with Irving Shipbuilding. The five-year contracts will see a minimum of three frigates worked on at each shipyard, with work planned to begin in the early 2020s. The contracts are expected to rise in value as additional work packages are added. The work will ensure the available and reliability of the vessels during their operational cycle and deployments. The Royal Canadian Navy has 12 Halifax class vessels which are due to retire from service in he early 2040s, when they will be replaced by the Canadian Surface Combatants. Related Equipment in Defence Insight Halifax Class