Press Release
Hawboldt Secures Major Crane Contract with Thales, Strengthening Partnerships and Canadian Manufacturing
Nova Scotia, Canada – [October 6, 2026] – Hawboldt Industries, a leading provider of marine deck equipment for the commercial, defence, research, and offshore sectors, is proud to announce that it has been awarded a contract by Thales Canada under the Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ships and Joint Support Ships In-Service Support (AJISS) contract. The award covers the supply of multiple offshore cranes for the Royal Canadian Navy.
The contract represents a significant milestone for Hawboldt Industries and further strengthens the company’s growing role in defence, naval shipbuilding, and sustainment programs. Delivery of the cranes will support long-term fleet readiness and operational capability for the Royal Canadian Navy.
“We are proud to continue our long-standing support of the Royal Canadian Navy through this project. This is a partnership we value deeply and have built over many years,” said Drew Moores, General Sales Manager at Hawboldt Industries. “We remain committed to delivering dependable products that can be trusted when operating in critical situations.”
A key element of the project is Hawboldt’s strategic partnership with Oriental Precision & Engineering Co. Ltd., a leading South Korean crane manufacturer. Through this collaboration, cranes built in Canada will be installed on Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessels 1 to 3, using the same design as those on vessels 4 to 6 to ensure fleet commonality. The project combines international expertise with advanced Canadian manufacturing capabilities to deliver high-quality, cost-effective systems while supporting Canadian industry.
“This contract award reflects Thales’ commitment to supporting Canada’s naval capabilities while working closely with trusted Canadian industry partners,” said Ian Krepps, CEO of Thales Canada. “Through AJISS, our focus is on delivering long-term support for the Royal Canadian Navy while building a resilient Canadian defence supply chain. By combining proven expertise with strong Canadian manufacturing and skilled jobs across the country, this work aligns with Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy and helps support fleet readiness, operational reliability, and excellence for decades to come.”
With this award, Hawboldt continues to expand its footprint in the defence sector, delivering innovative solutions that support naval operations while strengthening Canadian manufacturing and growing international partnerships. The project also ensures long-term, local in-service support for the Royal Canadian Navy, delivered by the country’s leading marine crane experts.
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