Canada’s Combat Support Ship Asterix Departs After Scheduled Maintenance
CSS Asterix: Canada’s Maritime Champion
The Combat Support Ship (CSS) Asterix recently completed its scheduled maintenance at Davie Shipbuilding in Lévis, Canada. This marks the second time the ship returned for repairs since it began service in 2018. The maintenance period lasted from October 7 to November 25 and involved important tasks like cleaning and painting the hull and checking key systems. These repairs ensure the ship stays safe and ready for future missions. Since it first launched, CSS Asterix has played an essential role in supporting Canada’s navy and helping with missions around the world.
Supporting Canada’s Navy and Allies
Since 2018, CSS Asterix has been vital to Canada’s naval operations. The ship has traveled more than 250,000 nautical miles, helping Canada’s allies like the United States, the United Kingdom, and Japan. It has delivered nearly 100,000 cubic meters of fuel and performed 480 replenishment at sea (RAS) operations—critical missions where one ship supplies fuel and goods to another while at sea.
In August 2024, the Canadian government extended its contract with Federal Fleet Services, which manages CSS Asterix, for three more years. This extension shows how much trust Canada places in the ship’s abilities. During the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) in 2024, CSS Asterix achieved impressive results, performing 31 RAS operations and transferring large amounts of fuel. The ship even completed its 100th replenishment with another vessel, further proving its importance.
CSS Asterix also continues to improve. It has added new anti-drone systems to enhance defense and an onboard agricultural system, allowing the crew to grow fresh vegetables on long missions. These updates help the ship stay modern and ready for any challenge.
Built on Innovation
The story of CSS Asterix began in 2015 when Davie Shipbuilding started converting a modern container ship into a support vessel. This project, called the Resolve Project, aimed to replace older supply ships and meet Canada’s naval needs quickly and affordably. In less than two years, the ship was ready—delivered on time and within budget. By January 2018, CSS Asterix officially joined the fleet.
Federal Fleet Services has kept the ship running smoothly, enabling Canada to participate in important international missions. More than 900 Canadian companies contributed to the project, showing how much teamwork went into making CSS Asterix a success.
Because of its efficiency and advanced design, CSS Asterix has caught the attention of navies around the world. It proves that Canada can provide innovative and cost-effective solutions for national defense.
A Symbol of Canadian Excellence
CSS Asterix is more than just a ship—it is a symbol of Canada’s maritime innovation. Its success in missions and reliable performance make it a key part of Canada’s naval fleet. As it continues to support Canada and its allies, CSS Asterix stands as a proud example of what Canadian shipbuilding can achieve.
