Québec-based Davie Shipbuilding, a prominent player in the maritime industry, has announced a significant collaboration with UK defence technology firm Kraken Technology Group. This alliance is set to propel the development and production of advanced autonomous maritime systems within Canada. The agreement outlines plans for Davie to provide comprehensive support for the manufacturing, integration, and ongoing development of Kraken’s innovative uncrewed surface vessels (USVs) and associated autonomous technologies. All operations under this partnership will be conducted at Davie’s state-of-the-art Canadian facilities, effectively merging Kraken’s cutting-edge technology with Davie’s robust shipbuilding infrastructure.
The primary objective of this collaboration is to significantly scale the development of autonomous maritime systems. These platforms are envisioned as modular systems, designed to cater to a wide array of applications across both defence and civilian sectors. This strategic move directly supports government investment initiatives focused on enhancing autonomous and AI-enabled naval capabilities. Furthermore, it complements broader programs aimed at modernizing maritime fleets and bolstering domestic industrial capacity.
Philip Burns-O’Brien, Senior Vice-President Commercial Development, Davie Shipbuilding, said: “This collaboration represents a leap in our evolution as a next-generation maritime industrial leader.”
He further added: “The future of maritime security will see crewed and autonomous vessels operating seamlessly across vast distances in the world’s most contested environments. Kraken brings world-class autonomous vessel technologies. Davie brings scale, advanced shipbuilding infrastructure and a record of delivering mission-critical vessels on time and on budget.”
For Davie Shipbuilding, this partnership on autonomous maritime systems presents a valuable opportunity to expand its role in advanced naval manufacturing. The company will integrate new technologies directly into its production lines, enhancing its competitive edge. Davie operates extensive shipbuilding and repair facilities in Québec and is actively involved in numerous domestic and international maritime projects.
“This partnership with Davie is a significant opportunity for us to continue growing our footprint in North America,” said Mal Crease, CEO of Kraken Technology Group.
“Combining innovation with industrial capacity is paramount to the future of our security at sea and we look forward to delivering this with Davie,” he added.
The companies jointly acknowledged the increasing relevance of autonomous systems in maritime operations, alongside traditional crewed vessels. These systems are particularly valuable for functions such as surveillance, logistics, and defence support. This agreement further aligns with Canada’s comprehensive industrial strategy for shipbuilding and defence procurement, which actively encourages domestic production and fosters international partnerships.
