Article content

MV Asterix is now operating with HMCS Regina in Middle Eastern waters as part of a Canadian-led coalition task force.

The Asterix, a commercial ship converted by Davie shipyards in Quebec and leased to the federal government to perform a military supply role, has been going almost non-stop since it was launched. It has refueled both Canadian and allied warships.

We apologize, but this video has failed to load.

tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or The case for a second interim supply ship? New stats show how foreign navies continue to refuel Canadian warships Back to video

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said there is no need for a second such interim supply ship and the head of the Royal Canadian Navy, Vice Admiral Ron Lloyd, says he is happy with having the Asterix as the force’s only supply ship until 2023 when the first of two Joint Support Ships, to be built at Seaspan in Vancouver, is expected to be ready.

Davie, however, has offered to convert a second such ship, MV Obelix, to the same capabilities of Asterix and lease it to the government.

At one point the navy had three of its own supply ships supporting its vessels.