We are proud that our Master of CSS Asterix, Andrew Powell, was invited to lay a wreath on behalf of the Master Mariners of Canada this Remembrance Day at Point Pleasant Park’s Sailors’ Memorial, a meaningful honour that reflects the continuous bond between Canada’s Merchant Mariners and the Canadian Armed Forces.
We’re pleased to share that Federal Fleet Services is now on Instagram.
Follow us @FederalFleetServices for insights into our operations, our people, and the innovative work behind Canada’s at-sea support capability.
On Instagram, we’ll highlight the CSS Asterix, showcase our partnerships across the marine sector, and share stories that reflect our commitment to excellence in ship management, engineering, and fleet support.
Join us as we continue to tell the story of how collaboration and Canadian expertise keep the fleet mission-ready, at home and abroad.
FFS President, John Schmidt, participated in briefings of Parliamentarians and Senior Personnel on Parliament Hill on October 28th, as part of Navy and Coast Guard Appreciation Day 2025. The purpose of the briefings from Marine Industry Volunteers, was to inform key Government personnel about the great work done by the Navy League of Canada, the parent organization of our wonderful Sea Cadets, 20,000 strong across Canada. The dedicated work of the Navy League promotes marine careers amongst our young people, as well as supporting the work of our Navy and Coast Guard. The Asterix, as Canada’s only Combat Support Ship, plays a unique role in supporting the Navy in its Missions around the globe. Federal Fleet Services is proud to extend its support to the Navy League through participation in this worthy event.
At this year’s Imagine Marine Conference, our President, John Schmidt, briefed attendees on our proposal to increase the utilization of the Asterix by adding a training capability to help close the projected 43% reduction of Canada’s Maritime Personnel. As a hybrid program, this will provide sea-based, practical experience alongside structured academic training, all while aboard the Asterix, and all developed and in collaboration with the Canadian Marine Institutes. This pilot program would bridge the gap, with a scalable solution using a proven Canadian operational platform (Asterix) to train the next generation of our merchant mariners.
Federal Fleet was proud to join Imagine Marine and its partners at the 2025 Imagine Marine Conference in Ottawa. The event brought together over 160 stakeholders from across Canada to share ideas and explore innovative ways to strengthen our future marine workforce.
Our President and CEO, John Schmidt, presented Federal Fleet’s proposal to utilize the Asterix as a training vessel, offering up-and-coming Merchant Mariners the opportunity to gain hands-on experience aboard a fully operational ship. The program envisions up to 12 cadets and one training officer on board at a time, receiving mentorship from experienced crew members while completing institute-assigned training tasks and progressing toward Transport Canada and STCW certification. The FFS training proposal, if approved and funded by Canada, would increase the utility and utilization of Asterix, Canada’s unique combat support ship, as well as fast-track Cadets to achieving their TC accreditation, currently hampered by a lack of sea time. This innovative solution would give Canada a training ship capability and allow classrooms to be conducted onboard, followed by real-time watchkeeping opportunities for students, while Asterix is on deployment.
This initiative directly addresses a growing challenge within Canada’s maritime sector. By 2032, nearly 43% of the nation’s maritime workforce is expected to retire, posing a serious risk of skill shortages across both technical and operational domains. Federal Fleet is committed to bridging this gap through a scalable, hybrid training solution designed to strengthen industry capacity and ensure the sustainability of Canada’s maritime expertise.
At Federal Fleet, we believe that a rising tide lifts all boats, and we embody this philosophy every day, both in our operations and in our long-term vision for the maritime industry.
MODERN SLAVERY REPORT 2024
This Modern Slavery Report (the “Report”) addresses the period from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024 and has been prepared in compliance with the Fighting Against Forced Labour and Child Labour in Supply Chains Act (Canada) (the “Act”). This Joint Report is made on behalf of Federal Fleet Services Inc. and Asterix Inc. (“FFS & AST”).
View the Report in English Here
Voir le Rapport en Français ICI
Discover one of the most detailed and informative breakdowns of Replenishment At Sea (RAS) ever captured on video. This master class takes you aboard HMCS Winnipeg, a Halifax-class frigate of the Royal Canadian Navy, as it conducts a precise and high-stakes underway replenishment (UNREP) with the Combat Support Ship Asterix. From approach maneuvers to fuel line connection and safety procedures, this video explains every critical step of naval replenishment operations at sea — a key element of sustained maritime power projection. Whether you’re a military enthusiast, naval professional, or student of naval strategy, this comprehensive video gives you a rare, close-up look at the coordination, skill, and technology involved in refueling warships at sea.
CSS Asterix supporting multiple allied Navies in and around the Arctic Circle while in support of operation Formidable Shield. Great work by a skilled and dedicated crew of RCN and Federal Fleet Services sailors!
