LR Validates CSS Asterix Quality of Service to Canada

In preparation for an extended deployment supporting the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and allied partners during multiple missions and exercises worldwide, Lloyd’s Register (LR) has completed the validation of Federal Fleet Services’ management systems aboard the Combat Support Ship (CSS) Asterix and at the company’s operations office in Ottawa.

As Canada’s only Combat Support Ship, Asterix plays a critical role in enabling upcoming Royal Canadian Navy (RCN) deployments. Independent third‑party inspection and certification to ISO 9001 (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management), and ISO 45001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management) standards provide assurance that Federal Fleet Services’ operation of Asterix delivers high‑quality services while meeting rigorous environmental and occupational health and safety requirements.

These certifications, together with Asterix’s record of never having missed a planned operational day in nearly ten years of service and of consistently operating within budget, demonstrate the value delivered to Canada through the continued operation of the vessel in support of the RCN.

While Canadian military vessels generally operate under internal operational frameworks, Asterix functions under a unique Provision of Services Agreement with Canada. As a commercial vessel, it meets Transport Canada requirements for tanker, special services, and cargo ships, and is subject to third‑party classification society validation, verification, and continuous survey.

John Schmidt, President of Federal Fleet Services, stated:

“These ISO certifications by Lloyd’s Register provide Canada with an additional level of assurance that services are being delivered in accordance with strict quality, environmental, occupational health and safety standards. Combined with our consistent delivery on all contractual obligations to the Royal Canadian Navy, they reflect our commitment to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement, and support the case for retaining this cost-effective service into the next decade.”


LR valide la qualité des services du NCS Asterix au Canada

En prévision d’un déploiement prolongé visant à appuyer les Forces armées canadiennes (FAC) et leurs partenaires alliés dans le cadre de multiples missions et exercices à l’échelle mondiale, Lloyd’s Register (LR) a mené la validation des systèmes de gestion de Federal Fleet Services à bord du Navire de soutien interarmées (NSI) Asterix ainsi qu’au bureau des opérations de l’entreprise à Ottawa.

À titre de seul navire de soutien interarmées du Canada, l’Asterix joue un rôle essentiel dans la réussite des prochains déploiements de la Marine royale canadienne (MRC). L’inspection et la certification indépendantes par un tiers selon les normes ISO 9001 (gestion de la qualité), ISO 14001 (gestion environnementale) et ISO 45001 (santé et sécurité au travail) fournissent une assurance que l’exploitation de l’Asterix par Federal Fleet Services offre des services de grande qualité tout en respectant des exigences rigoureuses en matière d’environnement et de santé et sécurité au travail.

Ces certifications, combinées au fait que l’Asterix n’a manqué aucune journée opérationnelle planifiée en près de dix années de service et qu’il a été exploité de façon constante dans les limites budgétaires, témoignent de la valeur offerte au Canada par le maintien de ce navire au service de la MRC.

Alors que les navires militaires canadiens fonctionnent généralement selon des cadres opérationnels internes, l’Asterix est exploité dans le cadre d’une entente unique de prestation de services avec le Canada. En tant que navire commercial, il respecte les exigences de Transports Canada applicables aux pétroliers, aux navires de services spéciaux et aux navires de charge, et fait l’objet d’une validation, d’une vérification et de relevés continus par une société de classification indépendante.

Le président de Federal Fleet Services, John Schmidt, a déclaré :

« Ces certifications ISO délivrées par Lloyd’s Register offrent au Canada un niveau d’assurance supplémentaire quant au fait que les services sont fournis conformément à des normes strictes en matière de qualité, d’environnement, de santé et de sécurité au travail. Jumelées au respect constant de toutes nos obligations contractuelles envers la Marine royale canadienne, elles démontrent notre engagement envers la transparence, la responsabilisation et l’amélioration continue, et appuient le maintien de ce service rentable au cours de la prochaine décennie. »

Remembrance Day, 2025: Lest we forget

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 now on Instagram!

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.

https://www.instagram.com/federalfleetservices

Federal Fleet Services Supports Navy and Coast Guard Appreciation Day on Parliament Hill

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.

John Schmidt, along with Industry colleagues; Glenn Walters (CIMarE) and Andrew Carryer (GD), briefing Renee Filiatrault, Senior Advisor to MND
John Schmidt, along with Industry colleagues; Glenn Walters (CIMarE) and Andrew Carryer (GD), briefing Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, MP for Quebec City
John Schmidt, along with Industry colleagues; Glenn Walters (CIMarE) and Andrew Carryer (GD), briefing Clifford Small, MP for Central Newfoundland
John Schmidt, along with Industry colleagues; Glenn Walters (CIMarE) and Andrew Carryer (GD), briefing Caroline Desrochers, MP for Trois-Rivières, Québec
John Schmidt, meeting with Navy League Leaders: Louise Mercier, Rear-Admiral Dan Charlebois, Rear-Admiral (Ret’d) Jennifer Bennett and CCG Commissioner Mario Pelletier

Help us build Canada’s future Marine Workforce

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 Services attends 2025 Imagine Marine Conference

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.

Supporting the RCN and USN

MODERN SLAVERY REPORT 2024

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

Navy Replenishment At Sea (RAS) Explained

Navy Replenishment At Sea (RAS) Explained

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.