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.

CSS Asterix in the Arctic for Formidable Shield

CSS Asterix in the Arctic for Formidable Shield

CSS Asterix enters the port of Tromso Norway

CSS Asterix enters the port of Tromso Norway

Another great accomplishment by CSS Asterix as she enters the port of Tromso Norway, inside the Arctic Circle and Norwegian Sea.

Special Service Medal Expedition CDR Article

Special Service Medal Expedition CDR Article

CDR Article Medal Ceremony

We are proud to share a recent CDR article featuring Halifax Correspondent Jay Heisler, who attended a ceremony aboard CSS Asterix. During the event, crew members were honored with service medals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to Operation PROJECTION and Operation SAVANNE.

View Article Here

Exclusive Go Inside the Combat Support Ship Asterix

Exclusive Go Inside the Combat Support Ship Asterix

A Historic Recognition for CSS Asterix