After a modernisation process interrupted by a fire, the submarine is in the final stages of its return to active duty.
This is the final stage of a long and arduous journey for the submarine.
Complications started as soon as 2014, when the sub ran aground 45 meters below the surface on the Nootka Sound. This accident saw the boat suffer considerable damage and was subsequently sent for refit and repairs.
Using this opportunity, it was decided that the ship would start its Extended docking Work Period (EDWP) for modernisation work. This follows the contract signed in 2008 with Babcock Canada to ensure the maintenance and upgrade of the submarine fleet.
However, issues carried on for the boat. In 2019, nearing the end of her modernisation, a fire broke out and while it was rapidly extinguished, it delayed the completion of her docking period.
Bad luck struck once again, in March 2020, when during a pressure test of the ballast tanks, an accident led to a rupture. With the damage caused, a full repair was deemed too expensive. Refit work was made to allow the sub to re-enter service mid-2021.
In the end, the Royal Canadian Navy announced on June 13th that the boat would leave for a floating dock for the final stages of its re-entry in active duty since its first accident in 2014.
These extensive upgrades brought the submarine to new heights in terms of modern sophistication. This is most notably the case for its sonar. The old Type 2040 sonar was replaced by the BQQ-10 system. This is a game changer for the Royal Canadian Navy, currently upgrading its submarine forces to this new standard, HMCS Corner Brook being the third of the Victoria class to be equipped with it.
With new enhanced systems, HMCS Corner Brook will finally return to active duty, more capable than ever since its first accident in 2014.
