Defence Minister Peter MacKay announces the National Shipbuilding Procurement Strategy on June 3, 2010. (Photo: Corporal Jax Kennedy, Canadian Force Combat Camera)

HALIFAX — Irving Shipbuilding has awarded $28.2 million in contracts to Canadian-based suppliers as part of its efforts to modernize its shipyard in Halifax to build the next fleet of navy warships.

The contracts include work for concrete foundations, floor slabs and dockwall construction equipment.

The companys announcement is part of a $300-million program to renovate the shipyard so it can begin building the Arctic offshore patrol ships in 2015.

It says it has awarded $175 million in contracts so far.

In August, Irving Shipbuilding said it was on track to have the first Arctic offshore patrol vessel built in 2018, but questions remain over the number of ships that will be built.