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Kevin McCoy, president of Irving Shipbuilding Inc., addresses a business luncheon in Halifax on Wednesday, October 22, 2014.Andrew Vaughan/The Canadian Press

The president of Irving Shipbuilding says it remains confident the company will be building six Arctic patrol vessels for the federal government.

Kevin McCoy says the government has not changed its mind about the contract.

Earlier this week, industry and military sources told The Canadian Press the government has scaled back its original plan to buy between six and eight vessels.

The sources says Ottawa will opt to buy five of the ships with an option for a sixth.

McCoy says the company has received absolutely no change from his customer.

He says the company plans to build six light icebreakers, starting next September, with the final ship to be delivered in 2022.

The Arctic ships have had their capabilities repeatedly watered down on the drawing board to keep costs down.

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