Work is set to begin on Seaspan’s newest Canadian Coast Guard ship being built in North Vancouver under the national shipbuilding strategy.
The company held an event Friday to mark the signing of construction contracts with the federal government for a $3.15-billion (before tax), 158-metre polar icebreaker, designed to traverse the Arctic in -50 C temperatures.
Design on the megaproject wrapped in 2024, and workers at the Pemberton Avenue shipyard will begin cutting steel next month.
The vessel will feature science labs, a helipad and hangar, drone launch and storage capabilities, and a moon pool, which allows crews to deploy equipment through the bottom of the ship’s hull. The federal government says the ship, will allow the Coast Guard to do its work at higher latitudes for longer periods, supporting Indigenous Peoples in the North, strengthening Arctic security, advancing science, and providing a better response to maritime emergencies.
“This state-of-the-art vessel will not only strengthen our icebreaking fleet, but will also support critical scientific research and environmental protection efforts, and ensure national security in the Arctic. We are proud to take this step forward in strengthening our maritime infrastructure for safeguarding Canada’s sovereignty in the Arctic,” said Jean-Yves Duclos, minister of public services and procurement, in a release.
As Canada gets dragged into a trade war by U.S. President Donald Trump, the announcement focused heavily on the “made in Canada” nature of the project.
“Today’s contract signing is the next step in our journey of fulfilling the vision of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, which is to build ships for Canada, in Canada, by Canadians,” said Seapsan CEO John McCarthy in a release. “The NSS is demonstrating that a made-in-Canada approach is not only possible, but also imperative to our security and sovereignty.”
Seapsan said construction of the ship will require more than 1,000 local shipbuilders and 800 Canadian companies in the supply chain.
In a release, North Vancouver MP and Energy and Natural Resources Minister Jonathan Wilkinson underscored the economic advantages that would flow from construction of the icebreaker.
“This advanced vessel will not only ensure safe and efficient navigation in our polar regions but also support the sustainable development of our natural resources. By enhancing our icebreaking capabilities, we are opening new opportunities for economic growth, scientific research and environmental stewardship. This project exemplifies our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to benefit our economy and protect our unique polar environments for future generations,” he said.
When it launches, it will be the seventh ship designed and built by Seaspan for the Canadian government. In December, Seaspan launched the joint supply ship HCMCS Protecteur, the longest naval ship ever built in Canada. The icebreaker will be almost as big as the joint support ships, but 5,000 tonnes heavier, with up to 60-millimetre steel.
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