In Gaspé, Québec, the hum of shipyard activity signals both an ending and a beginning for Canada’s marine fleet renewal. Chantier Naval Forillon has officially begun construction on the Canadian Coast Guard’s first-ever diesel-electric hybrid vessel — the Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessel — while also celebrating the completion of the CCGS Baie de Gaspé, the 10th and final ship in the Bay Class search and rescue lifeboat series.
These twin milestones mark another chapter in Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy — a program designed not just to modernize the fleets of the Canadian Coast Guard and Royal Canadian Navy, but to strengthen the marine industry and sustain thousands of Canadian jobs from coast to coast.
“Today marks two important milestones for the Canadian Coast Guard. We are proud to invest in Canadian shipyards and workers, which is, in turn, an investment in the fleet of the future. We will continue to deliver on our commitment to provide our personnel with state-of-the-art vessels and equipment,” expressed the Honourable David J. McGuinty, Minister of National Defence.
Charting a Greener Course
The Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessel represents a breakthrough in sustainable ship design for the Coast Guard. Built at Chantier Naval Forillon, the vessel will be the agency’s first diesel-electric hybrid — capable of running on a fuel blend that includes up to 20% biodiesel.
This hybrid configuration will dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions, setting a new environmental benchmark for federal fleet renewal. It’s a tangible step toward a cleaner, more energy-efficient future at sea — and a key example of how Canadian shipbuilders are integrating green technologies into vessels that serve both science and society.
“Today’s milestones in Gaspé show how our government is investing in Canadian shipbuilding, supporting local industry and creating good, skilled jobs for workers in communities across the country. We’re also building the next generation of ships that will drive innovation, support science and ensure Canada has a modern, sustainable and mission-ready fleet. These projects strengthen Canadian industry, support workers in Gaspé and beyond, and secure Canada’s future on the water,” stated the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement.
A Legacy of Lifesaving
While one vessel’s keel is laid, another’s story concludes. The completion of the CCGS Baie de Gaspé closes a defining era of the Bay Class program — a fleet of 20 high-performance lifeboats constructed by Chantier Naval Forillon and Hike Metal Products & Shipbuilding Ltd.
These vessels have transformed Canada’s coastal response capabilities. From rough Atlantic waters to the Pacific’s unpredictable weather, the Bay Class fleet has been built to endure — saving lives, supporting environmental response missions, and ensuring mariners’ safety in every region of the country.
“We thank our partners at Chantier Naval Forillon for their excellent work on the construction of the 10 Bay-class search and rescue lifeboats. As part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, this project is supporting many good-paying jobs and helping to grow Canada’s marine industry. We’re building on that success with today’s steel cutting for the next-generation research vessel that will strengthen the Coast Guard’s operational capabilities,” said the Honourable Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State (Defence Procurement).
Building the Future, One Vessel at a Time
The National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) continues to anchor Canada’s maritime capability and economic growth. Through the NSS, shipyards like Chantier Naval Forillon are not only constructing vessels but also contributing to a vibrant industrial base — one that creates middle-class jobs, advances innovation, and sustains Canada’s shipbuilding expertise for generations to come.
Together, the launch of the hybrid Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessel and the completion of the final Bay Class lifeboat underscore a single, unifying vision: a resilient, sustainable, and mission-ready Canadian Coast Guard — equipped to protect both people and the planet.
“What we are celebrating today is much more than the end of one contract or the beginning of another: it is a testament to our ability to deliver complex projects, to build strong partnerships, and to actively contribute to Canada’s maritime security and energy transition,” explained Jean-David Samuel, President and CEO of Chantier Naval Forillon.
