On March 26, 2024, Chantier Davie Canada Inc. (Davie) proudly unveiled that it had been awarded its first contract under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), by the Government of Canada. This contract entails the initial design phase for the upcoming Program Icebreakers, encompassing a vital six-vessel fleet crucial for Canada’s Arctic endeavors. This noteworthy accomplishment signals the inauguration of Davie’s NSS initiative aimed at reinforcing Canada’s Arctic fleet, with each aspect of the contract poised to propel forthcoming design, construction, delivery, and support stages for these pivotal ships.
“This first contract awarded to Chantier Davie under the National Shipbuilding Strategy brings us a step closer to providing the Canadian Coast Guard with the next generation Arctic ships. They will be among the most advanced, sustainable, and durable vessels tailored to the world’s harshest environments. The new fleet will be symbolic of Canada’s Arctic presence and crucial to keeping our country open for business year-round,” said The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Canada’s Minister of Public Services and Procurement (PSPC).
Davie President and CEO, James Davies, added: “This is a momentous first step in our journey to deliver a fleet of the largest and most advanced icebreakers ever built in and for Canada. My heartfelt thanks go to the dedicated teams at Davie, the Canadian Coast Guard and PSPC. They have spent countless hours preparing for this historic milestone. Now, we can’t wait to get working on renewing Canada’s Arctic fleet.”
Davie will inaugurate a dedicated project management and design office for the Program Icebreaker project, presenting lucrative opportunities for both existing and future generations of Canadian shipbuilders. The company is resolute in its commitment to assembling teams of highly proficient shipbuilding experts who will oversee all facets of crafting the world’s most extensive order of heavy icebreakers.
Furthermore, Davie will collaborate with essential subcontractors to ensure the vessel’s design and certification adhere to established safety, environmental, and performance benchmarks. Drawing upon Davie’s proven track record of delivering vessels of unparalleled quality and performance, this initial phase holds paramount importance in ensuring sustained operational readiness and capability to effectively fulfill the missions of the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG).
Julian Kenney, Program Director for the Program Icebreakers at Davie, concluded: “Embarking on the design and construction of Canada’s new icebreaker fleet is a great source of pride for everyone at Davie. We have a strong partnership with the Canadian Coast Guard and our top priority is to design and build the icebreakers Canada needs to keep our waterways open, protect our environment, and secure the Arctic.”