In a major development for the Canadian maritime industry, Québec-based international shipbuilder Davie has secured a significant contract from the Government of Canada to construct a much-needed polar icebreaker. The initiative, set to commence in 2025, is expected to enhance vessel procurement standards through an efficient and highly productive contract framework.

Under this agreement, which carries a value of $3.25 billion, Davie will build and deliver the Polar Max, a heavy icebreaker designed to withstand the most extreme Arctic conditions. The vessel is slated for completion by 2030. To facilitate the project’s rapid progression, Davie will leverage the expertise of Helsinki Shipyard, an industry leader in icebreaker construction. The Finnish shipyard, which was acquired by Davie in 2023 with financial backing from the Québec government, has been responsible for producing over half of the world’s icebreakers.

“Today marks a significant milestone in our commitment to enhancing our nation’s maritime capabilities” said The Honourable Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant. “The contract awarded to Chantier Davie Canada Inc. for the build of a new polar icebreaker underscores our dedication to ensuring safe and efficient navigation in Arctic regions. 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.”

As the initial phases of construction unfold, modernization efforts at Davie’s Lévis Shipyard will continue, paving the way for an expanded workforce. This initiative will accelerate the hiring of skilled tradespeople and bolster the Canadian supply chain earlier than previously anticipated. Additionally, the company is introducing a workforce exchange program, which will provide Québec employees the opportunity to gain firsthand experience in icebreaker construction by collaborating with Finnish experts.

Davie President & CEO, James Davies, said: “Today’s announcement is truly transformative. Canada deserves immense credit for partnering with Davie on this groundbreaking procurement. Delivering such a special ship in a timely manner is in the best interests of all Canadians. It will accelerate economic benefits for Quebecers and strengthen the skills of our talented Lévis’ shipbuilders. In a volatile world, we can and must forge shipbuilding collaborations with trusted allies like Finland to secure shared interests. If not now, then when?”

“It is fitting that this announcement comes as Davie celebrates its 200th anniversary. The construction of the polar icebreaker will create opportunities for our employees and will place us firmly on track to create thousands of jobs far more quickly. Our Québec suppliers will be rapidly activated to help us deliver this needed ship in record time. There is a geopolitical imperative to act to protect our interests and we thank the Government of Canada and the Government of Québec for their vision and recognizing the time is now,” commented Alex Vicefield, Chairman and CEO of Inocea, the parent company of Davie Shipbuilding.

This contract marks a major milestone for the ICE Pact, an international shipbuilding partnership. The Polar Max will serve as the first flagship project under this trilateral collaboration, exemplifying how transatlantic cooperation can yield cutting-edge results in naval engineering.

Economic and Strategic Benefits for Canada

Beyond its shipbuilding significance, the deal is expected to generate substantial economic benefits for both Québec and the broader Canadian market. Davie plans to strengthen its network of suppliers by investing more than $200 million in local small- and medium-sized enterprises. This investment aims to scale up these businesses and position Québec as a leading hub for naval construction in the years ahead.

Building on the successful delivery of the NSC Asterix in 2018, Davie is once again committed to completing this project on schedule and within budget.

As a global frontrunner in Arctic shipbuilding, Davie continues to distinguish itself through innovation and a commitment to pushing industry boundaries. By working in close collaboration with the Canadian government, the company has developed a strategy to accelerate production while improving overall efficiency. This initiative is set to showcase Davie’s excellence in shipbuilding, reinforce the local maritime industry, and unlock new export opportunities on the international stage.