Engineering Canada’s Arctic Future
Canada’s most powerful and advanced icebreaker is moving closer to reality. Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards (Seaspan) has awarded a major engineering and design contract to Elomatic Consulting Inc. (Elomatic), marking a new phase in the construction of the Canadian Coast Guard’s (CCG) heavy Polar Icebreaker — a flagship project under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS).
For Elomatic, a global consulting and engineering company, this milestone represents both the continuation and deepening of a partnership that began in 2021. Having supported the vessel’s functional and production design phases, Elomatic’s new contract will see its engineers and naval architects provide build design support to ensure the Polar Icebreaker is fully optimized for construction in Vancouver and meets the CCG’s demanding Arctic mission requirements.
“Elomatic’s expertise in marine and offshore engineering, combined with their deep experience in heavy icebreaker vessel design, makes them an invaluable partner as we progress into the build phase of this landmark project. Together, we are delivering a vessel that will serve Canada’s Arctic communities, strengthen sovereignty, and advance scientific research for generations to come,” expressed Kate Morton, Vice President, Supply Chain Management, Seaspan Shipyards.
“We are proud to support Seaspan and the Canadian Coast Guard on this historic program. Entering the build contract marks the final phase, and we’re excited to see our long-term design work become reality. In the spirit of the ICE Pact, we’re contributing our expertise to strengthen Canada’s shipbuilding capabilities while growing our own Canadian team, led by local talent and supported by European specialists. We’re committed to delivering the Polar Icebreaker and to continue our collaboration with Seaspan, both in Canada and internationally,” reinforced Rami Hirsimäki, Senior Vice President, Marine, Elomatic.
A Vessel Built for Canada, by Canada
Measuring roughly 158 metres in length and 28 metres in beam, the Polar Icebreaker is a marvel of modern engineering and a testament to Canadian capability. Designed and built entirely in Canada under the NSS, the vessel will deliver more than 40 megawatts of installed power — enabling it to break through thick multi-year ice and sustain year-round operations in the Arctic.
It will house advanced laboratories, a helicopter deck and hangar, a moon pool for deploying instruments or submersibles, and facilities for operating remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS). Once complete, it will stand among the world’s most capable Polar Class 2 icebreakers — a critical asset for Arctic sovereignty, science, and search and rescue.
Strengthening Canada’s Industrial Base
Since joining the program, Elomatic has steadily expanded its Canadian footprint to meet the evolving needs of the project. Its Vancouver office has grown significantly, adding both local hires and international experts who have relocated for long-term assignments. This deliberate blend of global experience and domestic skill ensures that the build phase is supported by a team that embodies both excellence and continuity.
Elomatic’s commitment to achieving 100% Canadian Content Value (CCV) further demonstrates how the Polar Icebreaker program is strengthening Canada’s defence and marine industrial base. With nearly 40 employees now in Canada, the company continues to invest in post-secondary institutions and small- and medium-sized businesses, embedding knowledge transfer and innovation into every stage of the build.
Building the Future of Arctic Operations
The partnership between Seaspan and Elomatic represents more than a contract — it’s a signal of how Canada is mobilizing its national expertise to deliver complex, world-class ships. Together, they’re ensuring that the Polar Icebreaker will not only meet Canada’s Arctic needs but set a new global benchmark for ice-capable vessel design and construction.
As the project moves into the next stage, the collaboration between Seaspan, Elomatic, and Canada’s growing network of marine industry partners continues to define what’s possible when innovation, industrial strategy, and national purpose align.
