The CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk, the Canadian Coast Guard’s (CCG) new Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel (OOSV), began sea trials this week in North Vancouver. The ship departed from Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards, where it has been undergoing final outfitting, system installation, and commissioning since its launch in August 2024.
‘‘Congratulations to Vancouver Shipyards on reaching this important milestone,” The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries stated in a press release. “This sea trial marks an important chapter in the construction of our Offshore Oceanographic Science Vessel and underscores our dedication to ocean research and environmental protection. We look forward to officially welcoming the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk into our fleet’’.
Sea trials represent the final major phase of a shipbuilding project before the vessel is delivered. Over the coming weeks, specialists from Seaspan, the Canadian Coast Guard and key equipment suppliers will conduct full-scale exercises along the West Coast to assess the ship’s seaworthiness and performance of its core systems. These tests confirm that the vessel functions as intended and that all systems – including mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, scientific, communication, navigation, and fire and safety – are fully operational.
“The future Canadian Coast Guard Ship Naalak Nappaaluk will provide world-class capabilities for the Coast Guard’s scientific research and missions for decades to come,” The Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement stated in a press release. “Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, we are building modern and capable vessels for Canada’s fleet while generating economic benefits across the country.”
Once sea trials are complete, the CCGS Naalak Nappaaluk will be prepared for delivery to the Canadian Coast Guard by late summer. It will then sail to its home port at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
This milestone follows a series of recent achievements at Seaspan over the past six months, including the launch of HMCS Protecteur and the start of steel cutting for the CCG’s new heavy Polar Icebreaker.
