Seaspan Vancouver Shipyards (Seaspan) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Stigterstaal Canada and Algoma Steel Inc.
The partnership is focused on supporting and expanding shipbuilding in Canada.
The memorandum establishes a framework for three companies to explore the potential for Algoma Steel to supply Class and non-Class steel to Seaspan, with Stigterstaal serving as the commercial and logistical subcontractor. All parties will collaborate to assess the technical, commercial, and logistical needs of Seaspan’s pioneering icebreaker project. This partnership also aims to enhance Canada’s industrial capabilities and promote the long-term resilience of the national shipbuilding industry.
“This signed Memorandum of Understanding paves the way for Seaspan, Stigterstaal and Algoma to build on our shared goals of mutual economic benefits to our nation,” Kate Morton, Vice President, Supply Chain Management, Seaspan stated in a press release. “Seaspan is committed to partnering with Algoma and Stigterstaal for future shipbuilding initiatives, ensuring that knowledge from other shipbuilding and icebreaking jurisdictions is developed in Canada.”
In April, Seaspan started construction of the Canadian Coast Guard’s (CCG) new heavy polar icebreaker—the first and only vessel of its kind to be entirely built in Canada. Upon completion, it will become the largest and most advanced ship in the CCG’s fleet. Designed for year-round Arctic operations, the icebreaker will support scientific research, conduct search and rescue missions, and reinforce Canada’s Arctic sovereignty. Engineered to break through 2.5 metres of ice without interruption, this vessel marks the seventh ship developed by Seaspan under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS).
“At Stigterstaal Canada, we are extremely proud to be part of rebuilding the Canadian shipbuilding industry alongside partners like Algoma,” Ronald de Groot, CEO, Stigterstaal Canada stated in a press release. “Over the past few years, a significant upgrade has taken place at the mill in Sault Ste. Marie, transforming it into one of the most modern heavy plate mills in the Western Hemisphere. Together with Seaspan, we are committed to maximizing the use of Canadian steel in their future projects. In close collaboration with Algoma, we are taking the necessary steps to make this a reality.”
The MoU supports Seaspan’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the use of Canadian-made materials in shipbuilding under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). It also promotes nationwide collaboration across Canada’s industrial base. Through the NSS, Seaspan is generating significant economic and regional benefits for the marine sector, with a supply chain encompassing more than 800 Canadian companies and contributing more than $3 billion in awarded contracts.
“Algoma Steel is proud to support Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy and serve as a strategic supplier to the country’s infrastructure and defense sectors,” Christopher Ford, Chief Commercial Officer, Algoma Steel, Inc. stated in a press release. “With the completion of our plate mill modernization and the ongoing transformation to Electric Arc Furnace steelmaking, we are well positioned to deliver high-quality, made-in-Canada steel for critical national projects. This collaboration underscores our commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers and advancing Canadian industry through reliable, domestically produced steel.”