A Milestone for Canada’s Heavy Polar Icebreaker Project
Seaspan Shipyards has entered into a pivotal Master Service Agreement (MSA) with Tri-Metal Fabricators (TMF), a local manufacturer based in British Columbia. This agreement marks a significant step in advancing Canada’s new heavy polar icebreaker, with TMF slated to provide over 80,000 precision-fabricated components for the ship.
The first phase of the agreement includes an immediate order of more than 26,000 “build-to-print” parts, which will be fabricated over the next two years. These high-precision components will contribute to the outfitting and structural integrity of the polar icebreaker, which is set to become the most powerful vessel in the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) fleet.
“This MSA with Tri-Metal Fabricators is a strong example of how the National Shipbuilding Strategy is driving local investment, industrial growth, and long-term employment opportunities here in British Columbia. We’re proud to partner with a company that shares our commitment to supporting Canada’s defence industrial base with high Canadian Content and quality delivery,” explained Kate Morton, Vice President, Supply Chain Management, Seaspan Shipyards.
TMF’s involvement in this project underscores its commitment to the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), with the company pledging to deliver the work with 100% Canadian content. The local workforce will be instrumental in the production, utilizing domestic materials, and contributing to Canada’s growing marine and defence industrial base. To meet the demands of the MSA, TMF is expanding operations at its Surrey facility, hiring 25 additional unionized workers, thus strengthening the local economy and enhancing its capacity for future projects.
Valued at up to $9 million, the MSA with Seaspan includes an option for extension after two years, which is expected to further bolster BC’s marine supply chain. TMF is sourcing class-certified steel from Stigterstaal Canada, cementing collaboration between local suppliers and fostering synergies across the industrial ecosystem.
“The MSA represents not just a contract, but a milestone. It will help solidify the future of Tri-Metal Fabricators and enable us to invest in the next generation— ensuring continued innovation, reliability, and excellence in support of Canada’s shipbuilding efforts,” expressed Joe Toso, President, Tri-Metal Fabricators.
The heavy polar icebreaker project, which began full-rate construction in April 2025, will deliver a vessel capable of breaking 2.5 metres of ice continuously, a first for the Canadian Coast Guard. Designed for year-round operations in the Arctic, the icebreaker will support a range of activities, including search and rescue operations, scientific research, and the assertion of Canadian sovereignty in the region. This marks the seventh ship Seaspan is constructing under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, a cornerstone of Canada’s investment in its maritime capabilities.
With over $3.1 billion in contracts and more than 800 Canadian suppliers already engaged under the NSS, Seaspan is playing a central role in fostering a resilient and globally competitive domestic marine industry.
