Seaspan Shipyards has secured a contract to construct a state-of-the-art heavy polar icebreaker for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). The vessel will be built at the company’s Vancouver Shipyards in North Vancouver, British Columbia, under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). With the contract finalized, Seaspan is now set to commence steel-cutting and proceed with full-scale production of this crucial addition to Canada’s fleet.
“Today’s contract signing is the next step in our journey of fulfilling the vision of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, which is to build ships for Canada, in Canada, by Canadians. The NSS is demonstrating that a made-in-Canada approach is not only possible, but also imperative to our security and sovereignty. We look forward to starting construction on this ship next month, and to building more Polar Class vessels for Canada and our Ice Pact partners,” expressed John McCarthy, CEO, Seaspan Shipyards.
“The contract awarded to Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards for the build of a new polar icebreaker is a significant step forward for Canada’s economic and natural resource sectors. This advanced vessel will not only ensure safe and efficient navigation in our polar regions but also support the sustainable development of our natural resources. By enhancing our icebreaking capabilities, we are opening new opportunities for economic growth, scientific research and environmental stewardship. This project exemplifies our commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to benefit our economy and protect our unique polar environments for future generations,” explained the Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and MP for North Vancouver.
The construction of this advanced icebreaker will generate significant economic and strategic benefits across Canada. More than 1,000 skilled workers from the local shipbuilding industry will contribute to the project, supported by a robust supply network that includes over 800 Canadian companies. This extensive collaboration underscores the country’s commitment to fostering innovation and strengthening its maritime sector.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our commitment to enhancing our nation’s maritime capabilities. The contract awarded to Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards 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,” said the Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant.
This milestone marks the first time in over six decades that a polar icebreaker will be built on Canadian soil. Designed with cutting-edge technology, the vessel will offer superior capabilities compared to the CCG’s existing heavy icebreakers. Upon completion, it will rank among the world’s most sophisticated icebreakers, capable of operating year-round in extreme Arctic conditions, withstanding temperatures as low as -50°C. It will also be one of only a few Polar Class 2 ships in service worldwide, reinforcing Canada’s presence in high-Arctic waters.
“The National Shipbuilding Strategy is providing the Canadian Coast Guard with its fleet of the future. The polar icebreaker to be built by Vancouver Shipyards will be able to operate in the Arctic year-round, further bolstering our ability to deliver crucial services to Northern communities and support Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic,” conveyed the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.
As the seventh vessel Seaspan is producing under the NSS, this polar icebreaker is part of a broader initiative that includes up to 21 icebreaking ships for the CCG. It also represents the fifth Polar Class ship in Seaspan’s portfolio, further solidifying the company’s expertise in building specialized Arctic vessels.
“Our partnership with Seaspan to construct a polar icebreaker underscores our government’s steadfast commitment to ensuring the Canadian Coast Guard can continue to protect Canada’s sovereignty and interests, while also revitalizing Canada’s shipbuilding industry, creating high-paying jobs and maximizing economic benefits across the country,” said the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry.
Seaspan completed the functional design for the icebreaker in 2024, leveraging the expertise of Canada’s largest marine design and engineering team. The company collaborated closely with domestic partners as well as Finnish firms renowned for their experience in Arctic vessel design.
With its unparalleled infrastructure and industry know-how, Seaspan remains the only shipyard in Canada capable of constructing polar icebreakers. Work on this new vessel is scheduled to begin in April 2025, marking a significant step forward in Canada’s maritime capabilities.
