Seaspan Shipyards is moving forward with the design and engineering of the Canadian Coast Guard’s (CCG) new Multi-Purpose Icebreakers (MPIs). The company recently completed the Functional Design Review for the first flight of six MPIs and is now preparing to create production drawings for future construction. This program is part of a larger plan to build up to 16 icebreakers in three separate flights, with each flight tailored to different mission profiles.
Vessel Capabilities and Design
The MPIs are designed as highly capable Polar Class 4 icebreakers. They will have the ability to continuously break through heavy ice, enabling them to handle a wide range of missions. These include maritime search and rescue, environmental response, and maintaining Canada’s extensive network of marine navigation aids. The first six MPIs will replace the CCG’s current High and Medium Endurance Multi-Tasked Vessels. The in-house design work at Seaspan is reportedly on schedule and under budget.
The vessel’s design is mature and adaptable, making it a viable platform for other international clients, including the U.S. Coast Guard. Each MPI will be 99.9 meters long, 20.3 meters wide, and will displace over 8,500 tonnes. They are designed to accommodate up to 50 personnel and can continuously break through one meter of ice.
Operational Scope and Economic Impact
The new icebreakers will operate year-round on Canada’s eastern and western coastlines, as well as in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the St. Lawrence River, and the Great Lakes. They will also be used for seasonal summer operations in the western and lower Arctic.
The MPI program is a significant part of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), which has made Seaspan a major contributor to the country’s economy. According to a Deloitte analysis, Seaspan has contributed over $5.7 billion to Canada’s GDP since 2012 and has created or sustained over 7,000 jobs annually. The program is expected to support long-term shipbuilding opportunities for generations of Canadians.
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Source: Seaspan
