Seaspan Shipyards Joins ICE Pact to Enhance Arctic and Polar Icebreaker Capabilities

Seaspan Shipyards welcomes the formation of the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort (ICE Pact), a trilateral partnership between Canada, Finland, and the United States. This initiative aims to advance collaboration in building state-of-the-art Arctic and polar icebreakers and enhancing other related capabilities.

Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy and Seaspan’s Role

As part of Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, Seaspan is responsible for designing, building, and delivering 21 icebreaker vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). To date, three icebreaker vessels have been delivered, with a fourth set for delivery early next year. The design phase of a heavy polar icebreaker, capable of year-round Arctic operations, is well underway, with construction slated to begin later this year. Additionally, the design of 16 medium icebreaker vessels is in progress, with plans for construction and delivery over the next 10-20 years. Seaspan, in collaboration with the CCG, is prepared to leverage Canada’s robust design and build capabilities to support the ambitious goals of the ICE Pact.

Strategic Relationships and Collaboration

Seaspan Shipyards CEO John McCarthy highlighted the strategic foresight of Canada and the Canadian Coast Guard in establishing a world-class icebreaker design and build capability. This expertise, developed through strategic partnerships with Finnish firms like Aker Arctic and Elomatic, positions Canada to contribute significantly to the ICE Pact. McCarthy expressed enthusiasm for continuing collaboration with ICE Pact allies to enhance Arctic naval capabilities and project sovereign authority over Arctic territories.

Seaspan’s Contribution to the ICE Pact

Seaspan is equipped to offer a range of icebreaker vessels for the ICE Pact, including a heavy polar icebreaker for the Canadian Coast Guard. This vessel, one of the most capable heavy icebreakers globally, will support year-round Arctic operations. It will feature two heavy-lift helicopters, a modern propulsion system, and new standards for ice, polar, and winterization. Designed to meet the Canadian Coast Guard’s needs for decades, this vessel epitomizes Seaspan’s commitment to excellence.

Conclusion

McCarthy concluded by emphasizing the significance of agreements like the ICE Pact, which combine expertise and construction capacity to expedite the delivery of superior icebreaking vessels to allied nations. Seaspan Shipyards is eager to collaborate with shipyards across Canada and internationally to address the growing challenges in the Arctic.