- Seaspan Shipyards awarded contract to build a heavy polar icebreaker for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG).
- First polar icebreaker to be built in Canada in over 60 years.
- Construction to begin in April 2025 at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards.
- Over 1,000 shipbuilders and 800 Canadian suppliers to be involved.
- The vessel will be one of the most advanced icebreakers globally, capable of year-round Arctic operations.
Seaspan Shipyards has officially secured the contract to construct one of the Canadian Coast Guard’s new heavy polar icebreakers. This major development under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) will see the vessel built entirely in Canada at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards in North Vancouver, British Columbia. With this contract in place, the shipyard is set to begin full-scale construction in April 2025, reinforcing Canada’s commitment to strengthening its maritime capabilities.
Supporting Jobs and Economic Growth
The project will provide significant economic benefits, engaging more than 1,000 local shipbuilders and over 800 Canadian companies. This extensive supply chain will contribute cutting-edge technology and innovation, positioning Canada as a leader in icebreaker construction. The new ship will be one of the most advanced of its kind, featuring enhanced capabilities beyond those of the CCG’s existing heavy icebreakers.
State-of-the-Art Arctic Operations
The icebreaker will be among a select few vessels globally to meet the rigorous Polar Class 2 (PC2) standard. Designed for extreme conditions, it will enable the CCG to operate independently in the Arctic year-round, enduring temperatures as low as -50°C. Its advanced features will support scientific research, environmental protection, and national security efforts in Canada’s northern waters.
Seaspan’s Growing Role in Shipbuilding
This vessel will be the seventh built by Seaspan under the NSS and the fifth Polar Class ship for the CCG. As part of its preparation for this complex project, Seaspan completed the functional design in 2024, working alongside Canadian experts and Finnish specialists with extensive Arctic vessel experience. The company remains the only Canadian shipyard equipped with the expertise, infrastructure, and supply network to construct polar icebreakers domestically.
Key Design Features
The icebreaker will measure 158 meters in length and 28 meters in width, with a displacement of 26,036 tonnes. Notable features include:
- IACS Polar Class 2 (PC2) heavy icebreaker classification.
- Over 40MW of installed power.
- Ice-classed azimuthing propulsion system.
- Advanced multi-mission capabilities.
- Dedicated scientific laboratories and a moon pool for deploying equipment.
- Helicopter flight deck and hangar.
- Vehicle garage and future-ready Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) capability.
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Source: Seaspan
