Wärtsilä wins Canadian ice-breaker contract

Canadian government has awarded Wärtsilä Canada Inc. a $6.2 million contract for the design and supply of two new propulsion control systems to upgrade two Canadian Coast Guard (CCG) 1100 class vessels: CCGS Ann Harvey and the CCGS Sir William Alexander. 

The government said the upgraded propulsion control systems would enhance the navigators’ control over how the vessels move through the water and would significantly reduce the maintenance downtime of the vessels. This will allow them to spend more time at sea ensuring the safe passage of vessels in Canadian waters.

The contract includes options for the design and supply of propulsion control systems for an additional four Coast Guard 1100 class vessels: the CCGS Edward Cornwallis, the CCGS Martha L. Black, the CCGS George R. Pearkes and the CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier.

These vessels provide essential service to the CCG’s aids to navigation and icebreaking programs and serve Canadian waters from coast to coast. If exercised, this option could increase the total contract value to approximately $18.9 million.

Design work on the first two systems is scheduled to begin immediately and supply will be completed within the next two years.

This contract is part of an overall $360 million investment to extend the life of the Coast Guard fleet.

Hunter Tootoo, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard commented the contract award: “I am proud to announce this contract providing critical refit for Canadian Coast Guard vessels. These propulsion systems will ensure the Coast Guard has the equipment it needs to continue its vital role in icebreaking and aids to navigation across the country. They will ensure that Canadian Coast Guard vessels are equipped to continue their vital role ensuring the safe navigation of mariners transiting through our waters.”