Seaspan proceeds with construction of CCG’s multi-purpose vessels

Seaspan Shipyards (Seaspan) has been awarded the construction engineering (CE) and long lead items (LLI) contracts for the pre-construction work of the Canadian Coast Guard’s (CCG) first six multi-purpose vessels (MPVs).

Following the successful completion of the vessel’s Basic Design review in late 2023, Seaspan was awarded the CE and LLI contracts to complete the design and engineering work and to procure long lead-time material and equipment to ensure readiness to proceed with the construction of the first six ships of the up to 16 vessel fleet.

The MPVs will be Polar-class 4 vessels, allowing them to carry out multiple missions including icebreaking in moderate ice conditions and assisting in shipping and flood control, search and rescue, and environmental response, as well as maintaining Canada’s marine navigation system composed of approximately 17,000 aids to navigation.

The new fleet of MPVs will replace the existing fleet of High Endurance Multi-Tasked Vessels and Medium Endurance Multi-Tasked Vessels.

With a displacement of 8,500 tonnes, the MPVs will be 99.9 meters long and 20.3 meters wide, and able to accommodate up to 50 personnel.

A $310.2-million construction engineering services contract has been awarded for work to complete the design of the first flight of six MPVs and ensure that the technical requirements provided by the CCG are met.

A second $180.4-million goods contract has been awarded for work to procure materials with long-lead manufacturing time and other items that will be required in advance of construction of the first 6 MPVs.

The two contracts have a combined value of $490.6 million.

“The designers and the ship builders of Seaspan Vancouver Shipyard – are playing key roles in taking the Canadian Coast Guard’s new multi-purpose vessels (MPVs) out of the drawing room and into the open ocean… This will secure good jobs while advancing the delivery of the MPVs to significantly expand the operational capacity of our Coast Guard for years to come,” Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy & Natural Resources and MP for North Vancouver, said.

“The Canadian Coast Guard saves lives at sea, maintains waterways open and safe for the movement of goods and services, protects the marine environment and supports Canadian sovereignty and security. The Multi-Purpose Vessels will be key assets for the Canadian Coast Guard’s future fleet, giving our personnel the modern, reliable tools they need to continue their vital work from coast to coast to coast,” said Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard.