Finnish tech company Steerprop has been chosen to provide a comprehensive Polar Class 4 (PC 4) propulsion package for the Canadian Coast Guard’s multi-purpose vessels (MPVs).
The contract entails the supply of propulsion packages for the initial six MPVs, integral to Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). The vessels are being built by Seaspan Shipyards.
Specifically, Steerprop’s solution comprises two tunnel thrusters for auxiliary propulsion and two contra-rotating propulsors (CRP) for main propulsion.
According to the company, the CRP units not only serve propulsion needs but also facilitate efficient ice management, crucial for maintaining safe navigation channels and responding to emergencies in icy conditions.
Juho Rekola , Director of Sales and Project Management at Steerprop, stated, “Our commitment to delivering the best possible propulsion systems and engineering support for our customers is at the heart of everything we do at Steerprop. This project exemplifies our resolve to support our customer in enhancing vessel performance and environmental friendliness without compromising on stringent requirements for operational availability,”
He continued: “This contract not only guarantees significant growth and a stable workload for an extended period but also plays a vital role in shaping the future of Steerprop. Establishing a permanent presence in Canada, this project further strengthens our expansion efforts across North America.”
“Seaspan Shipyards is pleased to award this mission-critical propulsion system contract which will help enable the Canadian Coast Guard to safely and efficiently operate the MPVs across the wide range of environmental conditions encountered in Canadian waters.” said David Belton , Senior Program Director, Multi-Purpose Vessels at Seaspan Shipyards.