Seaspan moves closer to construction of Canadian Coast Guard’s icebreakers

Seaspan Shipyards (Seaspan) has begun the next step in the design and engineering phase of the Canadian Coast Guard’s (CCG) multi-purpose icebreakers (MPI) program. 

As disclosed, the company completed the Functional Design Review Meeting for the first flight of six MPIs. Now it is working towards the start of the production drawings in preparation for future construction.

The CCG intends to build up to 16 MPIs, broken down into three flights, with variations in each flight’s mission profile and overall make-up. Functional design for these vessels is being done in-house at Seaspan. 

With a displacement of more than 8,500 tonnes, the MPIs will be 99.9 metres long and 20.3 metres wide, and able to accommodate up to 50 personnel. They will be able to break 1 metre of ice continuously.

The vessels will be Polar-class 4 icebreakers, with advanced capabilities, such as continuous icebreaking in heavy ice conditions. According to Seaspan, this will allow them to carry out multiple missions, including maritime search and rescue, environmental response, and maintaining Canada’s marine navigation system of about 17,000 navigation aids.

The first flight of MPIs will replace the existing high-endurance multi-tasked vessels and medium-endurance multi-tasked vessels.

“As North America’s leading icebreaker shipyard, Seaspan has built the largest and most capable marine design and engineering team in Canada. The MPI program represents a significant part of our portfolio under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, and we are excited to begin building this long run of ships supporting long-term shipbuilding opportunities for generations of Canadians,” John McCarthy, CEO, Seaspan Shipyards, said.

“A strong Canada needs a strong Coast Guard. Through the National Shipbuilding Strategy, our government is building the modern, resilient fleet our country needs to protect its waters, respond to emergencies, and serve coastal communities. The progress on the Multi-Purpose Icebreakers project is a clear example of how we’re transforming government to deliver results—supporting good jobs, strengthening our maritime sovereignty, and ensuring Canada remains strong and ready for generations to come,” Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement, added.

“The Multi-Purpose Icebreakers will strengthen our capacity to deliver essential services — from icebreaking and search and rescue to environmental response and maintaining marine navigation. This is a milestone for the renewal of the Canadian Coast Guard fleet and I look forward to the start of construction,” Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries, noted.