Canadian Coast Guard’s new polar icebreaker program progresses as first steel arrives

February 9, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Algoma Steel has shipped the first plates of Ontario-produced steel to Davie Shipyard in Quebec, where they will be used in the construction of the Canadian Coast Guard’s new icebreaking vessel, Polar Max, marking an important milestone in the program’s progress.

Ontario is the steelmaking hub of Canada, with more than 70 per cent of the country’s steel capacity located in the province. The sector also supports more than 16,000 direct jobs and 55,000 indirect jobs and is a cornerstone of Ontario’s manufacturing supply chain. As part of its plan to protect Ontario, the government is responding to unjustified U.S. tariffs with targeted strategies and investments to enhance steel manufacturing capacity, according to the officials.

George Pirie, Minister of Northern Economic Development and Growth, joined representatives from Algoma Steel and Davie to celebrate the shipment.

A total of 600 net tons of metal plates will be sent by Algoma Steel to Davie for the Polar Max project.

“Not only is our government’s support of Algoma Steel safeguarding the northern economy, but it is also putting a spotlight on Ontario’s steel manufacturing capabilities and contributing to Canada’s defence infrastructure,” Pirie stated.

“We’re enabling Algoma Steel to successfully navigate changing market conditions and U.S tariff impacts, while simultaneously playing an important role in Canada’s security. We’ll continue making every effort to use and promote Ontario steel wherever possible.”

“Algoma Steel is proud to supply Canadian-made steel for programs that matter to Canadians,” said Rajat Marwah, Chief Executive Officer, Algoma Steel Inc.

“This partnership supports skilled jobs in Ontario and strengthens the industrial foundation Ontario and Canada needs to build and maintain critical assets for the future.”

“Davie is proud to deliver the world’s most advanced icebreaker by ensuring we are maximizing the involvement of the strong Canadian manufacturing base behind it,” commented James Davies, Chief Executive Officer, Davie.

“Working with Algoma puts Canadian steel at the heart of Davie’s shipbuilding capability, strengthening the shipbuilding ecosystem and supporting skilled jobs in Quebec and Ontario.”

The Polar Max project, awarded to Chantier Davie Canada in March 2025 under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), is a major effort to renew and strengthen the Canadian Coast Guard’s capabilities in Arctic waters. The contract, valued at approximately CAD$3.25 billion, tasks Davie with building one of two new polar-class heavy icebreakers for the Canadian Coast Guard, with delivery expected by 2030.