The build and scrapping costs of one Coast Guard ship are about $22M
The Short Life of CCGS Corporal McLaren
The CCGS Corporal McLaren M.M.V, a Canadian Coast Guard vessel, is set to be scrapped after a brief and troubled service life. Built at a cost of $21.6 million, the ship will be dismantled for just $412,000. This situation highlights the complexities and challenges involved in maintaining a fleet of marine security vessels. The Corporal McLaren’s story is one of ambition, misfortune, and ultimately, a costly end.
A Brief History of the Vessel
The CCGS Corporal McLaren was one of nine Hero-Class patrol vessels launched by the Canadian Coast Guard between 2012 and 2014. It was the sixth vessel in this fleet, designed to enhance maritime security and enforce federal fishing regulations. The original plan was to construct twelve ships, but budget constraints led to a reduction in the number. Irving Shipyards built the nine vessels in Halifax under a $194 million contract awarded in 2009.
Construction of the Corporal McLaren began in 2012, and it was launched in October 2013. The project was expected to create jobs and stimulate the local economy, with an estimated 155 jobs and $35 million injected into the Halifax community. However, the vessel faced numerous challenges from the start. Concerns about its design included issues with water flow between compartments and stability problems. These flaws would later contribute to its downfall.
Despite these issues, the Corporal McLaren served for five years before being taken out of service in May 2016 due to corrosion in its stern. The vessel was docked for repairs when it became the victim of vandalism, leading to its eventual demise.
The Vandalism Incident
In November 2018, the Corporal McLaren was docked at the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, when it was vandalized. Investigators revealed that someone had cut the iron cables securing the ship, causing it to slide down a ramp and into the icy Atlantic Ocean. The Halifax Police treated the incident as suspicious, suggesting that it was not the work of amateurs. Unfortunately, the mystery of the vandalism was never solved, and the perpetrators were never caught.
The damage caused by the incident was extensive, with the Coast Guard estimating $14 million in losses. Water flooded several compartments, damaging critical computer equipment and wiring. Initially, Ottawa allocated $11 million for repairs, but the situation worsened, leading to a decision to scrap the vessel instead. In June 2024, a tender was issued for its dismantling, and a contract for $412,000 was awarded to Marine Recycling Corporation.
The Corporal McLaren’s story serves as a cautionary tale about the vulnerabilities of public assets and the unforeseen challenges that can arise in maintaining them. Despite its ambitious design and purpose, the vessel’s life was cut short by a combination of design flaws and unfortunate circumstances.
In the end, the Corporal McLaren M.M.V stands as a reminder of the complexities involved in maritime security and the importance of safeguarding public assets.
