Federal Government Starts Construction On Its Polar Max Icebreaker

On August 20, a significant milestone was reached in Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS) with the official commencement of the Polar Max icebreaker construction. Stephen Fuhr, Secretary of State for Defence Procurement, and Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, were among the dignitaries present at the Helsinki Shipyard to celebrate this momentous occasion. The Polar Max is one of two new polar icebreakers being built for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), aimed at enhancing Arctic operations and ensuring the delivery of essential services to northern communities.

Collaboration and Construction Details

The Polar Max is being constructed by Chantier Davie Canada Inc. (CDCI), with the hull being built at the recently acquired Helsinki Shipyard. Once the hull is completed, it will be transported to CDCI’s shipyard in Lévis, Quebec, for final assembly and outfitting. This collaboration not only marks a step forward in Canada’s shipbuilding capabilities but also provides Canadian workers with the opportunity to learn from Finnish best practices in polar icebreaker construction. This hands-on experience is expected to be invaluable for future projects, enhancing the skills of the domestic workforce.

Canada Places Order with Seaspan for Construction of Heavy Polar Icebreaker

Expected to be delivered by 2030, the Polar Max will play a crucial role in various operations, including icebreaking, responding to maritime emergencies, conducting Arctic scientific research, and ensuring the delivery of goods and services to Canada’s remote northern communities. Stephen Fuhr emphasized the importance of this project, stating, “The National Shipbuilding Strategy is fostering collaboration to strengthen Canada’s Arctic security, equipping the Canadian Coast Guard with new icebreakers and developing a skilled domestic workforce.” The construction of the Polar Max not only advances the shipbuilding project but also aims to bolster the expertise and capabilities of Canadian workers, ensuring a robust future for the industry.