Seaspan Partners with Ideal Welders for Icebreaker Project
Seaspan has secured a significant contract with Ideal Welders to fabricate 30 blocks for the new Polar Icebreaker, a project aimed at enhancing Canada’s maritime capabilities. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in their long-standing partnership, which has seen Ideal Welders contribute to various components of Seaspan’s shipbuilding efforts. The initiative aligns with Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, emphasizing the importance of developing a robust domestic shipbuilding industry.
Strengthening Domestic Shipbuilding
The recent contract for block construction on the Polar Icebreaker underscores the evolving relationship between Seaspan and Ideal Welders. Over the years, Ideal Welders has played a crucial role in constructing components for several vessels, including the bulbous bows of the Joint Support Ships, HMCS Protecteur and HMCS Preserver. Initially focused on pipe spools, Ideal Welders has expanded its capabilities to include the building and outfitting of full blocks, showcasing its growth alongside Seaspan.
Kate Morton, Vice President of Supply Chain at Seaspan Shipyards, emphasized the significance of this announcement, stating, “This is more than just a contract. It is a continuation of our commitment to grow shipbuilding in British Columbia.” She highlighted the importance of leveraging local expertise to build icebreakers entirely within Canada, reinforcing the nation’s shipbuilding ecosystem. This approach not only supports local industries but also aligns with the core tenets of the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), which aims to establish a sustainable domestic shipbuilding capability.
The partnership between Seaspan and Ideal Welders is a testament to the NSS’s success on the West Coast, demonstrating that a sovereign shipbuilding capability is achievable and must be maintained. Robert Buchmann, President of Ideal Welders, expressed excitement about continuing their collaboration with Seaspan, stating, “We are pleased to have shown, through our work on other Coast Guard and Navy vessels, that we can be a trusted partner under the National Shipbuilding Strategy.” He also noted that the contract will support numerous skilled trades positions in Delta, contributing to the stability of the shipbuilding industry in British Columbia.
Polar Icebreaker Specifications and Impact
Seaspan began cutting steel for the new Polar Icebreaker in April 2025. This vessel will be the seventh designed and built by Seaspan under the NSS and the fifth Polar Class vessel for the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG). It is part of a broader initiative to construct up to 21 icebreaking vessels, highlighting Canada’s commitment to enhancing its Arctic capabilities.
Measuring approximately 158 meters in length and 28 meters in beam, the Polar Icebreaker will feature over 40 megawatts of installed power, specialized laboratories, a moon pool, and a helicopter deck with a hangar. Additionally, it will have the capacity for remotely piloted aircraft systems, making it one of the most capable Polar Class 2 icebreakers in the world. Once completed, this vessel will enable year-round operations in the Arctic, significantly bolstering Canada’s presence and operational capabilities in these critical regions.
