Canada’s Polar Max Icebreaker Project Takes Off
Davie Shipbuilding in Quebec has reached a significant milestone with the rolling of Canadian-made steel for the Polar Max icebreaker at Algoma Steel’s facility in Sault Ste. Marie. This marks the initial step towards construction, which is set to commence in Lévis at Davie’s shipyard in the coming weeks. The project underscores a commitment to utilizing Canadian resources and fostering a robust national shipbuilding supply chain.
Strengthening Canada’s Shipbuilding Industry
The Polar Max, awarded to Davie by the Government of Canada in March 2025 under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), is poised to become the world’s most powerful conventional heavy icebreaker upon its delivery in 2030. This advanced vessel will significantly enhance the Canadian Coast Guard’s capabilities, enabling year-round operations in the Arctic. Its features will include increased icebreaking capacity, improved maritime emergency response, and support for Arctic scientific research, all while ensuring safe transportation of goods to northern communities.
This collaboration between Davie and Algoma Steel aligns with the Government of Canada’s Industrial and Technological Benefits Policy and the newly introduced Buy Canadian Policy. It represents a crucial step towards establishing a resilient Canadian supply chain, driven by local expertise and innovation. Terry Sheehan, Member of Parliament for Sault Ste. Marie, expressed pride in the partnership, stating that the use of locally produced steel in constructing the icebreaker is a testament to the strength of Canadian workers and industry.
James Davies, CEO of Davie, emphasized the importance of leveraging Canada’s robust manufacturing base for this project. He noted that incorporating Canadian steel into the shipbuilding process not only strengthens the shipbuilding ecosystem but also supports skilled jobs across Quebec and Ontario. The Hon. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Industry, highlighted that building a resilient industrial base is essential for Canada’s future, reinforcing both economic stability and national security.
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Commitment to Local Production
Algoma Steel’s CEO, Rajat Marwah, expressed pride in supplying Canadian-made steel for projects that are vital to the nation. He noted that this partnership not only supports skilled jobs in Ontario but also fortifies the industrial foundation necessary for Canada to build and maintain critical assets in the future. The collaboration between Davie and Algoma reflects a shared vision of enhancing Canada’s shipbuilding capabilities while ensuring that local resources are utilized effectively.
Founded in 1825, Davie Shipbuilding has established itself as a premier designer and builder of specialized ships, including icebreakers, ferries, and warships for both government and commercial clients. The recent agreement with the Government of Canada marks a historic commitment to constructing the largest and most technologically advanced ice-going vessels in the nation’s history. The initial $8.5 billion package includes seven heavy icebreakers and two large hybrid-powered ferries, setting the stage for a new era in Canadian shipbuilding.
