Canada Places Order with Seaspan for Construction of Heavy Polar Icebreaker

On March 7, the Canadian government officially signed a contract for the construction of a new polar icebreaker at Seaspan Shipyard, a significant step in enhancing the capabilities of the Royal Canadian Navy and the Canadian Coast Guard. This contract, valued at C$3.15 billion (approximately US$2.2 billion), was first announced in 2021 and is part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy aimed at modernizing Canada’s maritime fleet. The new vessel will enable year-round operations in the high Arctic, even in extreme temperatures as low as -50°C.

Contract Details and Construction Timeline

The contract signing ceremony was led by Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, representing Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement. During the event, Wilkinson emphasized the importance of the new icebreaker for safe navigation in Arctic waters, stating, “This state-of-the-art vessel will not only strengthen our icebreaking fleet but will also support critical scientific research and environmental protection efforts, and ensure national security in the Arctic.”

Seaspan Shipyard is set to begin full-rate construction of the icebreaker in April 2025. This project marks a historic moment, as it will be the first polar icebreaker built in Canada in over 60 years. The new vessel will measure 158 meters (518 feet) in length and have a design displacement of 26,000 tons, equipped with more than 40 MW of power and an advanced ice-class azimuthing propulsion system. The design phase was completed in collaboration with experienced Finnish companies specializing in Arctic vessel design.

In addition to Seaspan’s project, another polar icebreaker is under construction at Chantier Davie Canada in Quebec, which received a contract worth C$16.47 million (US$11.5 million) in September 2024. This collaborative effort reflects Canada’s commitment to enhancing its Arctic capabilities and fostering international partnerships.

LR Grants Approval to Seaspan’s Innovative Ammonia-Powered Feeder Design

International Cooperation and Future Developments

In November 2024, Canada signed the ICE Pact Memorandum of Understanding with the United States and Finland, aimed at strengthening cooperation in shipbuilding and accelerating the production of new Arctic and polar vessels. This agreement highlights the shared commitment of these nations to meet the growing global demand for advanced maritime capabilities in polar regions.

Meanwhile, the United States is also advancing its polar icebreaker program, having approved the construction of its first heavy polar icebreaker, named Polar Sentinel, in December. This vessel is part of a larger order for three heavy polar icebreakers, with completion expected by 2029 after delays in the design phase.

As Canada moves forward with its polar icebreaker project, the collaboration with international partners and the investment in advanced maritime technology will play a crucial role in ensuring safe and efficient operations in the challenging Arctic environment.