Helsinki Shipyard Cuts Steel for Canada’s Next Polar Icebreaker

Chantier Davie’s Helsinki Shipyard has officially commenced construction on the Canadian Coast Guard’s upcoming polar icebreaker, the CCGS Imnaryuaq. This vessel marks the second of two heavy icebreakers ordered by the Canadian government as part of its National Shipbuilding Strategy. The project not only highlights Canada’s commitment to enhancing its maritime capabilities but also showcases international collaboration in shipbuilding.

Innovative Collaboration in Shipbuilding

The construction of heavy icebreakers presents unique challenges, necessitating robust designs with extra-thick hulls and specialized materials to withstand extreme ice conditions. While Finland is known for its expertise in icebreaker construction, Chantier Davie has strategically acquired the Helsinki Shipyard from its former Russian owners. This acquisition brings a skilled Finnish workforce and advanced shipbuilding tools to Canada, allowing for efficient hull construction in Finland while enabling final assembly and fitting-out at Davie’s facility in Quebec.

Stephen Fuhr, Canada’s Secretary of State for Defense Procurement, emphasized the significance of this international partnership. “With construction now underway on the Polar Max icebreaker, the project will progress while developing the skills and expertise of Canadian workers,” he stated. This collaboration not only enhances the capabilities of Canadian shipbuilders but also introduces them to best practices and advanced techniques that will benefit the industry for years to come.

The hull from Helsinki Shipyard is expected to be delivered by 2030. In contrast, Seaspan’s polar icebreaker, the other vessel under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, has faced delays due to competing government priorities. Initial design work for these icebreakers began in 2012, with Seaspan cutting its first steel earlier this year, aiming for a 2032 delivery—two years after Davie’s project.

Canada Places Order with Seaspan for Construction of Heavy Polar Icebreaker

Cost Considerations in Icebreaker Procurement

Canada’s heavy icebreaker procurement program is a significant financial undertaking. Recent estimates suggest that the U.S. Coast Guard’s heavy icebreaker program has a unit cost of approximately US$1.7 billion per hull, which is about 175% over the original contract price. In comparison, the costs for Canada’s icebreaker orders are substantially higher. Chantier Davie’s project is projected to cost US$2.3 billion for one ship, while Seaspan’s program is estimated at a combined US$3 billion. Overall, Canada’s parliamentary budget office anticipates that the total procurement cost for both vessels will exceed US$6 billion.

This ambitious investment underscores Canada’s commitment to bolstering its maritime capabilities and ensuring that its icebreakers are equipped to navigate the increasingly challenging Arctic environment.