One of the giant ships at the centre of Canada’s shipbuilding revival is taking shape
Canada is making significant investments in asserting its presence in the Arctic, from military endeavors to ensuring Arctic security and sovereignty. In a CTV News exclusive, we delve into the heart of the action at a Vancouver shipyard where Canada’s future polar Arctic icebreaker is slowly taking shape.
Rebuilding Canada’s Shipbuilding Industry
More than 15 years after the initiation of Ottawa’s National Shipbuilding Strategy, the efforts to revive Canada’s shipbuilding industry are materializing on the West Coast. Seaspan’s Vancouver shipyard is a hub of activity, with a focus on constructing a massive steel structure that will eventually transform into the Canadian Coast Guard’s largest-ever polar icebreaker, the 158-meter, 26,000-tonne Imnaryuaq.
Unveiling Canada’s Future Arctic Fleet Flagship
Years of meticulous design work and planning are now translating into reality as workers diligently assemble the cornerstone of the Canadian Coast Guard’s Arctic fleet. The Imnaryuaq, a vessel set to revolutionize Canada’s maritime capabilities, is a testament to the country’s commitment to Arctic operations.
Welder John Starle, proud to be part of this monumental project, exclaims, “It’s a first-in-class vessel. I’m really proud to be a part of this project.” The sheer magnitude of the project is reflected in the contract’s value, exceeding $4 billion.
Scheduled for deployment in the early 2030s, the Imnaryuaq will equip Canada with unprecedented abilities, enabling the coast guard to extend its operations further north, navigate through thicker ice, and uphold a stronger presence in the High Arctic. This groundbreaking endeavor marks a significant milestone in Canada’s maritime history.
Seaspan’s chief engineer for the polar icebreaker project, Jessica Fetterman, affirms the vessel’s capabilities, emphasizing its capacity to break through 2.5 meters of ice and 30 centimeters of compacted snow, ensuring uninterrupted travel for up to 1,800 kilometers at a speed of three knots.
The rejuvenation of Canada’s shipbuilding industry, spurred by decades of decline and aging fleets in the Royal Canadian Navy and Canadian Coast Guard, prompted the inception of the National Shipbuilding Strategy in 2010. With the delivery of the strategy’s first major vessel in 2020 and the ongoing construction of 11 large ships within Canada, the country is solidifying its maritime prowess.
Seaspan’s strategic decisions to build and design ships domestically have not only revitalized the shipbuilding industry but have also positioned Canada as a leader in maritime innovation. The company’s collaboration with a Finnish counterpart on the Imnaryuaq exemplifies international partnerships driving Canada’s maritime ambitions.
As Canada’s shipbuilding industry experiences a resurgence, the construction of the Imnaryuaq marks a significant milestone in the country’s maritime history, promising long-term employment opportunities and economic growth. With additional projects on the horizon, including the construction of the CCGS Arpatuuq by Chantier Davie Canada Inc., Canada’s Arctic sovereignty and maritime capabilities are poised for a transformative era.
