Work on icebreaker bound for Canadian Arctic begins at Davie shipyard in Finland

Construction has officially commenced on the Polar Max icebreaker, a significant step in Canada’s initiative to modernize its maritime fleet and assert its sovereignty in the Arctic. The steel-cutting ceremony took place in Helsinki, Finland, attended by key Canadian officials, including Federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly and Secretary of State for Defence Procurement Stephen Fuhr. The new vessel is expected to be delivered by 2030, with most of its construction taking place in Canada.

Details of the Polar Max Project

The Polar Max icebreaker is part of a broader strategy to enhance Canada’s Arctic capabilities. The project, valued at $3.25 billion, was awarded to Davie, a Quebec-based shipbuilding company, in March. The hull of the icebreaker will be fabricated in Finland, where Davie acquired a shipyard earlier this year. Following the hull’s completion, it will be transported to Quebec for assembly with the upper structure, which is being constructed at Davie’s facility in Lévis.

Davie CEO James Davies emphasized the importance of international collaboration, stating, “The Polar Max represents how trusted allies can collaborate to deliver strategically vital projects when they are needed most.” Once completed, the icebreaker will be handed over to the Canadian Coast Guard, which is transitioning from Fisheries and Oceans Canada to the Department of National Defence. This shift is part of a larger effort to enhance the Coast Guard’s operational capabilities, including surveillance and countering criminal activities in Arctic waters.

In addition to the Polar Max, another icebreaker contract was awarded to Seaspan in North Vancouver, with a delivery date set for 2032. Both vessels are designed to operate for extended periods at sea, facilitating year-round ocean science operations. Currently, Canada’s Coast Guard operates 18 icebreakers, with only two classified as heavy vessels, highlighting the need for modernization in this critical fleet.

Canada Places Order with Seaspan for Construction of Heavy Polar Icebreaker

Investment in Canadian Industry and International Partnerships

As part of the National Shipbuilding Strategy, the Canadian government is not only investing in new vessels but also in the domestic supply chain. Davie plans to invest $200 million in small and medium-sized Canadian businesses under the country’s industrial benefits policy. This investment aims to bolster local economies while enhancing Canada’s maritime capabilities.

The partnership with Finland extends beyond the Polar Max project. It is part of the Icebreaker Collaboration Effort, a trilateral agreement signed in November 2024 between Canada, Finland, and the U.S. to foster cooperation in building advanced Arctic vessels. This collaboration underscores Canada’s commitment to strengthening ties with European Union nations and NATO allies amid rising global security concerns.

Furthermore, Davie is exploring opportunities to bid on a U.S. government contract, which has allocated over $8.6 billion for expanding its coast guard’s icebreaker fleet. The company’s CEO, Alex Vicefield, noted that having shipbuilding capacity in the U.S. will be crucial for securing this contract, leading to plans for acquiring shipyards in Texas.

As the Polar Max project progresses, it symbolizes Canada’s dedication to enhancing its Arctic presence and capabilities while fostering international partnerships that support its strategic interests.