Seaspan to build made-in-Canada heavy polar icebreaker

Seaspan Shipyards has been awarded the construction contract to build one of the Canadian Coast Guard’s (CCG) new heavy polar icebreakers.

Mar 10, 2025 - 21:16

Seaspan to build made-in-Canada heavy polar icebreaker

The polar icebreaker will be built entirely in Canada at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards, located in North Vancouver, British Columbia.

With the contract now in place, Seaspan is ready to cut steel on this ship and begin full-rate construction on Canada’s newest vessel under the National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). Construction of this ship will support the work of a team of more than 1,000 local shipbuilders and a broad Canadian supply chain of over 800 Canadian companies contributing massive strategic value, innovation and economic benefits to Canada.

Building this complex and densely-outfitted multi-mission ship will mark the first time a polar icebreaker has been built in Canada in more than 60 years and will have more advanced capabilities than the CCG’s current heavy icebreakers. Once delivered, this made-in-Canada heavy polar icebreaker will be one of the most advanced and capable icebreakers in the entire world. It will be one of only a handful of Polar Class 2 ships in operation and will allow for the CCG to operate self-sufficiently year-round in the high-Arctic, down to temperatures at -50°C.

The new polar icebreaker will be the seventh vessel designed and built by Seaspan under the NSS. It will also be the fifth Polar Class vessel to be built for the CCG, and one of up to 21 icebreaking vessels overall that Seaspan is constructing.

Functional design of the polar icebreaker was completed in 2024 by Seaspan, prior to the start of construction. For this ship, Seaspan worked extensively to build out the largest marine design and engineering team in Canada, which includes Seaspan employees and Canadian partners, while simultaneously working alongside established Finnish companies who have extensive experience in designing Arctic-going vessels.

Seaspan is the only Canadian shipyard with the expertise, facilities, and domestic supply-chain to build polar icebreakers in Canada. Official start of construction for this new heavy polar icebreaker is scheduled for April 2025.

The Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources and MP for North Vancouver, said:

“This advanced vessel will not only ensure safe and efficient navigation in our polar regions but also support the sustainable development of our natural resources. By enhancing our icebreaking capabilities, we are opening new opportunities for economic growth, scientific research and environmental stewardship.”

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, said:

“The National Shipbuilding Strategy is providing the Canadian Coast Guard with its fleet of the future. The polar icebreaker to be built by Vancouver Shipyards will be able to operate in the Arctic year-round, further bolstering our ability to deliver crucial services to Northern communities and support Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic.”

QUICK FACTS

The polar icebreaker will be 158 metres long and 28 metres wide, with a design displacement of 26,036t.

Highlights of key design features, include: