North Vancouver, BC – March 7, 2025 – Seaspan Shipyards has secured a landmark contract to design and construct a Heavy Polar Icebreaker for the Canadian Coast Guard, marking a significant advancement in Canada’s maritime capabilities and its National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS). Announced earlier this month, this multi-billion-dollar project reinforces Seaspan’s position as a leader in Canadian shipbuilding and promises to deliver both strategic and economic benefits to the nation.
The new Heavy Polar Icebreaker will be one of the world’s most advanced vessels of its class, designed to operate in extreme Arctic conditions year-round. Capable of breaking through thick ice, the ship will support critical missions such as search and rescue, environmental protection, scientific research, and the enforcement of Canadian sovereignty in the North. This vessel will replace the aging CCGS Louis S. St-Laurent, ensuring the Canadian Coast Guard remains equipped to meet the growing demands of a rapidly changing Arctic region.
Official construction is planned to begin at Vancouver Shipyards in April 2025. A seven-year build period is planned with final delivery anticipated in 2031-2032.
“We are proud to have been selected to build this vital vessel for Canada,” said Mark Lamarre, CEO of Seaspan Shipyards, in the company’s official statement. “This contract reflects the trust placed in our team and our proven ability to deliver complex, high-quality ships that serve Canada’s interests.”
Construction will take place at Seaspan’s Vancouver Shipyards in North Vancouver, a facility renowned for its role in the NSS. The project is expected to sustain over 1,000 direct jobs at the shipyard and engage more than 800 Canadian companies across the country through Seaspan’s extensive supply chain. From steel fabrication to advanced technology integration, the icebreaker will be a truly “Made-in-Canada” achievement, showcasing the nation’s industrial expertise.
The economic impact of the contract extends far beyond British Columbia. With suppliers in every province contributing components and services, the project will bolster Canada’s shipbuilding ecosystem and drive long-term growth in skilled trades and manufacturing. This aligns with the NSS’s goal of revitalizing the country’s maritime industry while delivering world-class vessels for government use.
The Heavy Polar Icebreaker project builds on Seaspan’s ongoing success under the NSS, which includes the delivery of Offshore Fisheries Science Vessels and the construction of Joint Support Ships for the Royal Canadian Navy. The company’s experience with these complex builds has positioned it as a trusted partner for Canada’s most ambitious shipbuilding endeavors.
While specific timelines and costs were not detailed in the press release, industry experts anticipate that construction will span several years, reflecting the intricate design and engineering required for a vessel of this magnitude. The Canadian government’s investment in the icebreaker underscores its commitment to addressing climate change, enhancing Arctic security, and supporting Indigenous and northern communities who rely on Coast Guard services.
Environmental considerations are also front and center. The new icebreaker is expected to incorporate modern technologies to minimize its ecological footprint, aligning with Canada’s broader sustainability goals. As Arctic ice melts and shipping traffic increases, the vessel will play a crucial role in monitoring and protecting one of the world’s most fragile ecosystems.
For Seaspan, this contract is more than a business win—it’s a symbol of Canadian innovation and resilience. “Building this Heavy Polar Icebreaker is an opportunity to showcase what Canada can achieve when we work together,” Lamarre added. “From our skilled workforce to our nationwide partners, this is a project we can all take pride in.”