As part of its fleet renewal plan, the Canadian Coast Guard is acquiring a new Near-Shore Fishery Research Vessel (NSFRV). It will be the Canadian Coast Guard’s first-ever hybrid-electric vessel, designed to reduce carbon emissions and fossil fuel consumption.
In particular, the NSFRV is equipped with a diesel-electric hybrid propulsion system with a battery energy storage system, the first-of-its-kind in the Canadian Coast Guard’s fleet.
A number of the ship’s systems have been specifically designed to reduce fuel consumption. In addition, the hull has been improved not only for maximizing hull efficiency but also for enhancing seakeeping and operational performance, all while limiting the overall size of the vessel.
Overall, the NSFRV will emit less greenhouse gas than a traditional non-hybrid vessel, which is a step towards a more sustainable and flexible Canadian Coast Guard fleet. It is anticipated that the NSFRV will achieve significant reductions in particulates and hydrocarbons relative to a traditional diesel propulsion system.
As informed, the ultimate goal for the hybrid NSFRV will be to match similar vessels already in service that have reached a 25% reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel savings through the change in technology and a change in operating practices.
The new NSFRV will increase the Canadian Coast Guard’s capacity to support fishery science in the St. Lawrence River and Gulf. It is expected that the new NSFRV will be delivered to the Canadian Coast Guard in 2027.
