As part of its commitment to ensure safety in Canadian waters, the Government of Canada announced plans for acquisition and conversion of three medium commercial icebreakers. These ships will conduct critical icebreaking duties for the Southern wintertime program and are to be deployed as needed in support of Arctic summertime programs.
Canadian Coast Guard’s navigation in Arctic has been disrupted in recent months by the aging icebreaker fleet, while conducting repairs in a constant basis has proven not to be enough anymore, naval experts have said earlier in 2018.
As such, on behalf of the Canadian Coast Guard, Public Services and Procurement Canada has issued an Advanced Contract Award Notice (ACAN) to Chantier Davie of Lévis, Quebec, for the acquisition and conversion of three medium commercial icebreakers.
These ships would provide interim capability for the Canadian Coast Guard, while replacement vessels are being built under the National Shipbuilding Strategy. Icebreakers are essential to ensuring that Canadian ports remain open during Canada’s ice seasons, ensuring goods such as fresh produce and fuel are delivered safely.
The first ship will be put to immediate use for icebreaking during the upcoming 2018-2019 season.
Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Public Services and Procurement, said:
Our Government is committed to supporting the Coast Guard in carrying out its crucial work on behalf of all Canadians. We are one step closer to acquiring supplementary capacity that will support interim icebreaking capability in time for the upcoming icebreaking season.
Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture, stated:
The Canadian Coast Guard has unique requirements given Canada’s wide range of challenging ice conditions in both our southern waters and the Arctic. We are making sure they have the equipment and tools they need to keep Canadian waters safe and commercial routes open during Canada’s ice seasons.
