The Canadian Coast Guard informed that three interim icebreakers that were recently bought, will be used for the next 15 to 20 years. The Coast guard revealed that during an interview with The Canadian Press, where it also said that it’s worried about the state of their aging fleet.
Canada bought the three used icebreakers for $610 million, in order to ease pressure on the coast guard’s icebreaking fleet. Currently, Canada’s coast guard vessels are on average more than 35 years old.
However, there are no plans to replace them, while the government’s shipbuilding plan provisions only one new heavy icebreaker, which will be ready the next decade.
Deputy commissioner Andy Smith, noted that the service is now in the middle of extending the life of its current fleet for an additional 20 years.
Deputy commissioner Mario Pelletier, confirmed this time frame, adding that it is vital to ensure that Canada has the ability to replace those ships when they stop operations,
This has caused criticism for Canada’s procurement system and shipbuilding plan.
