Seaspan Begins Construction of Canada’s First Heavy Polar Icebreaker in 60 Years

Seaspan Shipyards has commenced construction on the Canadian Coast Guard’s new heavy polar icebreaker, marking a significant milestone as the first heavy polar icebreaker to be built in Canada in over six decades. This vessel will be crucial in facilitating the Canadian Coast Guard’s operations along more than 162,000 kilometers of Arctic coastline. The Polar Class 2 icebreaker will support Canada’s Arctic sovereignty, high-Arctic science, indigenous communities, and emergency response capabilities.

With the ability to accommodate up to 100 personnel, this Polar Class 2 icebreaker will be one of the most advanced vessels of its kind globally. It will operate in challenging ice conditions farther north and for longer periods than any previous Canadian icebreaker. The construction of this vessel is part of Seaspan’s contribution to the National Shipbuilding Strategy, with the company having previously built several Polar Class vessels for the Canadian Coast Guard.

The new Polar Icebreaker, measuring 158 meters in length and 28 meters in width, will feature key design elements such as over 40MW of installed power, an ice-classed azimuthing propulsion system, scientific laboratories, a moon pool, helicopter flight deck, and more. Seaspan’s expertise in designing and constructing Polar Class vessels, including fisheries and oceanographic research vessels, has prepared them for this complex and critical project. This icebreaker will strengthen Canada’s presence in the Arctic and enhance its capabilities in various maritime operations.

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