According to a recent publication by Seaspan Shipyards, the company has reached a significant milestone in the Canadian Coast Guard’s Multi-Purpose Icebreakers (MPI) initiative. The North Vancouver-based shipbuilder has successfully completed the Functional Design Review Meeting for the first six vessels, paving the way for production drawings and subsequent construction phases.
The Canadian Coast Guard aims to construct up to 16 MPIs across three distinct series, each tailored for specific operational needs. All design efforts are being executed internally at Seaspan and are reportedly on track both in terms of timeline and budget.
“As North America’s premier icebreaker shipyard, we have assembled Canada’s largest marine design and engineering team,” stated John McCarthy, CEO of Seaspan Shipyards. “The MPI program is a vital component of our portfolio under the National Shipbuilding Strategy, and we look forward to building these ships that will provide long-term benefits for future generations.”
The icebreakers will be classified as Polar Class 4 vessels with enhanced capabilities designed for continuous operation in severe ice conditions. Their missions will encompass maritime search and rescue operations, environmental response initiatives, and support for Canada’s extensive network of approximately 17,000 navigation aids.
With a displacement exceeding 8,500 tonnes and dimensions measuring 99.9 meters in length by 20.3 meters in width, these vessels can accommodate up to 50 crew members while maintaining an ability to break through one meter of ice continuously. They are set to operate year-round along Canada’s eastern and western coasts as well as seasonal routes into Arctic regions.
“A robust Canada requires an equally strong Coast Guard,” remarked Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation and Public Works Procurement. “Through our National Shipbuilding Strategy, we are committed to developing a modern fleet capable of safeguarding our waters while responding effectively during emergencies.”
In addition to its domestic projects, Seaspan is also eyeing international markets with its MPI design. Recently announced was a strategic collaboration with Bollinger Shipyards among others aimed at competing for the U.S. Coast Guard’s Arctic Security Cutter (ASC) program—promising what they describe as “the lowest-risk solution” with rapid delivery timelines.
“The Seaspan-Aker MPI design stands out as construction-ready,” noted Ben Bordelon from Bollinger Shipyards. “We bring proven capabilities alongside unmatched capacity within the U.S.” This partnership claims that their vessel exceeds all ASC requirements set forth by U.S authorities—capable of breaking through four feet of ice while covering distances up to 12,000 nautical miles over extended missions lasting more than two months.
Furthermore, Seaspan is currently engaged in constructing another heavy polar-class icebreaker (Polar Class 2) slated for completion by April 2025; initial deliveries from the MPI program are anticipated around 2028.
A Deloitte economic analysis highlights that since its inception in 2012; Seaspan has contributed over $5.7 billion towards Canada’s GDP while supporting or creating more than 7,000 jobs annually.
